What is a Windows 10 Repair Install?
A Windows 10 repair install, also known as an in-place upgrade, is a process that allows you to reinstall Windows 10 over your existing installation without losing your personal files, settings, or installed applications. This method can be incredibly useful for fixing various Windows issues, including system file corruption, driver problems, and performance degradation.
When Should You Consider a Repair Install?
Consider performing a repair install if you’re experiencing:
• Frequent blue screen of death (BSOD) errors
• Slow system performance
• Unexplained crashes or freezes
• Windows features not working correctly
• Persistent error messages
Preparing for the Repair Install
Before starting the repair install process, take these precautions:
Back up your important data to an external drive or cloud storage
Ensure you have at least 16GB (32-bit) or 20GB (64-bit) of free space on your system drive
Disable or uninstall third-party antivirus software temporarily
Connect your device to a power source if it’s a laptop
Step-by-Step Guide to Performing a Windows 10 Repair Install
Follow these steps to perform a repair install:
Download the Windows 10 Media Creation Tool from Microsoft’s official website
Run the tool and select “Create installation media for another PC”
Choose your language, edition, and architecture preferences
Select “ISO file” as the media type and save it to your computer
Once downloaded, right-click the ISO file and choose “Mount”
Open the mounted drive and run the setup.exe file
When prompted, choose “Change how Windows Setup downloads updates” and select “Not right now”
Accept the license terms and click “Next”
On the “Ready to install” screen, ensure “Keep personal files and apps” is selected
Click “Install” and wait for the process to complete
Post-Repair Install Steps
After the repair install finishes:
Check for Windows updates and install any available
Reinstall your antivirus software if you uninstalled it earlier
Verify that all your applications are working correctly
Run a full system scan to ensure everything is in order