Dealing with a corrupted or malfunctioning Windows 10 installation can be a frustrating experience, especially when you’re worried about losing important files and data. However, there are several methods available to repair your Windows 10 system without sacrificing your personal files. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to repair Windows 10 using the built-in “Reset this PC” option, the Advanced Startup menu, and installation media, while ensuring your files remain safe and secure.
Method 1: Using the “Reset this PC” Option
The “Reset this PC” option is a convenient way to repair your Windows 10 system without losing your personal files. Here’s how to do it:
Right-click on the Windows start button on the bottom left-hand corner of the screen to open the settings menu.
Click “Settings.”
Click on “Update & Security.”
In the left pane, select “Recovery.”
Under “Reset this PC,” click “Get started.”
Choose “Keep my files” to preserve your personal data while removing apps and settings.
Select “Next” and then “Reset” to begin the repair process.
This method will reinstall Windows 10 while keeping your personal files intact, but any installed applications and customized settings will be removed.
Method 2: Using the Advanced Startup Menu
If you’re unable to access the “Reset this PC” option or your computer is stuck in a boot loop, you can use the Advanced Startup menu to repair Windows 10 without losing data:
Click on the Start button in the bottom left-hand corner of the screen.
Click “Settings” on the left pane in the Start menu.
Click “Update & Security,” then click “Recovery”.
Select “Restart now” under the “Advanced startup” section in the right pane. Your computer will restart into the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) mode.
Click “Troubleshoot” once you enter WinRE mode.
Click “Reset this PC” in the following screen, leading you to the reset system window.
Select “Keep my files” and click “Next” then “Reset”.
Click “Continue” when a popup appears and prompts you to continue reinstalling the Windows 10 operating system.
Similar to Method 1, this process will preserve your personal files while removing installed applications and customized settings.
Method 3: Using Installation Media
If the above methods don’t work or you want more control over the repair process, you can use installation media to reinstall Windows 10 without losing data:
Create a Windows 10 installation media using a USB drive or DVD.
Boot your computer from the installation media.
Follow the on-screen instructions to begin the installation process.
When prompted, select “Keep personal files and apps” to preserve your data and settings.
Click “Next” and then “Install” to start the repair process.
This method allows you to choose what to keep during the reinstallation process, giving you more flexibility compared to the previous methods.
It’s important to note that while these methods aim to preserve your personal files, it’s always a good practice to have a backup of your important data before attempting any repair process. This ensures that you have a safety net in case something goes wrong during the repair.
In conclusion, repairing Windows 10 without losing files is possible using the built-in “Reset this PC” option, the Advanced Startup menu, or installation media. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can get your Windows 10 system back up and running while keeping your personal data safe and secure.