How to Reload Windows 10 without Losing Data?

Sometimes, your PC may not function properly and keeps running into the problem or suddenly stop working. These can be due to program incompatibility, virus attacks, or registry issues, and they persist even after trying all the solutions to fix these issues.

In this situation, reinstalling Windows 10 might be the best solution to fix the persisting problems. However, what about your personal files, images, and folders? Will they be lost after reinstalling Windows?

This article explains how to reinstall Windows 10/11 without losing data and prevent personal files from getting erased.

When do you need to Reinstall Windows 10?

The main reasons why you need to reload Windows again is that it slows down over time or for various other reasons. Some of these are:

• Windows operating system slowing down.
• Windows Start Menu not working.
• Corrupt/damaged file system.
• Virus or Malware attack.
• Windows applications are not working properly.
• Windows Update has corrupted your OS.

Does Reinstalling Windows Delete Files?

即使许多解决方案试图修复这个错误mentioned above, if nothing works, it may be time to reinstall Windows 10 and sort out all the problems. However, the dilemma is, does reinstalling Windows delete all your important data?

Well, it depends on the approach you take to reload Windows on your system:

1. By usingReset This PCoption, you have the option to reset Windows 10 and keep your files or remove everything.
2. UsingAdvanced Startup Options,you can remove apps and settings and keep personal files or remove everything while reinstalling Windows.
3. By using bootable media, you can choose to reload Windows 10 while keeping your apps, settings, and personal files or keeping nothing or personal files only.

How to Reload Windows 10/11 without Losing Data?

Follow the DIY guide to reinstalling Windows 10 without losing your important data:

1. Use the "Reset this PC" option

The“Reset This PC”feature of Windows 10 allows you to reinstall Windows 10/11 without a key, either by keeping your files or removing them. Follow the steps to know how to reinstall Windows without using any installation media and download files:

• Go to Start and clickSettings.
• Then click onUpdates & Securityand navigate toRecovery.
• In theReset this PCsection, click'Get started.'

• Now choose theKeep my filesoption on the next screen.

• A prompt will appear stating that your apps will be removed. ClickNextto proceed further.
• Click theResetbutton in the'Ready to reset this PC'

• The reset process will begin and Windows will start the reinstallation.

2. Use Advanced Startup Menu

Tools available in theAdvanced Startup Optionsmenu are used for running all the repair, reset/refresh, and other diagnostics, even if your Windows 8, 8.1, 10, and 11 are working properly.

If your Windows is working fine:

• Go toStart, then clickSettings.
• Now click onUpdates & Securityand clickRecovery.
• Under theAdvanced startupsection, clickRestart nowto reboot Windows in Advanced Startup.

If Windows won't start normally:

• Turn on the PC and during the Windows re-boot, press F11 to open the Advanced Startup.
• ClickTroubleshoot.

• ClickReset This PC.

• Now select'Keep my files’and clickNext.

• Then clickReset.
• In the pop-up window that prompts reinstallation of Windows, clickContinue.
• The reset process will start, and once completed, Windows will restart.

3. Use Windows 10 ISO image file

For reinstalling Windows 10 from the USB drive, you need to create the bootable media to boot your system.

• Go toMicrosoft Download Windows 10page and click theDownloadtool now.

• The exe file of the Media creation tool will be downloaded. Then run it as Administrator to install it.
• Now select the option of创建安装媒体(USB闪存驱动器,DVD, or ISO file) for another PC.

• ClickNext.
• Now select language, architecture, and edition, then clickNext.

• Next, select the ISO file in the‘Choose which media to use’ screen and clickNext.

• ClickNext, and the ISO file will be created.
• Connect the bootable media to the system, right-click on the ISO file, and selectMount.

• Then open the image in a new window and click on theSetupfile to run it as Administrator.

• The setup process will launch, selectDownload, and install updates. Then clickNext.

• Wait for the setup to download the available update file.

• Read the terms and conditions and clickAccept.

• Windows installer will check for updates.

• Windows will make your system ready to install the updates.

• Now in the'Choose what to keep’screen, selectKeep personal files onlyand clickNext.

• Then click onInstallto proceed further.

• Now sit back and wait for Windows to reinstall.

Recover Data Lost During Reinstallation of Windows

You must take the backup of your data before you reload Windows 10 on your system. This way, you can prevent any type of data loss during reinstallation.

However, if you forget to store the data backup and lose some data during reinstallation, retrieve the lost data using data recovery software.

You can useStellar Data Recovery Free EditionWindows软件删除/恢复丢失的文件, photos, videos, & other critical documents from Windows PC/laptop/hard drive & other external storage mediums.

Conclusion

If you are experiencing system errors that keep returning after fixing them repeatedly, try reinstalling Windows 10 by using an ISO image or built-in Windows 10 features like‘Reset This PC.’Moreover, you can keep your files intact while reinstalling Windows 10/11. And if you forget to choose the option'Keep my files, 'you can restore your files after a reinstallation of Windows 10 using a trusted and effective softwareStellar Data Recovery FreeEdition for Windows.

FAQ

Do you need Windows 10 key to reinstall?

According to Microsoft, you can reinstall the same Windows edition on a computer without entering a product key only if that key was previously activated on the same PC.

Can you use Windows 7 or 8 key to install Windows 10?

No, you cannot use Windows 7 or 8 key to install Windows 10. Instead, you must purchase a new product key to install Windows 10.

Can you recover the deleted application after reinstalling Windows?

The reset feature of Windows may remove all non-Microsoft Store applications. However, those are not completely gone from your PC, and the location of deleted files is set as free space. You can recover these files efficiently by usingStellar Data Recovery FreeEdition for Windows.

What do you lose when you reinstall Windows 10?

Although reinstallation will let you keep all your files and software but will delete yoursystem icons, custom fonts, and Wi-Fi credentials. However, as part of the reload Windows process, a Windows.old folder will be created that will contain everything from your previous installation.