Read this detailed post to learn a step-by-step tutorial about how to reinstall Windows 10/11 to solve system issues. This guide will show you how to fresh install Windows 10/11, what that means, benefits, and FAQs about it.
Hi there. I have an issue with my laptop and I was told to resolve that issue, I'd need to reinstall Windows 10. I don't recall where I put my CD, but I have my product key. My question is, if I reinstall Windows 10, will it delete the data on my laptop or do I have to back it all up into a hard drive?
- Question from Microsoft Community
The following content will provide three methods to reinstall Windows 10. You can fresh install Windows 10. Though there are several methods to choose from, they all have some shortcomings in practical use. And you have to spend time and effort reinstalling these apps. Free backup software configured with regular OS backup tasks may help you avoid such problems.
This way, even if your computer fails in any way, you can use this system backup to restore your computer without losing anything. For simplicity and effectiveness, I strongly recommend you AOMEI Backupper Standard to protect your Windows 10/11 PC. Click the jump link below for a quick guide. What are you waiting for?
๐ก NOTE: Reinstalling The OS Isn't Always The Perfect Solution
When you've tried many solutions to fix system errors and none of them actually works, it may be time to clean install Windows 10 and get all problems sorted out. But does this process delete your important data? Can you reinstall Windows 10 without any data loss? Are you required to fresh install Windows 10?
Well, it depends on the approach you take:
By using Repair Install, you can choose to install Windows 10 while keeping all personal files, apps, and settings, keeping personal files only, or keeping nothing. By using Reset This PC, you can do a fresh install to reset Windows 10 and keep personal files, or remove everything. By running a clean install without formatting existing partitions, your data won't be deleted but will be moved to Windows. old folder in the root directory of C: drive after installing.
In short, you definitely can, and have different methods to reinstall Windows 10 without losing data.
If you are pretty sure that all your files and applications are in good condition and have nothing to do with the problem you are facing, then you can choose a way to reinstall Windows 10 without losing files and programs.
To do that, Windows will scan your C: drive and place all your personal data aside. When the installation is complete, Windows will put these files and settings back.
If you are using a genuine Windows 10, the operating system will automatically get activated after the reinstallation.
As mentioned above, there are three different methods you can choose to reinstall the system without losing data. You can select any of these methods based on your specific requirements and preferences to make a fresh install of Windows 10/11. Each method has its own steps and benefits, so understanding the details will help you make an informed decision. This way, you can ensure a smooth reinstallation process.
After system reinstallation, you may get everything on your computer protected with the best free tool.
If your Windows 10 can boot and you believe all the installed programs are fine, then you can use this method to reinstall Windows 10 without losing data and programs. If one or more of your programs are damaged, you'd better keep personal files only.
1. Download the Windows Media Creation tool from microsoft.com and create an installation ISO file with it.
2. Double-click to mount the ISO file (for Windows 7, you need to use other tools to mount it). At the root directory, double-click to run the Setup.exe file.
3. When the Windows 10 Setup is ready, you can whether to download updates or not based on your needs.
4. In the What needs your attention screen, click the "Change what to keep" option.
5. Then, you will access the Choose what to keep the screen, you have three options, namely, "Keep personal files, apps, and Windows settings", "Keep personal files only", or "Nothing". Choose the first option and click Next.
6. Here you will go back to the What needs your attention screen. Confirm the option you select and click "Refresh".
This may take a while because it will take extra time to scan your hard drive and move files. If you just want to keep your files where they are, then try the next method.
Windows 10 provides the feature "Reset this PC" to help you solve system problems by resetting your computer to factory settings. During the process, you can choose whether to keep your personal files or not so that you can get a fresh install of Windows 10/11.
1. Open Reset this PC from the computer or boot.
>> If it's a working computer and still bootable, please go to Settings > Update & Security > Recovery > Reset this PC and select Get Started under Reset this PC option.
>> If not, you can create a recovery drive and boot from it. Then choose your keyboard layout and press Enter > select Troubleshoot > Reset this PC.
2. After selecting Reset this PC, you have two options, "Keep my files" and "Remove everything", select the first option. It will remove apps and settings but keep your personal files where they are.
3. Then, in the Ready to reset this PC window, it will tell you all the changes during the process. Confirm it and click "Reset".
You can also reset Windows 10 from the command line. The process is shown below:
1. Type “cmd” in the search box and press Enter.
2. In the listed results, right-click on the Command Prompt and select "Run as Administrator".
3. Type one of the following commands in the command prompt window and press Enter.
If you prefer installing Windows 10 without losing games or other data, using a USB drive or installation disc is a reliable method. This process allows you to fresh install Windows 10 while keeping your personal files intact. Before starting, ensure that your C: drive has more than 16GB of free space to accommodate the new installation. Following these steps will help you maintain your data and applications during the upgrade.
1. Insert your installation disc and boot from it. If you do not have one, you can download the Windows Media Creation tool to create one.
2. When it loads, select the language and keyboard, then click "Next".
3. Click "Install Now".
4. Type your product key or skip it. Usually, your computer will be activated automatically when it's connected to a network if you install the same version of Windows 10 as before.
5. Select the installation type "Custom".
6. At the following screen, just select the C: drive and click Next to proceed. Then, wait patiently until the installation is complete 100%.
As long as you do not format the C: drive in the Setup, you will not lose your data, but they will be moved to another location. After the installation, you can find a folder Windows.old in the root directory of C: drive. All your files are saved there.
After copying all your needed files out from Windows.old folder, you can use Disk Cleanup to delete the Windows.old folder to free up disk space.
Though there are several methods to choose from, they all have some shortcomings in practical use. For instance, the first method will keep your programs, but won't fix problems caused by them. And the other two methods can only keep your files, so you have to spend time and effort reinstalling these apps.
In fact, free backup software configured with regular OS backup tasks may help you avoid such problems. This way, even if your computer fails in any way, you can use this system backup to restore your computer without losing data. For simplicity and effectiveness, I strongly recommend you AOMEI Backupper Standard to protect your Windows 10/11 PC. Here's why:
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๐ Multiple Backup Types |
It enables you to backup files, partition, system, or even the whole disk in a simple manner. |
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โฐ Unattended Backup |
It can save you from manual operation with the scheduled backup on daily, weekly, monthly, etc. |
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๐ Incremental Backup |
With the incremental backup mode, it will only backup changed files instead of all files, which greatly reduces the risk of the backup disk full issue. |
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โ Flexible Backup Options |
You can change the compression level, split backup images, use Microsoft VSS service, and intelligent sector backup as you like. |
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๐ป Supported OS |
It supports multiple Windows operating systems, such as Windows 11/10/8.1/8/7/XP/Vista. |
Try this software right now.
If you want to recover your computer easily and quickly without losing stored personal data and installed apps, you could create a system image backup with AOMEI Backupper in advance. Let's get the detailed steps below.
1. Launch this free backup software, click the "Backup" tab on the main page, and then choose "System Backup".
2. Select a destination location to receive the backup image. You can backup to any location (folder) that Windows detects, including external hard drive, NAS network location, local storage, etc.
3. In the left bottom, click "Schedule Backup" to configure scheduled backup settings if needed. After that, click "Start Backup" to start the operation.
๐ก Notes:
1. Run AOMEI Backupper. Click "Restore" and "Select Task".
Note: If your computer refuses to boot, you can boot it from the bootable drive you’ve created and AOMEI Backupper will load up automatically.
2. Choose the system backup task you created before.
3. Tick "Restore this system backup" and click "Next".
4. The program will select the original system drive(s) as the destination place automatically. Click "Start Restore" after your confirmation.
When you set up an operating system or application for the first time on a new computer, it's called a "fresh" install. A fresh install of Windows 10 removes any previous versions of Windows from the computer. This type of installation leaves only the new OS on the hard drive. During the process, the hard drive is formatted and completely erased, wiping out all existing data and user files.
There are several reasons why you might need to perform a fresh install of Windows 10:
· System Performance: Over time, your system can slow down due to accumulated junk files, fragmented data, and software conflicts. A fresh install can restore your computer to its original speed and performance. · Malware and Viruses: If your computer is heavily infected with malware or viruses, a fresh install can ensure that all malicious software is removed, providing a clean slate. · Major System Issues: Persistent issues such as frequent crashes, blue screens, and other errors can sometimes only be resolved through a fresh install. · Upgrade Compatibility: If you're upgrading from an older version of Windows, a fresh install can prevent compatibility issues and ensure a smoother transition. · Removing Bloatware: New computers often come with pre-installed software that you don't need. A fresh install allows you to start with a clean system, free of unnecessary programs.
Reinstalling Windows typically involves formatting the system drive, which erases all data on that particular drive. However, it does not automatically wipe all other drives connected to your computer. If you want to ensure the complete removal of data from additional drives, you must manually format or delete the partitions on those drives during the reinstallation process. It's crucial to back up any important data before reinstalling Windows to avoid unintentional data loss.
To reinstall Windows 10 on a new hard drive, you'll need a valid Windows 10 installation media, such as a USB drive or DVD. First, connect the new hard drive to your computer. Then, boot your computer from the installation media and follow the on-screen instructions to begin the installation process. During the installation, you'll be prompted to select the installation location. Choose the new hard drive as the destination, format it if necessary, and proceed with the installation. After the installation is complete, your Windows 10 will be successfully installed on the new hard drive.
The time it takes to reinstall Windows can vary depending on several factors, including the speed of your computer, the version of Windows being installed, and the specific installation method used. On average, a clean installation of Windows can take anywhere from 30 minutes to a few hours. It's important to note that this estimate does not include the time required to back up and restore data, install drivers and updates, or reinstall applications. Additionally, the installation time may be extended if there are any complications or errors encountered during the process.
Yes, a valid product key is typically required to reinstall Windows. The product key is a unique alphanumeric code that verifies the authenticity of your Windows license. During the reinstallation process, you will be prompted to enter the product key. If you have a retail copy of Windows, the product key can usually be found on the packaging or in an email if you purchased it digitally. For pre-installed versions of Windows, the product key is often embedded in the computer's BIOS/UEFI firmware. If you don't have a product key, you may need to purchase a new license or contact the manufacturer or retailer for assistance.
To reinstall Windows 10 from the BIOS, first, access the BIOS setup by restarting your computer and pressing the designated key (often F2, F10, or Del) during boot. In the BIOS menu, navigate to the boot options and set the boot priority to boot from your installation media (USB or DVD). Save changes and exit. Insert your Windows installation media, restart your computer, and follow the on-screen prompts to reinstall Windows 10.
To reinstall Windows 10 from boot, start by inserting your Windows installation media (USB or DVD) into your computer. Restart your computer and press any key to boot from the installation media when prompted. Follow the on-screen instructions to initiate the Windows setup process. Choose your language, time, currency, and keyboard preferences. Select "Install Now" and proceed with the installation. Follow the prompts to complete the reinstall process, including entering your product key if prompted, choosing the installation type, and selecting the drive to install Windows on.
To reinstall Windows 10 without losing data is surely possible using these three methods mentioned above, and it can fix system issues that your computer may have. But, honestly, it's not perfect. It is obvious that restoring from a backup is easier and more convenient to solve Windows issues.
The basic version AOMEI Backupper Standard is enough to prevent unexpected disasters, such as system crashes, disk failures, virus attacks, etc. But if you want more advanced features, such as differential backup, automatic backup cleanup, and universal restore, you need to upgrade from the basic version.
If you want to protect unlimited computers within your company, AOMEI Backupper Technician is worth a shot. The inbuilt AOMEI Image Deploy tool allows users to deploy/restore system image files on a server-side computer to multiple client-side computers over the network. What's more, you are able to create a portable AOMEI Backupper that can run from a removable device on any computer. You can download this software to explore more features!
