How to reinstall Windows 10 without losing data

If you are having issues with your operating system and you’ve been wondering how to reinstall Windows 10 without losing data, keep reading.

When it comes to reinstalling Windows 10, most of us get confused and apprehensive about it.

There is this general misconception that reinstalling would format the whole computer and that we would have to set everything up from scratch again.

It is not true whatsoever. In fact, Microsoft provides easy ways to reinstall Windows 10 without losing your data.

If your system has been acting slowly in recent times or if you’re having persistent problems with one or more apps on your computer, you might try reinstalling Windows 10.

Make sure that you only choose this action after trying out other troubleshooting methods.

If nothing else works, then you can go ahead and follow the below-mentioned steps to reinstall Windows 10 without losing your data.

How to reinstall Windows 10 without losing data
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How to reinstall Windows 10 without losing data

To start the process, you will need to download the Windows 10 installation media from Microsoft’s website. To do that, access Google and type “Microsoft 10 installation media”. From the search results that pop up, click on the first result: “Download Windows 10 – Microsoft“.
This will take you to Microsoft’s website where you will see an option to “Download Windows 10” as well as some others;

Now, scroll down a bit until you find the heading “Create Windows 10 installation media.” There you need to click on “Download tool now”. This will initiate the download of the required installation file;

Next, locate where the tool that has been downloaded to your computer. In the majority of cases, you’ll find it in your “Downloads” folder. Once located, double-click the file. This will launch the installation media tool;

A new window will open up where the software starts getting things ready for the reinstall process;

In the next screen, you will be asked to accept or decline the relevant terms. Click “Accept” to proceed further;

In the next window, you will be given two options. You can either create the installation media for another computer, or you can choose to upgrade your own. The second option is what you are looking for. It will allow you to reinstall Windows 10 without losing data. So, make sure the “Upgrade this PC now” option is selected and click “Next”;

Windows will then start downloading the required files and it may take anywhere from a few minutes to tens of minutes depending on the size of the required download and your internet speed. When done, you can click on “Next”.

After downloading the required files, the tool will now start verifying your download. Once this is completed, you can click “Next”. The tool might proceed further without needing you to click on Next;

After the verification is done, it will now start creating the Windows 10 media. This will only take a few minutes depending on the performance of your computer. The next few steps (11-16) will be done automatically. You won’t have to do anything;

Now, Windows cleans up the required files before proceeding further;

In this step, Windows prepares the necessary files to get the reinstall starting;

Afterward, the system will check for any available updates that will then be installed during the reinstallation. This is important as you will be left with the most recent update from Microsoft (which is recommended due to security reasons);

Next, the installation media will restart before continuing. In this step too, you won’t need to perform any action;

After restarting, it further analyses your PC specifications to check if Windows 10 can be installed and if there is enough available space to do so;

In this next step, the tool gets ready to start the reinstallation process;

You are once again asked to accept the license terms before moving ahead. Click “Accept”;

Once again, the tool will search and download some more required updates before finally starting with the reinstall process;

Then, it performs one final check to see if the operating system is ready to be reinstalled;

Now the next screen will show “Ready to install”. It will display the current version of Windows 10 you have on your system. Make sure that this information is correct. Then, it will also display “Keep personal files and apps”. Below it, you will see “Change what to keep”. Click there;

You will then be provided with options on what to choose. You need to select the second option titled “Keep personal files only”. This will make sure that you don’t lose your data and the reinstallation can happen too. You may also choose the first option “Keep personal files and apps” but if you’re having with the apps on your system, you may not want to select this option. That’s because those apps won’t get reinstalled and you may have problems with them again. So, it’s better to choose the second option. Once selected, click on “Next”.

Then, the installation media will download any more required files to begin the reinstallation process;

Finally, you will be able to initiate the procedure. Click the “Install” button to begin;

Now Windows will start the reinstallation process. This might take quite some time to complete. During the process, your PC will restart multiple times. As the installation window will inform, all you need to do during this process is “sit back and relax”;
Once the installation is complete, you will be asked to perform a basic setup. You will have to enter your country, language, keyboard layout, time zone, etc;
Next, you will be asked to choose between “Use Express Settings” or “Customize settings”. You can choose any depending on your preference;
To conclude, you might be asked to sign in to your Microsoft account. If you have an account, you can do so. If not, you can create a new local user account. After doing so, your reinstallation process will be complete.

Wrap Up

Reinstalling Windows 10 is an easy process even though there are a lot of steps involved.

Fortunately, the installation media handles everything without you needing to do much.

Also, this method will allow you to reinstall Windows 10 without losing any of your data.

If you were having trouble with your system lately, this is a nice option to go with.

It will solve your problems and get your system to run smoother.

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How to reinstall Windows 10 without losing data

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