How to Reinstall Windows 10 Without Losing Data (5 Common Methods)

It's a common worry when reinstalling Windows that you might lose important data. Whether it's crucial office files or beloved dog pictures, nobody wants to see them disappear. But luckily, there's a way to avoid that! In this article, we're going to show you how to install Windows 11 without saying goodbye to your precious data.

When is the Time to Reinstall Windows?

When your laptop or desktop starts to slow down, it might be time to think about reinstalling Windows. Reinstalling Windows can make your computer run better by getting rid of junk files and apps you don't use anymore. It also gets rid of any viruses or malware, making your computer faster and safer.

If you've had your computer for a few years and it's not as fast as it used to be, trying a Windows reinstall can help. But before you do that, it's a good idea to try some other solutions, because there might be simpler ways to fix the problem without reinstalling Windows.

What to Know Before Reinstalling Windows 10?

Reinstalling Windows 10 can be a great way to refresh your computer's performance, and it's easy to do without losing your files or preferences. However, it's essential to link your Windows 10 product key with your Microsoft account before proceeding. This step is crucial for reactivating Windows after the reinstallation process.

Step 1: Click on the "Start" button in the bottom left corner of your screen to open the Start menu and then select Settings.

Step 2: Inside the Windows Settings panel, locate and click on "Update & Security".

Step 3: Within the "Update & Security" section, you'll find a list of options on the left-hand side. Choose "Activation" from this list.

Step 4: In the "Activation" section, you'll see information about your Windows activation status. If your copy of Windows is already linked to your Microsoft account, it will display "Windows is activated with a digital license"

Step 5: If the activation status doesn't show a digital license or if it's not linked to your Microsoft account, then navigate to the "Accounts" section and select “Your Info”.

Step 6: Find and click on the option to "Sign in with a Microsoft account". Follow the prompts provided to sign in with your Microsoft account. If you don't have one, you can create it during this process.

Step 7: After successfully signing in or creating a Microsoft account, return to the "Activation" section. You should now notice a change in the activation status. It should confirm that "Windows is activated with a digital license associated with your Microsoft account".

Steps to Reinstall Windows 10 Without Losing Data

Reinstalling Windows 10 can be a straightforward process, and you don't have to sacrifice your data in the process. Here, we'll explore five methods to learn how to reinstall Windows 10 while preserving your valuable data.

Method 1: Using the "Reset this PC" Option

One of the easiest ways to reinstall Windows 10 without losing data is by using the built-in Reset this PC feature. Follow these steps:

Step 1: Click on the Windows Start button and go to Settings.

Step 2: In the Settings window, select "Update & Security".

Step 3: Choose "Recovery" from the left-hand menu, and under "Reset this PC", click "Get started".

Step 4: You'll be presented with two options: "Keep my files" and "Remove everything". Select "Keep my files" to reinstall Windows while preserving your data.

Step 5: At this point, you'll have the choice between two options for reinstalling Windows 10.

Step 6: Click on "Reset", and the system will initiate the reset process, which may require some time. Please exercise patience while it completes.

Tips:

In case your system faces problems after upgrading to Windows 10, you have an alternative option to downgrade to a previous version or an earlier build instead of going through the process of reinstalling the operating system. Navigate to the Recovery tab, and click on "Get started" under the relevant option to return your Windows to its previous state.

Method 2: Using Windows Media Creation tool

If your Windows 10 is working and you think all your installed programs are okay, you can follow this method to repair and install Windows 10 without losing any data. However, if some of your programs are damaged, it's a better idea to only keep your personal files.

Here's how to do it:

Step 1: Go to the Microsoft website and download the Windows Media Creation tool. Use it to create an installation ISO file.

Step 2: Double-click to open the ISO file. Inside the ISO file, double-click on the “Setup.exe” file.

Step 3: When the Windows 10 Setup is ready, you can choose whether or not to download updates, depending on your preferences.

Step 4: On the "What needs your attention" screen, click the "Change what to keep" option.

Step 5: You'll then see the "Choose what to keep" screen, where you will select "Keep personal files, apps, and Windows settings", and click Next.

Step 6: This will take you back to the "What needs your attention" screen. Confirm the option you've selected and click "Refresh”.

This process might take some time, as it includes additional steps like scanning your hard drive and relocating files. If your goal is to retain your files without this extra effort, consider exploring the next method.

Method 3: Using CD or USB

In order to reinstall Windows 10 with CD or USB, you need to use Windows media creation tool for a clean and efficient system setup. Here's how:

Step 1: Insert your USB drive into the computer where you want to create the installation media.

Step 2: Visit the official Microsoft Download Windows 10 page.

Step 3: In the "Create Windows 10 Installation Media" section, click the "Download Tool Now" button to download the required software.

Step 4: Once the download is complete, open the software. You will see the "Applicable Notices and License Terms" window. Read and accept the terms by clicking the "Accept" button in the bottom-right corner.

Step 5: On the next screen, choose the option "Create installation media (USB flash drive, DVD, or ISO file) for another PC" by clicking the bubble next to it, and then click "Next"

Step 6: Select your preferred language, architecture, and edition for Windows 10. Click the down arrow next to each option to view available choices, and then click to select your preferences. Click "Next" to proceed.

Step 7: Now, you need to choose the type of media. Select "USB Flash Drive" by clicking the bubble next to it, and then click "Next".

Step 8: Choose the specific USB flash drive you want to use from the list under Removable Drives. Click "Next" to continue.

Step 9: The software will start downloading Windows 10 onto the USB drive. Please be patient, as this may take some time.

Step 10: Once the download is complete, click the "Finish" button. Safely remove the USB drive from the computer.

Tip:

Be aware that any files on the USB drive will be erased during the setup process, so ensure there are no important files on it.

Creating a Windows 10 Installation USB drive is a straightforward process. By following these steps, you can easily prepare a bootable USB drive to install or upgrade Windows 10 on your desired computer. Remember to back up any important files on the USB drive before starting, as they will be deleted during the setup.

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Method 4: Using a System Image

If you want to have a reliable backup of your Windows 10 system, creating a system image file in advance is a smart choice.

Here's how to create a system image backup:

Step 1: Launch MiniTool ShadowMaker and click on "Keep Trial" to get started.

Step 2: Under the "Backup" section, you only need to choose the hard drive on the non-working PC as the storage location for the backup.

Step 3: Click "Back Up Now" to initiate the backup process. MiniTool ShadowMaker will start creating a system image of your Windows 10 installation.

To use the system image for recovery, you'll need a bootable USB drive or disc created using MiniTool ShadowMaker's Media Builder. After creating the image, boot the affected PC with MiniTool ShadowMaker Bootable Edition to initiate the recovery process.

In case your Windows ever encounters a problem, you can use the system image file to restore your computer to its previous state. However, please note that this method is not entirely free and requires some effort in terms of updates. The system image file will only contain data up until the last update, so you may need to apply subsequent updates after restoring your system.

Method 5: Using the Advanced Startup menu

To reinstall Windows 10 using the Advanced Startup option, follow these simple steps:

Step 1: Click the Start button in the bottom left corner of your screen.

Step 2: Select "Settings" on the left side of the Start menu.

Step 3: Choose "Update & Security", and then click on "Recovery".

Step 4: Under the "Advanced startup" section on the right side, select "Restart now". This will restart your computer into Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) mode.

Step 5: Once in WinRE mode, click on "Troubleshoot".

Step 6: On the next screen, click "Reset this PC", which will take you to the system reset window.

Step 7: Select "Keep my files," and then click "Next" followed by "Reset".

Step 8: When a popup appears, click "Continue" to proceed with the Windows 10 reinstallation.

Keep in mind that the exact experience may vary based on your system's performance and hardware. During the reset process, your PC may be out of action for some time as it reinstalls Windows 10. Be patient as the system works to ensure a smooth reinstallation.

A Comparison of 5 Methods - Which One is Best for You?

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FAQS:

Q1. Can I revert to my previous version of Windows after reinstalling Windows 10?

Yes, it is possible. After reinstalling Windows 10, if you back up your old operating system, you can return to your previous version. The process can be complex, so consult Microsoft's direction or their help resources for a successful reversal and feasible regaining of your previous Windows version.

Q2. Is it necessary to reinstall Windows 10 regularly for optimal performance?

No, it is not necessary. Reinstalling Windows 10 regularly is not vital for optimal performance. Focus on performing regular maintenance and cleaning instead, such as upgrading drivers and software, running frequent malware scans, and removing temporary files. These procedures can prevent repeated reinstalls from being necessary to maintain your system operating efficiently.

Safeguard Your Data and Elevate Your Productivity with Windows 10

In this article, you've discovered a step-by-step guide on how to reinstall Windows 10 without the risk of losing valuable data on your device. Data is undeniably crucial for all users, making data preservation a top priority. Given that Windows can be resource-intensive, it's advisable to explore lightweight alternatives like WPS Office instead of heavier, costlier options. Download WPS Office now to enhance your productivity.