You may be familiar with resetting Windows 11, but you don’t want to lose apps and data during reinstallation. You don’t want to follow processes that would cause loss of data and system crashes. Can I reinstall Windows 11 without losing any data? What are the prerequisites for reinstalling Windows 11? This article aims to provide comprehensive answers to these and other familiar questions.
Why Users Reinstall Windows 11 and Should You Do That?
Users can reinstall Windows 10 or Windows 11 for various reasons, which may include;
Resolving issues with the current installation,
Upgrading to a new version
Setting up a new system.
Reinstalling is recommended in situations where;
There are compatibility issues with apps or drivers,
There are problems with the current installation,
There is a need to start fresh without bloatware or malware.
For new setups or when a clean installation is required.
Risks and How to Avoid Them When You Reinstalling Windows 11
Incompatibility with unsupported hardware:
Attempting to install Windows 11 on unsupported hardware can result in discontinued security updates and the device not being eligible for future updates.
Mitigation: Ensure your hardware meets the minimum requirements before installing Windows 11.
Increased bugs and errors:
Unsupported hardware may experience more crashes, blue screens, and errors when running Windows 11.
Mitigation: Wait until you have supported hardware to ensure a more stable experience.
Issues with applications:
First-party Microsoft apps may experience more crashes on unsupported hardware.
Mitigation: Use Windows 10, which is more reliable for unsupported hardware, until you upgrade your hardware to meet the requirements for Windows 11.
Data Backup Before Reinstalling Windows 11
Be sure always to back up your data even when Windows 11 promises that there will be no data loss. By backing up your data before reinstalling Windows 11, you ensure you have a secure copy of all your important files and documents. Remember, a stitch in time saves nine; a little precaution can prevent potential data loss disasters.
How to Reset Windows 11 Without Losing Apps and Files
I will take you through three ways to reset Windows 11 without losing apps and data. The methods include;
Reinstall Windows 11 by Mounting an ISO File
Step 1: Mount the Windows 11 ISO file onto your PC by right-clicking it and selecting "Mount" from the context menu.
Step 2: Open the mounted drive and run the setup.exe file.
Step 3: Click "Next" to start the setup process.
Step 4: Read and accept the Microsoft software license terms.
Step 5: Choose what to keep during the reinstallation (personal files and apps, personal files only, or nothing). And then click on Next.
Step 6: If you encounter a language error, change your system locale to English (United States) and restart your PC.
Step 7: Windows 11 Setup will check for updates.
Step 8: Once everything is ready, you can change the type of files you want to keep or click "Install" to proceed with the reinstallation.
Comments
The process of reinstalling Windows 11 using an ISO file was relatively straightforward. Mounting the ISO file and running the setup.exe file was easy.
However, this method is only effective if your PC can boot properly.
Reinstall Windows 11 via Reset PC
To reset your PC, follow these steps;
Step 1: Type "Reset this PC" in the Windows search bar and open it.
Step 2: Click on "Reset PC" in the Reset this PC field.
Step 3: Choose the option to Keep my files and select local reinstall.
Step 4: If you cannot reinstall Windows locally or encounter errors, you can choose cloud download if you have an internet connection.
Step 5: Click "Change settings" and select the appropriate settings based on your preferences.
Step 6: Set the [Restore apps and settings which came with this PC] option as Yes, then select [Confirm].
Step 7: Confirm the settings and click "Next".
Step 8: You may receive a notification on the next screen, so select "Next" to continue.
Step 9: To view apps that will be removed, click as shown below
Step 9: The following apps will be removed. You can decide to cancel or continue with the resetting process. Click Back to continue with the reset process.
Step 8: Finally, click "Reset" to reinstall Windows 11.
Comments:
Ensure your computer is connected to the AC adapter and avoid forcing a shutdown.
Clean install Windows 11 from USB
Video
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/videoplayer/embed/RWYVmy?download=false
Watch the above video and follow the steps below to immaculate install Windows 11 from the USB
Step 1: Ensure you have an internet connection and get a blank USB drive with at least 8GB of storage.
Step 2: Take note of the current Windows 11 edition installed on your PC. To find your edition, you can go to Settings > System > About>Windows specifications.
Step 3: Plug the USB drive into your Windows device.
Step 4: Download the Windows 11 media creation tool.
Step 5: Open the media creation tool as an administrator.
Step 6: Accept the license terms.
Step 7: Uncheck. Use the recommended options for this PC and select the appropriate language and edition.
Step 8: Choose the bootable USB flash drive with at least 8GB of space, then choose Next.
That will format and place the Windows installation media on the USB device.
Step 9: The USB flash drive is now a bootable Windows 11 installation media. Select finish.
Step 10: Backup all content you want to keep from your Windows device.
Step 11: Attach the USB flash drive to the PC you wish to clean and install Windows 11 on.
Step 12: Restart your PC while holding the Shift key to boot into the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE).
Step 13: Choose to boot from the USB drive in the WinRE.
Step 14: Select your language, time, and keyboard preferences on the Windows Setup page. And then click Next
Step 15: Select Install Now.
Step 16: Select I don't have a product key if you're reinstalling the same.
Step 17: Select the same edition of Windows 11 as verified earlier.
Step 18: Accept the Microsoft Software License Terms.
Step 19: Choose Custom: Install Windows only (advanced) as the install type.
Step 20: Select the hard drive on your PC where you want to install Windows and click Next.
Step 21: Proceed with the installation to completion, and your PC will restart. Follow the prompts to finish setting up your device.
Choose New Office Software after Reinstalling Windows - WPS Office
WPS Office offers free essential office tools like Writer, Spreadsheet, and Presentation (comparable to PowerPoint), allowing you to open, create, and edit them at no cost and compatible with both Windows and Mac users.
Pros of WPS Office:
Free to open, create, edit, and use Word, Excel, and PPT.
A Powerful PDF toolkit.
Rich template store and functions:
I found the overall experience of using WPS Office smooth and satisfactory. The free access to essential office tools like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint is a significant advantage, along with its compatibility with Windows and Mac.
WPS Office is more suitable for users seeking free office tools with extensive features and compatibility.
How to free download the WPS Office?
Step 1: Select a browser and go to the WPS Office site.
Step 2: Select ‘Get store app’
Step 3: Select on ‘Open Microsoft store.’ On the POP UP Box.
Step 4: Press ‘Get’ to download the software.
Step 5: Downloading begins
Step 6: Press on ‘Open’ to access it..
Step 7: Press on ‘Agree and continue’.
Step 8: Now you can use the software.
FAQs
What gets deleted when you install Windows 11?
When you install Windows 11, the data on the partition where the operating system is installed will be deleted if you choose to do a clean install. However, if you use the Windows 11 Installation Assistant or choose to keep your personal files and apps during the installation process, your data will not be deleted.
Is Windows 11 stable now?
Yes, Windows 11 has become more stable since its initial release. While it has encountered some issues, such as unsupported hardware and incompatibility issues, Microsoft has been working hard to address these problems.
Do I need to reinstall programs after Windows 11 upgrade?
No, an upgrade to Windows 11 will not require you to reinstall programs. They should still be intact after the upgrade. However, it is always recommended to have backups of your important files and data in case of any unexpected issues during the upgrade process.
Summary
This article provides a comprehensive guide on how to reinstall Windows 11 without losing apps and files. It covers three methods, including reinstalling from an ISO file, resetting the PC, and clean installing from a USB. Be sure to consider using WPS Office. It is a free and compatible office tool for Windows and Mac users.
