How to reinstall Windows without losing personal files
By Tom Nonmacher
A common misconception is that reinstalling Windows means you'll lose all your documents, pictures, music, and other personal files. Thankfully, that's not always the case. This post will guide you through the process of reinstalling Windows without losing your personal files. It's essential to follow each step closely to ensure your data remains safe throughout the process.
Before we start, it's crucial to back up your files. Even though the process we're following is designed to keep your files safe, it's always a good idea to have a backup just in case. You can use an external hard drive, a USB flash drive or even cloud-based storage solutions such as OneDrive, Google Drive, or Dropbox. Once you've backed up all your files, you can proceed with the reinstallation process.
To reinstall Windows without losing your personal files, you'll need to use the 'Reset this PC' feature, which is built into Windows 10. To access it, go to the Start menu, click on the Settings gear icon, then choose 'Update & Security.' In the new window, select the 'Recovery' tab on the left and then you will see the 'Reset this PC' option.
Once you click on 'Get started' under 'Reset this PC,' you will be presented with two options: 'Keep my files' and 'Remove everything.' Select 'Keep my files.' This option will remove apps and settings but keeps your personal files intact. The system will then provide a list of apps that will be removed during the process. After you've reviewed the list, you can proceed by clicking on 'Next.'
A final prompt will ask you to confirm your decision. Remember that reverting the reinstallation process once it has started may not be possible. So, ensure that you've backed up all your important files and are ready to reinstall Windows. Click on 'Reset' to begin the process. Your computer will restart, and the reinstallation process will commence. This might take some time, so be patient.
After the reinstallation is complete, your computer will restart again, and you'll need to go through the initial setup process, similar to when you first bought your PC. Once you've finished the setup, you should find all of your personal files where you left them, but you'll need to reinstall any applications you had before.
Reinstalling Windows without losing personal files is a relatively straightforward process with the 'Reset this PC' feature. However, it's vital to always back up your files before starting, just in case something goes wrong. Remember, the primary goal is to ensure the safety of your data. If you encounter any issues during the process, don't hesitate to seek professional assistance.