How to reinstall Windows without losing personal files
By Tom Nonmacher
Reinstalling windows is often necessary to fix a myriad of software issues, from clearing up system bugs, speeding up your system, or even eliminating stubborn malware. However, one of the main concerns for many users is whether they'll lose their personal files in this process. The good news is that it's possible to reinstall Windows without losing your personal files. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to reinstall Windows without losing your precious data.
Firstly, always remember to back up your personal files. Even though the reinstallation process offers an option to keep your files, it's always safer to have a backup. You can use an external hard drive, a USB, or cloud storage platforms like Google Drive or Dropbox to back up your files. It's a simple process of copying and pasting your files to your backup platform.
Before you reinstall Windows, ensure you have a valid Windows product key. If your computer originally came with Windows, the product key should be on a sticker somewhere on your machine or in the documentation that came with it. If you purchased Windows as a digital download, the product key will be in the confirmation email you received after purchase.
To start the reinstallation process, head over to the 'Settings' menu. Click on 'Update & Security', then select 'Recovery' on the left-hand side. Under 'Reset this PC', click on 'Get started'. You will be presented with two options: 'Keep my files' and 'Remove everything'. Select 'Keep my files'. This action will remove apps and settings, but keeps your personal files.
Next, you'll be prompted to insert your Windows installation media, which could be a USB drive, DVD, or ISO file. Follow the instructions to install Windows. Your computer may restart several times during this process, which is perfectly normal. After the reinstallation is complete, you'll need to go through the initial setup process again, just like when you first bought your computer or installed Windows for the first time.
After the installation process, it's time to restore your files. If you backed up your files to an external hard drive or USB, you can simply copy them back onto your computer. If you used a cloud storage service, you'll need to download your files.
In conclusion, reinstalling Windows does not have to come with the fear of losing your personal files. With the right steps and precautions, you can easily reinstall Windows and still keep your valuable data. Always remember to back up your files, follow the reinstallation instructions carefully, and restore your files after the installation process.