How to reinstall Windows 11 without losing files

• To reinstall Windows 11 without losing files, settings, and apps, open Settings > System > Recovery, click “Restart now” for the “Fix problems using Windows Update” setting, and click “OK.”
• To reinstall Windows 11, preserving files but removing apps and settings, open Settings > System > Recovery, click “Reset PC,” choose “Keep my files” or “Remove everything,” select “Cloud download” or “Local reinstall,” click “Next,” and “Reset.”

UPDATED 1/2/2026: On Windows 11, you have at least two options for reinstalling the operating system without losing your files or needing a USB bootable drive. In this guide, I’ll show you how to complete the process. 

The operating system includes a reinstall option to repair components and system files. The process involves using “Windows Update” to download and reinstall the same version, preserving your files, apps, and settings. The option is known as “Fix problems using Windows Update.”

On the other hand, you can use the “Reset this PC” feature to reinstall Windows 11 in two ways. You can choose to keep files (while removing apps and settings), or wipe the hard drive and restore it from a locally available image or download the installation files from the cloud. 

Although the features are similar, the primary difference is that the “Fix problems using Windows Update” option preserves your files, apps, and settings, whereas the “Reset this PC” option only retains your files and allows you to choose whether to use the local image or a cloud download.

Related

How to use DISM and SFC to fix problems on Windows 11

If you’re experiencing issues, try reinstalling the software through “Windows Update.” If that doesn’t work, you could try the reset option. Either option can fix problems when the computer isn’t loading or working correctly, or dealing with battery and app issues.

In this guide, I will teach you how to reinstall Windows 11 on your computer.

• Reinstall Windows 11 via Windows Update
• Reinstall Windows 11 via Reset this PC
• FAQs about reinstalling Windows 11

Reinstall Windows 11 via Windows Update

To reinstall Windows 11 to fix system problems without losing files, apps, and settings, follow these steps:

1. Open Settings on Windows 11.

2. Click on System.

3. Click the Recovery page.

4. Click the Reinstall now button for the “Fix problems using Windows Update” setting.

   

5. Check the “Automatically restart my PC 15 minutes after installation” option.

   

6. Click the OK button.

Once you complete the steps, Windows Update will download the installation files for the same version of the operating system installed on your computer, and it’ll perform a reinstallation to repair components and system files, while preserving your files, apps, and settings.

Reinstall Windows 11 via Reset this PC

To reinstall Windows 11 without losing your files (while removing apps and settings), follow these steps:

1. Open Settings.

2. Click on System.

3. Click the Recovery page.

4. Click the Reset PC button to begin reinstalling Windows 11 in the “Recovery options” section of the “Reset this PC” setting.

   

5. Click the “Keep my files” option.

   

6. Select the “Cloud download” option to download Windows 11 to perform a fresh reinstallation. Or select the “Local reinstall” option to use the local files to reinstall the operating system without losing your data.

   

7. Click the Next button.

8. Click the Reset button.

After you complete the steps, Windows 11 will reinstall while keeping your files and system license. However, the process will reset the settings and remove your apps. If you have a branded computer with a custom manufacturer image, the “Cloud download” option downloads a clean image from the Microsoft server that does not include the vendor-provided custom configurations and apps.

These instructions can also be used to reinstall Windows 11 and remove everything from the computer.

Regardless of the reinstallation method, you won’t lose your files or product license. After installation, the operating system will automatically reactivate the next time it connects to the internet.

In rare cases, the computer may lose activation, typically after hardware changes. However, you can still troubleshoot the problem to fix the activation.

FAQs about reinstalling Windows 11

Here’s a list of frequently asked questions (FAQs) and answers about reinstalling Windows 11 on your computer.

Can I reinstall Windows 11 without losing files, apps, and settings?

Yes. Windows 11 includes a built-in option called “Fix problems using Windows Update” that reinstalls the operating system while preserving your files, installed apps, and system settings.

What is “Fix problems using Windows Update” in Windows 11?

It’s a recovery feature that downloads and reinstalls the same version of Windows 11 using Windows Update to repair system files and components without wiping data or apps.

When should I use Windows Update instead of resetting the PC?

Use the Windows Update reinstall option when Windows 11 is unstable, buggy, or slow but still boots normally. It’s the least disruptive recovery method and should be tried first.

Does resetting Windows 11 delete my personal files?

Not if you choose “Keep my files.” This option preserves your documents and personal data but removes installed apps and resets system settings to their defaults.

What’s the difference between “Fix problems using Windows Update” and “Reset this PC”?

The Windows Update option keeps files, apps, and settings, while Reset this PC only keeps files and removes apps and settings. Reset also lets you choose between a local image or a cloud download.

Is a USB drive required to reinstall Windows 11?

No. Both reinstall methods can be performed directly from Settings > System > Recovery and do not require a bootable USB drive.

Should I choose Cloud download or Local reinstall when resetting Windows 11?

Choose Cloud download for a clean Microsoft image, especially on OEM PCs with bloatware. Use Local reinstall if internet access is limited or you want a faster reset.

Will Windows 11 remain activated after a reinstall?

Yes. Windows 11 automatically reactivates after reinstalling, provided no major hardware changes were made, and the device is connected to the internet.

Can reinstalling Windows 11 fix startup, battery, or app problems?

Yes. Reinstalling Windows 11 often resolves startup failures, system instability, battery drain, and broken apps by repairing corrupted system components.

Does reinstalling Windows 11 remove manufacturer software?

Only if you use “Reset this PC” with “Cloud download.” The Windows Update reinstall keeps manufacturer apps, whereas a cloud download installs a clean Windows image.

Is reinstalling Windows 11 safe?

Yes. Both methods are non-destructive when used correctly, but Microsoft still recommends creating a full backup before starting in case of unexpected issues.

What should I try if Windows 11 still has issues after a reinstall?

If the Windows Update reinstall doesn’t work, try Reset this PC. If problems persist, a clean install using installation media may be required.

Update January 2, 2026: This guide has been updated to ensure accuracy and reflect changes to the process.