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One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchIf Windows still starts, begin with a repair that reinstalls the current version and keeps your apps, personal files and settings. Choose a clean, fresh installation only when you want a new start or other recovery options have failed. A clean installation removes personal files, apps, manufacturer customizations and settings, so make and verify a separate backup first.
Two different jobs share the same name
“In-place upgrade” is used for two different tasks. One is moving to a later Windows version, such as Windows 10 to Windows 11, while Setup migrates your files and apps. The other is reinstalling Windows over the running installation to repair it without changing the version. The two are related but they are separate decisions, and the keep options differ between them.
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Microsoft offers several routes with similar names. The ones that matter here are:
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- Fix problems using Windows Update (Windows 11): reinstalls the current version, repairs system files and components, and preserves apps, files and settings.
- Setup from installation media, started inside Windows: on the Setup screen, select Change what to keep. Microsoft lists Keep personal files and apps, Keep personal files only and Keep nothing. The exact choices depend on the route and the Windows version.
- Clean installation, started by booting from installation media: removes files, apps, manufacturer customizations and settings. Microsoft describes it as an advanced option.
- Reset this PC (Settings > System > Recovery): offers Keep my files, which removes apps and settings while keeping personal files, or Remove everything.
Choose the route by what you need
Windows starts but system files or components are damaged
Use Fix problems using Windows Update. It keeps your apps, files and settings. Keep the PC connected to power and to the internet for the whole process, because it downloads components.
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- Less chaos, more calm. The refreshed design of Windows 11 enables you to do what you want effortlessly.
- Biometric logins. Encrypted authentication. And, of course, advanced antivirus defenses. Everything you need, plus more, to protect you against the latest cyberthreats.
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You need reinstall media but want to keep some of your setup
Run Setup from the running Windows installation and use Change what to keep. Choose Keep personal files and apps to preserve the most. Microsoft’s installation-media guidance describes this kind of in-place installation as reinstalling Windows without affecting personal files, settings or installed applications, which is the behaviour you want for a repair. Choose Keep personal files only or Keep nothing only when you are prepared to reinstall apps and reconfigure settings.
You want a fresh start, or other recovery options did not fix the problem
Boot from installation media and run a clean installation. This removes everything on the drive that Setup targets, so it is the destructive option. Use it when a repair has failed or when you are handing the PC on or starting over.
You want a reset without creating boot media
Reset this PC is a separate tool. Keep my files preserves personal files but removes apps and settings, so it is not equivalent to an in-place repair. Remove everything wipes the PC for a fresh start.
You suspect malware
Scan the PC first. If the problem continues after the scan, reinstall from installation media and select the clean installation option, since a repair can leave infected components in place.
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- OEM IS TO BE INSTALLED ON A NEW PC with no prior version of Windows installed and cannot be transferred to another machine.
- OEM DOES NOT PROVIDE SUPPORT | To acquire product with Microsoft support, obtain the full packaged “Retail” version.
- PRODUCT SHIPS IN PLAIN ENVELOPE | Activation key is located under scratch-off area on label.
- GENUINE WINDOWS SOFTWARE IS BRANDED BY MIRCOSOFT ONLY.
Comparing the routes
| Route | Windows must start? | Apps and settings kept? | Personal files kept? | Installation media needed? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fix problems using Windows Update | Yes | Yes | Yes | Not stated for this option |
| Setup from running Windows: Keep personal files and apps | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Setup from running Windows: Keep personal files only | Yes | No | Yes | Yes |
| Setup from running Windows: Keep nothing | Yes | No | No | Yes |
| Clean installation from boot media | No (boots from media) | No | No | Yes |
| Reset this PC: Keep my files | Not stated | No | Yes | No |
| Reset this PC: Remove everything | Not stated | No | No | No |
Before you start
- Back up important files and check that you can open the backup. Microsoft recommends a backup before any recovery or installation. An external drive is a common choice, but keep it separate from the installation media.
- If you expect a clean installation, create Windows installation media on a USB flash drive. Microsoft confirms that a USB flash drive can be used to install or reinstall Windows.
- If BitLocker is enabled, find the BitLocker recovery key before you start. Microsoft says it is needed for most recovery options.
- When reinstalling, make sure the Windows edition matches your digital license. Microsoft says the edition being reinstalled must match the license.
- If the PC is managed by a work or school account, check with the IT department before reinstalling.
Windows 10 to Windows 11 upgrades and the 10-day rollback
When you upgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 11, Microsoft’s support FAQ says your files and data move by default, and it recommends backing up before installation. For 10 days after the upgrade, you can roll back to Windows 10 and keep the migrated files and data. The FAQ page does not state a year, so treat the 10-day figure as Microsoft’s stated period for that upgrade path. After the window closes, returning to Windows 10 requires a clean installation and a manual restore of your backup.
The rollback window applies only to a version upgrade. It does not apply to a same-version repair reinstall, which does not change the Windows version.
Windows 10 support status
Microsoft states that Windows 10 support ended on October 14, 2025. A Windows 10 PC no longer receives free software updates, technical assistance or security fixes through Windows Update. Whether any extended arrangement covers a particular PC depends on its edition and enrollment, so confirm that before choosing a route on a Windows 10 machine.
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