If Windows is still usable, try the repair that matches the problem before resetting or reinstalling: repair system files with DISM and SFC, use Windows 11’s repair reinstall if it is available, or undo a recent update that may have triggered the issue. None is guaranteed to fix every fault, so back up important files before making changes.
Choose the repair that fits the problem
Start with the least disruptive option that fits what happened. Microsoft recommends trying less disruptive recovery choices before resetting or clean-installing Windows.
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| What you know | Repair to try | What it preserves or requires |
|---|---|---|
| Windows starts, and you suspect missing or corrupted system files | Run DISM, then System File Checker (SFC). | Runs within Windows; DISM normally uses Windows Update as its repair source. Microsoft’s SFC instructions. |
| You use Windows 11 and want to repair the current installation without removing apps or settings | Try “Fix problems using Windows Update,” if shown in Recovery settings. | Reinstalls the same/current Windows version and preserves files, apps, and settings. Availability depends on the installation. Microsoft’s repair-reinstall instructions. |
| The problem started after an update | Consider uninstalling the relevant update. | Use Windows recovery options appropriate to whether Windows starts. Microsoft’s recovery overview. |
| Windows will not start | Use available Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) tools, such as Startup Repair or System Restore where appropriate. | Tools vary by situation; most WinRE options require a BitLocker recovery key when encryption is enabled. Microsoft’s WinRE overview. |
1. Repair system files with DISM and SFC
Use this sequence when Windows boots but you suspect Windows system files are missing or damaged. Microsoft instructs users to run Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) before System File Checker because DISM can provide the files needed for repair.
- Open Command Prompt with administrator privileges. Approve the User Account Control prompt if it appears.
- Run
DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealthand press Enter. Let the operation finish; it may take time. - When DISM completes, run
sfc /scannowand press Enter. Wait for SFC to reach completion before closing the window.
DISM normally gets repair files from Windows Update. If the Windows Update client itself is broken, Microsoft documents using a different repair source; the appropriate source depends on the installation and available media. Follow the source instructions in Microsoft’s DISM and SFC guide.
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2. Reinstall the current Windows 11 version through Settings
On supported Windows 11 installations, “Fix problems using Windows Update” reinstalls the current version of Windows while preserving personal files, apps, and settings. It is a repair reinstall, not a reset that removes everything.
- Open Settings > System > Recovery.
- Under recovery options, select Fix problems using Windows Update, then choose Reinstall now.
- Keep the PC connected to power and the internet while the process runs.
If that option is missing, this repair route is not available on that installation. Check the steps and availability notes on Microsoft’s repair-reinstall page rather than assuming another Windows version has the same feature.
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3. Undo a recent update or use recovery tools if Windows will not start
If Windows still starts
If the trouble began shortly after an update, uninstalling that update may be a better fit than repairing unrelated system files. Open Settings > Windows Update > Update history and use the available uninstall option, or follow Microsoft’s recovery guidance for the route available on your PC. The exact controls can vary by Windows version and update.
If Windows cannot start normally
Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) may offer tools such as Startup Repair, System Restore, or update removal. Which options appear depends on the failure and recovery configuration; no single tool addresses every cause. Consult Microsoft’s WinRE guide for how to reach the environment and what its tools do.
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If BitLocker is enabled, have the recovery key available: Microsoft says it is needed to access most WinRE options. If the built-in recovery tools are unavailable or do not work, Windows installation media or the PC manufacturer’s recovery media may be necessary. Creating Windows installation media requires a USB drive with at least 8 GB; creating a recovery drive erases the selected drive’s existing contents. See Microsoft’s recovery options before preparing media.
Back up before resetting or reinstalling
Copy important files somewhere separate before using any recovery route. The consequences depend on the option you choose:
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- Reset this PC: you can choose to keep personal files or remove everything, but a reset removes apps and settings. Read the choices carefully before proceeding. Microsoft’s reset instructions.
- Clean installation: can remove personal files, apps, and settings. Installation media can also be used for an in-place installation that preserves data when the appropriate setup option is selected. Confirm the keep options shown by Setup before continuing. Microsoft’s installation-media guide.
If malware is a concern, Microsoft recommends scanning with Windows Security first. If the problem continues, a clean installation using media may be appropriate. A repair or reinstall does not guarantee malware removal in every situation; use Microsoft’s recovery guidance to choose the next step.
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Windows 10 has a separate support consideration
Windows 10 support ended on October 14, 2025. Repairing a Windows 10 installation may address a technical problem, but it does not restore security support. Microsoft’s Windows recovery information covers the lifecycle note and recovery environment.
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