Ethan Brooks
How to Repair Windows 11 Without Losing Data or Programs: A Step-by-Step Guide
This guide provides a comprehensive walkthrough on repairing Windows 11 through an in-place upgrade, allowing you to fix system issues without losing your data or installed programs. You will learn how to download the Windows 11 ISO, mount it, and perform the repair installation effectively.
Step 1: Download Windows 11 ISO
First, you need to download the Windows 11 ISO file.
- Open your web browser and navigate to the Windows 11 download page.
- Scroll down and locate the section to download the ISO. If you are using Windows 10, download the Media Creation Tool instead, as it’s required for downloading the ISO directly.
- For Windows 11, select the desired version (multi-edition) and click Download.
- Choose your language (e.g., English International) and click Download again.
Step 2: Mount the ISO File
Once the download is complete, you need to mount the ISO file.
- Navigate to your
Downloadsfolder and locate the downloaded ISO file. - Right-click on the ISO file and select Mount from the context menu.
This action will create a virtual DVD drive in your file explorer that contains the files from the ISO.
Step 3: Run the Setup File
You’ll now run the setup to initiate the repair process.
- In the mounted drive, find and double-click
setup.exeto start the installation.
Follow the prompts to proceed. You will be able to check for updates, and this will also attempt to fix any broken components in your current Windows setup.
Step 4: Accept License Agreement
After the setup checks for updates, you will need to accept the license agreement.
- Read through the license terms and select Accept.
Step 5: Choose Installation Options
The setup will guide you through choosing what to keep during the installation.
- Ensure that the option to Keep personal files and apps is selected.
- Click Next to proceed with the installation.
Step 6: Complete the Installation
The installation process will begin, and your computer may restart multiple times.
- Monitor the installation progress; it can take some time to complete.
- Once finished, your PC will boot up to the desktop with a repaired Windows environment, keeping all your files and applications intact.
Extra Tips & Common Issues
Before starting the repair process, it is advisable to back up your data in case of unexpected issues. Here are a few additional tips:
- Make sure to have a stable internet connection throughout the process to ensure all updates are downloaded successfully.
- If the installation fails, consider checking your hardware for issues or performing a full reset as a last resort.
- Be patient; the process can take some time, depending on your system specifications.
Common issues during installation often include broken Windows updates, but these should be resolved by this repair process.
In summation, this guide has walked you through repairing Windows 11 without data or program loss through an in-place upgrade. This approach not only saves time but also minimizes the stress of starting over.