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Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
You can reinstall Windows without losing personal data, but the right method depends on whether Windows still starts and whether you need to keep apps and settings too. Before any reinstall or reset, back up important files somewhere separate. Then choose carefully: “Keep my files” preserves personal files but removes apps and settings; other options can keep more—or erase everything.
Choose the reinstall method that preserves what you need
Start with two questions: does Windows still start, and do you need to preserve installed apps and settings as well as personal files? Microsoft documents several routes, and their keep options are not interchangeable.
| Situation | Route | What it preserves |
|---|---|---|
| Windows 11 starts and you want to repair current system files or components | Settings → System → Recovery → “Fix problems using Windows Update” → “Reinstall now” | Reinstalls the same current Windows version while keeping files, apps, and settings. Availability depends on Windows version and configuration. Keep the PC connected to power and the internet. Microsoft’s Windows Update repair instructions |
| Windows starts and you want to reinstall from installation media while retaining as much as possible | Open the media in File Explorer, run setup.exe, then select “Keep personal files and apps” |
Retains personal files, apps, and settings. “Keep personal files only” removes apps and settings; “Keep nothing” removes personal files, apps, and settings. Microsoft’s installation-media instructions |
| Windows starts and you want a reset but need personal files | Settings → System → Recovery → Reset this PC → “Keep my files” | Personal files remain, but apps and settings are removed. Choose Cloud download or Local reinstall. Microsoft’s Reset this PC instructions |
| Windows will not start, but recovery tools are available | Enter Windows Recovery Environment (Windows RE) → Troubleshoot → Reset this PC | Choose the keep/remove option that matches your needs. For an encrypted device, have its BitLocker recovery key ready. Microsoft’s recovery options overview |
| You need a clean installation, or malware is suspected and less disruptive options are unsuitable | Boot from installation media and follow the clean-install steps | Destructive: a clean installation removes files, apps, and settings. Back up anything you need first. Microsoft’s installation-media instructions |
| You are restoring the device with manufacturer recovery media | Boot from the Recovery Drive and choose “Recover from a drive” | Removes files and settings; the Recovery Drive does not contain your personal files. Microsoft’s Recovery Drive guidance |
If you are unsure, avoid options labeled “Keep nothing,” clean installation, or “Recover from a drive” until you have verified your backup.
Back up and check these items first
- Make a separate backup. Copy important files to an external hard drive, USB flash drive, or cloud storage, then verify that you can open the copied files. Microsoft recommends backing up before reinstalling or resetting. Installation-media guidance and Reset guidance
- Keep backup and recovery media distinct where possible. Creating a Recovery Drive erases the USB drive used, and that drive does not include personal files. Microsoft’s Recovery Drive guidance
- Find your BitLocker recovery key. If the drive is encrypted, Windows RE may require the key to complete a reset. Microsoft’s Reset this PC instructions
- Check your Windows edition and license. Find the installed edition at Settings → System → About, and install the edition that matches your digital license. Activation usually occurs automatically after the PC goes online. Linking the digital license to your Microsoft account before reinstalling can help; significant hardware changes, such as replacing the motherboard, may affect activation. Microsoft’s installation-media instructions
- For a Windows Update repair reinstall, connect power and internet. Keep both connected throughout the procedure. Microsoft’s Windows Update repair instructions
- For manufacturer recovery media, check the PC maker’s instructions. An OEM recovery image may include device-specific drivers and factory apps that generic Microsoft media may not. Microsoft’s recovery options overview
- If you use a work or school PC, contact IT. Organization policies or recovery setup may affect the available options. Microsoft’s recovery options overview
Reinstall Windows 11 through Windows Update and keep apps and files
This repair option reinstalls the current version of Windows 11 while preserving files, installed apps, and settings. Microsoft’s recovery overview identifies it for Windows 11, version 22H2 or later; the option may not appear on every device or configuration. Microsoft’s recovery options overview
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1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteSpecial offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
#1 Best Overall
Sale
LAPGEAR Home Office Pro Lap Desk - Black Carbon, Fits 15.6” Laptops
- Spacious Design: Measuring 21.1" wide and 14.1" deep, our lap desk comfortably fits most laptops up to 15.6". Extra room for accessories ensures convenience.
- Enhanced Functionality: Packed with handy features, including a 5x9" precision tracking mouse pad and a built-in phone slot for seamless work or video calls. Plus, enjoy ergonomic support with the integrated cushioned wrist rest.
- Cool Comfort: Enjoy a stable surface with our lap desk's dual bolster cushion, designed for comfort and airflow, keeping your lap cool during extended use.
- Durable Surface: Work with confidence on our lap desk's solid surface, featuring a sleek black carbon color, ensuring optimal air circulation to prevent your laptop from overheating.
- On-the-Go Convenience: With an integrated handle and lightweight design (2.8 lbs), our lap desk is portable for travel or moving around the house, offering flexibility in any space.
- 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 Windows completes the repair reinstall.
If the option is unavailable, use another suitable route in the table. Do not assume this Windows 11 repair option is available on Windows 10.
Use installation media without booting from it
Running Setup while signed in to Windows is different from starting the PC by booting from the installation media. The in-place route offers keep choices; booting from the media for a clean installation is destructive.
Rank #2
Anker USB C Hub, 5-in-1 USBC to HDMI Splitter with 4K Display
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
- Back up important files and create or obtain Windows installation media. Microsoft’s installation-media creation guide explains how to create it; the USB drive used to make the media is for installation, not a personal-data backup.
- While signed in to Windows, open the media in File Explorer and run
setup.exe. Do not boot the PC from the USB if your goal is the in-place keep-files route. - When Setup asks what to keep, choose Keep personal files and apps to preserve personal data, apps, and settings. Choose Keep personal files only if you accept that apps and settings will be removed. Keep nothing removes personal files, apps, and settings.
- Review the selection before continuing. If the choice shown does not match what you want to preserve, stop and go back rather than proceeding.
For a clean installation, boot from the media and follow Microsoft’s clean-install steps only after backing up anything you need. That route removes the existing files, apps, and settings. Microsoft’s reinstall instructions
Reset this PC while keeping personal files
“Keep my files” is not an all-preserving reinstall. It keeps personal files but removes apps and settings. Choose it when you want a reset and accept that programs and configuration will need to be restored. Microsoft’s Reset this PC instructions
Recommended: Update Every Outdated Driver on Your PC in One Scan - Free →Recommended: PC Feels Slow? A Free Scan Shows What's Dragging Windows Down →Recommended: Crashes or Glitches? A Free Driver Scan Usually Finds the Culprit →
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Rank #3
Sale
Yilador Webcam Cover 3 Pack, 0.03 inch Ultra Thin Laptop Camera Cover Slide
- Note: Not suitable for MacBooks released after 2023 or devices with a protruding front camera; Not applicable to full-screen or notch-style tempered glass screen protectors; Do not use on the rear camera of the phone.
- 💻 Why Do You Need a Webcam Cover Slide? — Safeguard your privacy by covering your webcam with our reliable webcam cover when not in use. Don't let anyone secretly watch you. Stay protected!
- ✅ Thin & Stylish — Enhance your laptop's functionality and aesthetics with our 0.027" ultra-thin webcam covers. Seamlessly close your laptop while adding a touch of sophistication.
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- ✅ 365 Days Protection — Our upgraded 3.0 adhesive ensures a strong hold that won't damage your equipment. Experience reliable, long-term privacy protection day in and day out.
- In Windows, open Settings → System → Recovery and select Reset this PC. If Windows will not start but recovery tools are available, open Windows RE and select Troubleshoot → Reset this PC.
- Select Keep my files, then choose Cloud download or Local reinstall. Cloud download obtains a fresh copy of Windows; Local reinstall uses files already on the PC. Microsoft notes that Local reinstall may be faster on a slow connection but may not include the latest updates.
- Review the listed changes and proceed only if they match your plan. Keep the BitLocker recovery key available if encryption is enabled.
- Let the reset finish. Microsoft warns that the display can occasionally remain black for upwards of 15 minutes during a reset; do not force a restart just because the screen is black, as interrupting the process can cause reset failure. Microsoft’s Reset this PC instructions
Why Windows.old is not a backup
Do not rely on Windows.old to undo a choice or recover missing files. Microsoft says some files may be temporarily available there for 10 days after certain upgrade scenarios, but that is not guaranteed recovery: Reset this PC does not create the folder, and a fresh installation from booted media can format the drive and lose its contents. The “Keep nothing” choice during an upgrade has a different, limited Windows.old scenario. Make and verify a separate backup instead. Microsoft’s Windows.old guidance
Windows 10 support status
Windows 10 support ended on October 14, 2025. Microsoft says that after that date it no longer provides free Windows Update software updates, technical assistance, or security fixes for Windows 10. Reinstalling Windows 10 does not restore that support. Microsoft’s Windows 10 support notice
Quick Recap
Bestseller No. 2
Best Value
Sale
LAPGEAR Home Office Lap Desk – Pink, Fits 15.6” Laptops
- Spacious Design: Measuring 21.1" wide and 12" deep, our lap desk comfortably fits most laptops up to 15.6". Extra room for accessories ensures convenience.
- Enhanced Functionality: Packed with handy features, including a 5x9" precision tracking mouse pad and a built-in phone slot for seamless work or video calls. Plus, enjoy laptop support with the integrated device ledge.
- Cool Comfort: Enjoy a stable surface with our lap desk's dual bolster cushion, designed for comfort and airflow, keeping your lap cool during extended use.
- Durable Surface: Work with confidence on our lap desk's solid surface, featuring a blush pink color, ensuring optimal air circulation to prevent your laptop from overheating.
- On-the-Go Convenience: With an integrated handle and lightweight design (2.14 lbs), our lap desk is portable for travel or moving around the house, offering flexibility in any space.
Rank #4
AboveTEK Portable Laptop Lap Desk w/Retractable Left/Right Mouse Pad Tray, Non-Slip Heat Shield Tablet Notebook Computer Stand Table w/Sturdy Stable Work Surface for Bed Sofa Couch or Travel
- Anti-Slip Surface - Transform your laptop into a mobile workstation with the AboveTEK portable laptop lap desk. The anti-slip surface provides a strong grip for laptops up to 15.6 inches(Diagonal), while the double rubber strip on the bottom ensures a stable display or typing experience on your lap, couch, or bed.
- Retractable Mouse Pad - Retractable laptop mouse pad extends on both directions for the left/right handed with elevation along the edges for stopping mouse from falling off. The size of laptop tray is 14" X 9.7" and the size of mouse pad is 7.4" X 6.1".
- Effective Heat Shield - The effective heat shield made of sturdy and thick material protects your laptop from overheating. Prioritizes your comfort and safety, an ideal lap pad or board for working anywhere.
- EASY to Carry and Store - With an ergonomic and simplistic design, the lap desk is portable to store in a backpack. Only 15" in size, 2.2 lb of weight and with slim 0.6 inch thickness, it is ready to be easily carried around.
- Widely Applicable - The smooth platform accommodates laptops and tablets up to 15.6 inches(Diagonal), making it a versatile accessory and one of the best gifts for mom, dad, students and professionals. Perfect for use as a laptop bed tray or tablet holder anywhere at home, library, or park.
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