What's Actually Going On?

  • Symptom: Windows feels broken, slow, or full of errors.
  • Solution: Use the built-in Reset feature to reinstall Windows while keeping your files.
  • Risk level: Medium → apps are removed, files preserved.
While files are indeed preserved, it's crucial to understand that the Reset process will remove all installed applications and settings. This means that while your personal documents, photos, and other files will remain intact, you will need to reinstall any software you were using and reconfigure your settings after the reset is complete. In my opinion, this is a great option for users who want to refresh their system without the hassle of a full clean install, but it's essential to be prepared for the post-reset setup process. I would recommend doing the full Re-install of Windows if you want a completely fresh start, but the Reset option is a solid middle ground for those who want to keep their files without going through the full reinstallation process. A small note: I have had it confirmed (naturally undocumented, apologies) from Microsoft Support once, that if you experience problems with your PC over and over, even after a Windows Reinstall, it could very well be the install media files themselves that are corrupted and causing the issues AFTER reinstallation, so that a Reset or Reinstall won't fix the issue. In such cases, it's advisable to try using different installation media or seek further assistance from Microsoft Support to resolve the underlying problem. As the default Windows Reset option uses Windows files from your current installation, if those files are corrupted, it could lead to a failed reset or persistent issues after the reset. In such cases, using a clean installation media for a full reinstall might be necessary to ensure a fresh start without carrying over any corrupted files. Enough talk, let's get to the actual steps.

Step 1: Open Reset Options

  • Settings → System → Recovery → Reset PC → Keep my files
  • Follow prompts → choose cloud download or local reinstall

Step 2: Review Apps List

  • Windows will show apps that will be removed → note anything important.

Step 3: Start Reset

  • PC will restart several times → don't panic.

What You Should Not Do

  • Skip backing up important files - better safe than sorry
  • Interrupt reset - can corrupt Windows
  • Ignore app removal list - you may lose software configs

Final Thoughts

  • Resetting Windows is safe if done properly.
  • Always back up essential files, even if Windows promises "keep my files".