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The Daily Insight

How do you clean install Windows 10 and keep files?

Author

Ava Robinson

Updated on March 12, 2026

Click on “Update & Security.†In the left pane, select “Recovery.†Under“Reset this PC,†click “Get started.†Choose the "Keep my files" option in the popup message.

Consequently, how do you clean install Windows 10 without losing files?

Solution 1. Reset computer to clean install Windows 10 for Windows 10 users

  1. Go to "Settings" and click "Update & Recovery".
  2. Click "Recovery", tap "Get Started" under Reset This PC.
  3. Choose "Remove everything" and then choose to "Remove files and clean the drive" to clean reset PC.
  4. Finally, click "Reset".

Also Know, can I reinstall Windows 10 and keep my programs and files? Yes, there's a way. Although it sounds odd, the solution is to upgrade Windows, using the same edition that's already installed and choosing the option to keep files, apps, and settings. After a couple restarts, you'll have a refreshed installation of Windows 10, with your desktop programs, apps, and settings intact.

Also to know is, will a clean install of Windows 10 delete my files?

Remember, a clean install of Windows will erase everything from the drive that Windows is installed on. When we say everything, we mean everything. You'll need to back up anything you want to save before you begin this process! You can back up your files online or use an offline backup tool.

Can I reinstall Windows without losing files?

It's possible to do an in-place, nondestructive reinstall of Windows, which will restore all your system files to pristine condition without damaging any of your personal data or installed programs. All you'll need is a Windows install DVD and your Windows CD key.

Related Question Answers

How do I upgrade to Windows 10 without losing files?

The easiest way to do it is by using Zinstall to restore everything automatically from your backup. Or, you can manually copy files from your backup to the new Windows 10, and install any programs that are missing.

Will I lose my files if I upgrade to Windows 10?

Once the upgrade is complete, Windows 10 will be free forever on that device. Applications, files, and settings will migrate as part of the upgrade. Microsoft does warn, however, that some applications or settings “may not migrate,” so make sure to back up anything you can't afford to lose.

How do I restore windows 10 without a disk?

Hold down the shift key on your keyboard while clicking the Power button on the screen. Keep holding down the shift key while clicking Restart. Keep holding down the shift key until the Advanced Recovery Options menu loads. Click Troubleshoot.

Do all drives get formatted when I install new windows?

The drive that you choose to install Windows to will be the one that gets formatted. Every other drive should be safe.

Does windows 10 have a repair tool?

Answer: Yes, Windows 10 does have a built-in repair tool that helps you troubleshoot typical PC issues.

Does installing Windows 11 delete everything?

As long as you select Keep personal files and apps during Windows Setup, you shouldn't lose anything.

Will all my files be deleted when I install Windows 11?

Moreover, your files and apps won't be deleted, and your license will remain intact. In case you want to roll back to Windows 10 from Windows 11, you can do that as well. For Windows 10 users who want to install Windows 11, you first need to join the Windows Insider Program.

How do I completely reinstall Windows?

The simplest way to reinstall Windows 10 is through Windows itself. Click 'Start > Settings > Update & security > Recovery' and then choose 'Get started' under 'Reset this PC'. A full reinstall wipes your entire drive, so select 'Remove everything' to ensure a clean reinstall is performed.

How do I wipe my hard drive clean and reinstall Windows?

To reset your PC
  1. Swipe in from the right edge of the screen, tap Settings, and then tap Change PC settings.
  2. Tap or click Update and recovery, and then tap or click Recovery.
  3. Under Remove everything and reinstall Windows, tap or click Get started.
  4. Follow the instructions on the screen.

How do I repair Windows 10 without losing data and apps?

A repair upgrade is the process of installing Windows 10 over the existing installation of Windows 10 on your hard disk, using your installation DVD or ISO file. Performing this can repair broken operating system files while preserving your personal files, settings and installed applications.

Will reset Windows 10 delete my files in other drives?

Resetting your PC reinstalls Windows but deletes your files, settings, and apps—except for the apps that came with your PC. You will lose your files if you have installed Windows 8.1 Operating System on D drive. If you haven't installed the Operating System on D drive, then you will not lose any files in D: drive.

What happens when you reset your PC and keep files?

Using Reset This PC with the Keep My Files option will essentially perform a fresh install of Windows 10 while keeping all your data intact. More specifically, when you choose this option from the Recovery Drive, it will find and back up all your data, settings, and apps.

Can I reset my PC without losing everything?

If you select “Keep my files”, Windows will reset Windows to its default state, removing your installed applications and settings but keeping your personal files. If you just want a fresh Windows system, select “Keep my files” to reset Windows without deleting your personal files.

What files does Windows 10 reset?

This reset option will reinstall Windows 10 and keeps your personal files, such as photos, music, videos or personal files. However, it will remove apps and drivers you installed, and also removes the changes you made to the settings.

When should you reinstall Windows?

If your Windows system has slowed down and isn't speeding up no matter how many programs you uninstall, you should consider reinstalling Windows. Reinstalling Windows may often be a faster way to get rid of malware and fix other system issues than actually troubleshooting and repairing the specific problem.

Will System Restore delete my files?

Although System Restore can change all your system files, Windows updates and programs, it will not remove/delete or modify any of your personal files like your photos, documents, music, videos, emails stored on your hard drive.

How do I restore my apps but keep Windows 10?

How to Refresh Windows 10 Without Losing Programs?
  1. Step 1: Click Update & security on the Settings page to continue.
  2. Step 2: Click Recovery and click Get Started on the right to continue.
  3. Step 3: Choose Keep my files to reset your PC.
  4. Step 4: Read the subsequent messages and click Reset.

What is considered personal files on Windows 10?

Personal files includes documents, photos and videos. If you saved these kind of files in D:, it will be considered as personal files. If you choose to reset your PC and keep your files, it will: Reinstall Windows 10 and keeps your personal files.

What is the difference between cloud download and local reinstall?

Cloud download is the new features of Windows 10 that directly gets a fresh copy of Windows from the Microsoft server instead of using the local files that are in your machine. If you have bad or corrupted system files, Cloud download is a good choice in resetting your PC.

Does reinstalling Windows delete drivers?

Does reinstalling Windows remove drivers? A clean install erases the hard disk, which means, yes, you would need to reinstall all your hardware drivers.