Windows 8 "refresh" removed applications

Anonymous

Why did Windows 8 "Refresh" remove about 30 applcations from my PC? Outlook is gone, as is Excel and Word. I did a upgrade from 7 on one of my PC's and the new system had not even been operating long enough to create a "Restore" point.

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Anonymous

Hi Rodgerr,

I can imagine how frustrating it could be when most of the applications have been removed on the computer.

Since, you have refreshed the PC; all the applications installed will be removed.

The apps that came with your PC or you installed from Windows Store will be reinstalled, but any apps you installed from other websites and DVDs will be removed. You'll find a list of the removed apps on your desktop after refreshing your PC.

Refer: http://windows.microsoft.com/en-IN/windows-8/restore-refresh-reset-pc

I would recommend you to reinstall all the applications on windows 8 to work.

Let us know the status.

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65 additional answers

Anonymous

2013-05-04T16:30:14+00:00

So, after starting my machine after weeks of not using it, Windows 8 did some updates and kept crashing on start up. I got that newer blue screen of death 'Your PC ran into problems and needs to restart' one. The error seemed to be a driver of sort.

After a few of these, Windows offered me the option to 'Refresh' my machine. I read it as it wont change my files just the Windows ones. I followed the instructions.

So I was surprised too when all my apps were missing but didn't gain any hard drive space back. I researched online and that's were I came across this thread. It's only when I clicked on the links in this thread and taken to the Microsoft page explaining what happens when you do this that I realised your applications will be lost.

So I want to point out to @Gordon B-P, that it may be clear on the the support page but if you weren't looking at the support pages because Windows gave up this option after it kept rebooting then a clear warning would have been helpful. It could have been much clearer.
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Anonymous

2013-04-12T07:11:07+00:00

Yeah, right.

Don't take your IGNORANCE and failure to UNDERSTAND out on the rest of us.

Programs have been alternately called "programs" and "APPLICATIONS" (Apps - get it now?) for many many years.
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@CmdrKeene 90,631 Reputation points Volunteer Moderator

2013-04-12T01:55:53+00:00

The Refresh will remove any installed programs. After the refresh, it will re-download and automatically install any apps you got from the Windows Store, but not desktop apps. A list of those are placed in a file on your desktop for reference, and you'll have to reinstall them from their disc or download.

You are prompted to confirm this when you begin a refresh or restore operation. The difference between a Refresh and a Restore:

Refresh: Erase the drive, reinstall Windows, restore personal settings and Store apps

Restore: Erase the drive, and only reinstall Windows.
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Anonymous

2013-04-12T00:51:20+00:00

Never in my wildest dreams would I presume APPS meant PROGRAMS - you pompous ****. Apps are Apps, downloaded from the App store. Programs are Programs purchased and installed. Nowhere does it mention ANYTHING about PROGRAMS............

You might want to find an APP that gives you some kindness or compassion. People come here for help - not to be belittled by a cold-hearted SOB like you. Do us all a favor, sign off and go kick yourself.....
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