If Windows is showing Reinstall now or a repair/reinstall message, use the built-in reinstall process first. This is commonly used to repair Windows and can keep files and apps.
- Open Settings.
- Go to System > Recovery.
- In Fix problems with Windows Updates, select Reinstall now.
- Wait for the process to finish. The PC may restart several times.
If that option is not available, reinstall Windows with installation media:
- Create Windows installation media.
- Connect the USB or DVD to the PC.
- Open File Explorer and open the installation media drive.
- Run setup.exe.
- Select Change what to keep.
- Choose Keep personal files and apps to keep data, apps, and settings.
- Select Install.
Important points:
- Back up important files before reinstalling Windows.
- Make sure the Windows edition being reinstalled matches the current license, such as Home or Pro.
- Windows usually activates automatically after going online.
- If the device had a significant hardware change, Windows may need reactivation.
If the goal is only to fix Windows without deleting everything, use the option that keeps personal files and apps, not a clean install.
- Reinstall Windows with the installation media
- Reinstall Windows with the installation media
- Reinstall Windows with the installation media
- Windows Update tells me to reinstall windows - Microsoft Q&A
- I get a pop-up saying 'microsoft windows operating system has stopped working'- what should I do? - Microsoft Q&A