How to Perform a Windows 10 Repair Install Using Three Different Methods

What Is a Repair Install of Windows

Repair installation of Windows on any PC system is an optional feature in many operating systems. It disables Windows' automatic updating functionality. While this might seem like discarding the core of Windows, it's actually the primary and most effective method to activate Windows' repair capabilities. A repair install of Windows 10 is designed to repair system files.

How to Perform a Windows 10 Repair Install

Occasionally, a Windows 10 system may begin to malfunction, fail to load, or perhaps it boots up but encounters frequent crashes, necessitating repairs. These issues often lead to deteriorating performance or stability and can result in damage, loss, or corruption of Windows 10 system files located within the C:\Windows folder structure. In such instances, users might attempt the following solutions to perform a Windows 10 Repair Install:

The process is relatively simple. However, before you start, make sure you have fulfilled the following requirements. Ensure that you have at least 9 GB of free space on your hard drive (on the Windows drive). Have the installation media prepared: you can use either a USB drive or an ISO file for this purpose; the installation media should also be in the same language as the existing Windows 10 setup.

Method 1: Repair Install Windows 10 Using an ISO File

To begin the installation process, you'll need to download the Windows 10 ISO files from Microsoft's official website and save them to your preferred location.

Step 1. First, open Windows Explorer and navigate to the folder where you saved the 'Windows.iso' file.

Step 2. Double-click the ISO file to mount it in Explorer. (Alternatively, right-click the ISO file and select Mount.)

Step 3. On the mounted drive, double-click the setup.exe application.

Step 4. Click "Yes" at the UAC warning message, then click "Next" to proceed with the installation of Windows 10.

Step 5. Now accept the license terms and wait while Windows checks for updates.

Step 6. On the 'Ready to Install' screen, make sure the option 'Keep personal files and apps' is selected, then click on 'Install' or 'Repair/Upgrade Windows 10'.

Step 7. Lastly, wait for the Windows 10 upgrade/repair process to finish.

Method 2: Perform a Repair Installation of Windows 10 using the Media Creation Tool

To repair or install Windows 10 using the Media Creation Tool, let's start by downloading the latest version of Windows 10 in an ISO file through the Media Creation Tool (MCT). Here's how: 1. Visit the official Microsoft website or click on the provided link to access the Media Creation Tool. 2. Download and run the Media Creation Tool. 3. Accept the terms and conditions if prompted. 4. In the tool, select the option to "Upgrade this PC now" or "Create installation media for another PC," depending on your purpose. For a clean installation, choose the latter. 5. Choose the language, edition, and architecture you want for Windows 10. 6. Select the option to create an ISO file and click "Next." 7. Choose the location where you want to save the downloaded ISO file and click "Save." 8. The tool will then download the Windows 10 ISO image. This process may take some time depending on your internet speed. 9. Once the download is complete, locate the ISO file and proceed with either repairing your current installation or installing Windows 10 on a different PC. For repairing your existing Windows 10 installation: - Mount the ISO file or burn it to a DVD. - Boot from the mounted ISO or DVD. - Follow the on-screen instructions to perform a repair installation, keeping your personal files and apps intact. For a clean installation on a different PC: - Boot from the ISO file or DVD. - Follow the on-screen instructions to format the desired drive and install a fresh copy of Windows 10. Note that this will erase all data on the selected drive. Remember to backup any important data before proceeding with these steps.

Step 1. Visit the Windows 10 download website.

Step 2. Download the Windows Media Creation Tool (MCT) on your PC/computer.

Step 3. Run the Media Creation Tool (MediaCreationTool.exe) once the download is complete.

Step 4. Accept the license agreement.

Step 5. Select the option to Create installation media for another PC and click Next.

Step 6. On the next screen, choose Next.

Note: There is no need to make any changes here. MCT already selected the appropriate version and edition for the current computer.

Step 7. At 'Choose which media to use ISO file' and click Next. This step translates to: "At the 'Choose which media to use ISO file' stage, click Next."

Step 8. Choose a location to save the (Windows.iso) file and then save it.

Step 9. Now, wait for the download to complete. Once it's finished, click Finish and proceed to the next step.

Method 3: Repair Install Windows 10 using USB Installation Media

Firstly, ensure that you have a stable internet connection. Next, prepare an empty or new USB flash drive with a minimum capacity of 4 GB for a 32-bit installation or 8 GB for a 64-bit installation. If you use a USB drive with existing data, be aware that the data may be lost during the process.

(The process does not remove personal data/files from your account, so there is no need to worry.)

Step 1. Download the Windows 10 ISO.

Step 2. Create a Bootable USB or DVD Drive: Download the ISO image, enter your computer/PC's BIOS or UEFI, and set the USB drive as the primary boot device, followed by the hard disk. You can use Rufus for this purpose, as it can also download the ISO file directly.

Step 3. Now boot from the media and select (Repair your computer.)

When you boot from the USB, it will initiate the Windows 10 installation process. Avoid clicking 'Next' to prevent starting the installation. On the initial setup screen, look for the option that says "Repair your computer." Click on that link. This will引导你的电脑/计算机进入高级恢复模式.

Step 4. Under Advanced troubleshooting, click on 'Advanced Options'. Next, select 'Troubleshoot'. On the Advanced options screen, locate the 'Startup Repair' option. Click on it and follow the on-screen instructions.

This solution will resolve the issues preventing you from booting into your PC. The subsequent screen will display the administrator account along with its name. Select it and confirm using the account password.

Upon verification, it will commence diagnosing the PC/computer and rectify any issues pertaining to the boot process. This article is designed to assist you if this step fails and you find yourself unable to progress past the PC analysis screen.

Once the issue is resolved, the computer/PC should restart and become usable.

Backup Windows 10 to Safeguard All Its Contents

Creating a system image of your computer is crucial for data security. Without a backup plan, you might face significant difficulties if your system crashes or you fall victim to a ransomware attack. Thankfully, there are multiple options to back up your Windows 10 system and files, such as using the built-in Backup and Restore feature or an intuitive backup tool like Todo Backup Home.

Backup to create more versatile backups with additional functionalities. If you wish to easily and promptly /Repair your computer or PC without sacrificing your stored personal data and installed applications, consider creating a system image backup in Windows 10/11 using the free backup software, Todo Backup Home. It is crucial to ensure that you have an up-to-date backup to restore your data in case of any disaster. Here are the standout features of this backup software: 1. **System Image Backup**: Todo Backup Home enables you to create a complete snapshot of your system, including the operating system, applications, settings, and files, allowing for a full system recovery. 2. **Data Protection**: It safeguards your personal files, documents, photos, and other important data from accidental deletion, corruption, or hardware failures. 3. **Scheduled Backup**: Set up automatic backups at specific intervals (daily, weekly, or monthly) to keep your data consistently protected. 4. **Incremental and Differential Backup**: Todo Backup Home optimizes storage space by only backing up the changes made since the last backup, reducing the time and resources needed for subsequent backups. 5. **Disk and Partition Backup**: You can back up individual disks or partitions, providing more flexibility in managing your backups. 6. **Bootable Media Builder**: Create a bootable rescue CD/DVD or USB drive to recover your system even if it won't start. 7. **File Sync**: Synchronize important files across multiple devices or to cloud storage for seamless access and protection. 8. **Data Restoration**: The software offers a user-friendly interface for easy and accurate data recovery when needed. 9. **Email Notification**: Receive email notifications upon completion of backup tasks for peace of mind. 10. **Compatibility**: Works seamlessly with both Windows 10 and Windows 11, ensuring compatibility with the latest operating systems. By utilizing Todo Backup Home, you can ensure the safety and accessibility of your data while enjoying the benefits of its advanced features.

• Supports backup of files, systems, Outlook emails, partitions, etc.
• Can automatically backup files to an external hard drive.
• Supports schedule backup.
• Creates 3 Types of Backup methods: full backup, Incremental and differential backup.

Here are the simple steps for you to back up your system with Todo Backup Home:

Step 1. Launch Todo Backup tool and choose "Create Backup" on the homepage, then click "Select backup contents".

Step 2. Click "OS" among the four available categories to begin the backup process.

Step 3. The system partition will be selected automatically, you just need to choose the location.

Step 4. Local Drive, Cloud, and NAS are available options for saving the backup file. You can also connect an external hard drive to store the system backup files.

Step 5. You can customize the settings in "Options" at the bottom left corner. After that, click "Backup Now", and the process will commence.

*Upon completing the backup process, you can check the backup status, recover, open, or delete the backup by right-clicking the backup task on the left.

The Bottom Line

Do you know how to perform a Windows 10 repair install now? Indeed, it is possible to repair and install Windows 10 without losing data by utilizing the three methods mentioned above, which can resolve system issues your computer might be experiencing. However, these methods can be somewhat technical. Restoring files from a backup is a simpler and more convenient solution for addressing Windows problems.

Todo Backup Home provides the necessary tools to prevent unforeseen issues such as system crashes, disk failures, computer viruses, etc. It enables users to back up their System and Hard Drive to Cloud Drive, safeguard crucial data from ransomware, offer a comprehensive backup and restoration solution, and clone, upgrade, or transfer their system.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I boot Windows into Safe Mode?

Windows enables you to "force" Windows 10 into repair mode through its settings menu: Windows Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update > Windows Defender. If this option is not enabled by default, your system will only repair itself when you address the issues outlined in the first two sections.

Alternatively, you can fully shut down your PC by right-clicking the Start button and selecting "Shut Down": Windows Settings > Power Options > Power Options > Turn Off.

2. Does Windows 10 have a repair feature?

Yes, the "Repair a computer" or "Restore a computer" feature does exist.

To utilize this feature, please follow these steps:

Download the Windows 10 Update Assistant application, launch it, and then tap on the Settings icon located in the top-right corner of the screen. Next, choose the System option.

Next, choose Update & Security > Windows Update.

Then click the "Update Now" button in the bottom-left corner of the app's main window.

Windows 10’s Repair a computer feature looks like a repair utility: You fix your PC and then return to the login prompt.

However, Windows 10 does not have a repair tool like you might find on many Windows PCs due to a security feature called password lock. (Windows 10's repair utility is akin to the Windows 10 Update Assistant.)

3. Which command do I use to repair Windows?

It's effortless to repair Windows 10 using the Command Prompt with the SFC (System File Checker) command.

Step 1. Open Command Prompt.

Step 2. Type "SFC /scannow" in the Command Prompt and press the Enter key. Utilize the SFC command.

Step 3. Wait until the scan is complete.

4. What is System Repair Mode?

The System Recovery Options menu comprises various tools, such as Startup Repair, which aids in recovering Windows from a severe error. This collection of tools is available on your PC or computer's hard disk as well as the Windows installation disc.