How to Reinstall Windows 10 Without Losing Files

Introduction

One concern that most Windows users have is losing their files when reinstalling the system. While this is a legitimate worry, it's not something to be overly concerned about. Windows offers a built-in feature that allows you to reinstall the operating system while keeping your files safe. Additionally, you can use third-party software for backup and recovery, ensuring that your data remains accessible even if issues arise.

The post explains both methods and helps you understand the importance of using a dedicated software to backup your files and apps.

Quick solution:

How to Reinstall Windows 10 Without Losing Data (2 Quick Ways)
Backup and Restore Data with Todo PCTrans Tool

How to Reinstall Windows 10 Without Losing Data (2 Quick Ways)

There are two quick ways to reinstall Windows 10. Both features are built into the operating system, so you won't need any third-party software.

Fix 1: Use the "Reset this PC" feature

Step 1: Click the "Start" button, then click the "Settings" icon. Go to "Update & Security" settings and find the "Recovery" section.

Step 2: In the Recovery options, you have two choices – “Reset this PC” and “Advanced startup”. Click the “Get started” button under “Reset this PC.”

Step 3: In the Reset Wizard, you'll see two options – “Keep my files” and “Remove everything.” Choose the former. On the next screen, you'll be asked whether you want to download and install Windows or reinstall it from this device. Choose the latter, then follow the wizard through to reinstall Windows.

While Reset This PC does work and save your files, it uninstalls apps, programs, and drivers. Reinstalling everything takes ages. You're better off using a tool like Todo PCTrans for backups and restoration.

How to Reinstall Windows 10 Without Losing Programs [Easy Ways]

This guide will help users reinstall Windows 10 without losing programs with various methods.

Fix 2: Apply the Classic Start Menu

Step one: Hit the Windows key, then go to Settings > Update & Security > Recovery. There, click the “Restart now” button under Advanced startup.

Step 2: It will prompt you to restart, then boot into the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) or Advanced Boot Options menu. Among the blue screen options, one should say “Troubleshoot.” Click it.

Step 3: Finally, you'll see the “Reset this PC” option. Click it, choose “Keep my files,” then click “Next” > “Reset” > “Continue.” Your computer will restart, and Windows will begin reinstalling itself.

Note: This is the same as Method 1, except that it protects your files, but not your applications, drivers, or programs, which you will have to reinstall. If you want to save time, you can use a tool like Todo PCTrans to back everything up and restore it.

Using Todo PCTrans to Backup and Restore Data

Todo PCTrans is a professional data migration tool that offers a one-click PC transfer feature to move files, applications, and user accounts from one computer to another. The transfer takes place directly between computers, either by using another disk or creating a full image of the system disk. It can also recover data from unbootable or improperly functioning computers, which means there's still hope if your PC suddenly stops working.

You can use either scenario.

• Back up files to prevent loss.
• Back up and restore to avoid re-installing apps and programs.

Backup file

The software has a dedicated “Backup and Restore” section where you can choose to back up files only. While the default options are pre-checked, you can edit and choose which ones to include. The backup will be saved to an external drive. You can back up all your programs, settings, and data for free.

Upon completion of the upgrade, if you find any missing files, you can always use the backup method to restore them. You can choose to do a full restore or a partial one, by simply selecting the needed files from the backup.

The backup files can only be viewed through the Todo PCTrans tool, so they're safe from prying eyes.

Backup and Restore program

This option also allows you to back up apps, user accounts, and files. The major advantage of using this method is that it saves a lot of time, and it's free. You won't have to reinstall apps from scratch. When you restore your apps, you won't even need to reactivate them with keys. It will transfer all settings, customizations, and activation states to the upgraded OS.

Step 1: Create an image of the installed application

1. Run Todo PCTrans on your computer, go to “Backup & Restore,” and click “Start” to proceed.

2. In the Backup Method window, choose Data Backup then click Next to proceed.

Select Data Backup

3. Click “Browse” to choose a location to save the backup file.

4. Under “Applications,” select the app that you want to back up.

Select the apps to transfer

5. Tap Backup to start creating a backup image of the selected app. When it's done, proceed to Step 2.

Step 2: Restore the app from the backup file you just created.

Note: If the app is already on your computer, this will not restore the app image to your computer. You'll need to uninstall the existing app first, then try these steps again.

1. Insert the hard drive that contains the backup file, and then open the PCTransImage folder.

Double-click the backup file to automatically launch the Todo PCTrans interface.

Choose the backup program

2. On the Applications tab, check the programs and apps you want to restore from the image, then click Restore.

The process for backing up your files and apps is similar, and you'll just need to choose the right option. Launch the app, navigate to "Backup and Restore," and select "Data Backup" before you upgrade. Choose your apps and files, and you're set. Once Windows 10 finishes installing, you can use the "Data Restore" function to get everything back.

During the restore process, you can choose to restore everything or just certain items. The migration settings also let you skip system files and folders, and handle duplicates as they appear.

Conclusions

It's very important to back up before you upgrade. You can back up your files, your apps, or both. The Windows upgrade process takes care of backing up your personal files, but not your apps. So if anything goes wrong, you'll have to reinstall everything.

This is why using a dedicated tool, such as the one provided by Todo PCTrans, to transfer data makes more sense. It's safer, quicker to restore, and file integrity is preserved, and so on.