Step-by-Step Guide to Perform Windows 10 Repair Upgrade

When your Windows 10 system starts exhibiting issues like frequent crashes, slowdowns, or corrupted files, performing a repair install can often resolve these issues. Here are the methods to repair install Windows 10, ensuring minimal data loss.

How to Perform a Windows 10 Repair Install​

1. Repair Install Using an ISO File​

• Download ISO File:
  • Visit Microsoft’s website and download the Windows 10 ISO file.
  • Save the file to a convenient location on your computer.
• Mount ISO File:
  • Open Windows Explorer and navigate to the folder where you saved the Windows.iso file.
  • Double-click the ISO file to mount it. Alternatively, right-click the ISO file and select Mount.
• Run Setup.exe:
  • Navigate to the mounted drive and double-click on setup.exe.
• UAC Warning:
  • If prompted by User Account Control (UAC), click Yes.
• Install Windows:
  • Click Next and accept the license terms.
  • Wait for Windows to check for updates.
• Keep Personal Files:
  • On the Ready to Install screen, ensure the option Keep personal files and apps is selected.
  • Click Install.
• Complete Installation:
  • Wait for the repair/upgrade to finish. Your computer will reboot several times during the process.

This method helps to repair the Windows operating system while keeping your personal files and installed applications intact, preventing data loss.

2. Repair Install via Media Creation Tool​

• Download Media Creation Tool:
  • Go to the Windows 10 download site and download the Media Creation Tool.
• Run the Tool:
  • Execute the downloaded MediaCreationTool.exe.
• Accept License Agreement:
  • Accept the terms presented in the license agreement.
    
• Create Installation Media:
  • Select Create installation media for another PC and click Next.
• Choose ISO File:
  • Choose the ISO file option and click Next.
• Save ISO File:
  • Select a location to save the Windows.iso file and click Save.
  • Wait for the download to complete.
• Mount ISO File:
  • Follow the same steps as in Method 1 to mount and run the setup from the ISO file.

Using the Media Creation Tool ensures you have the latest version of the Windows ISO, which is beneficial for repairing your system with up-to-date files.

3. Repair Install Using USB Installation Media​

• Prepare USB Drive:
  • Ensure you have a USB drive with at least 8GB of free space. Note that this process will erase all data on the USB drive.
• Download Windows 10 ISO:
  • Download the Windows 10 ISO file from Microsoft’s website.
• Create Bootable USB:
  • Use a tool like Rufus to create a bootable USB drive with the downloaded ISO.
• Boot from USB:
  • Restart your computer and boot from the USB drive. You may need to change the boot order in your BIOS settings.
• Select Repair Your Computer:
  • On the installation screen, select Repair your computer instead of Install now.
• Advanced Troubleshooting:
  • Go to Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Repair.
  • Follow the on-screen instructions to diagnose and repair any boot issues.

This method is useful if your system is unable to boot normally, allowing you to access advanced recovery options from a bootable USB drive.

Also keep in mind:​

• Back Up Your Data: Before performing a repair install, it's crucial to back up your data. Use tools like EaseUS Todo Backup to create a full system image.
• Update Drivers and Firmware: Make sure all your drivers and firmware are up-to-date to avoid compatibility issues during the repair install.
• Disable Antivirus Software: Temporarily disable any non-Microsoft antivirus software to prevent it from interfering with the repair process.

By following these methods, you can effectively repair your Windows 10 installation, resolving common issues without losing your personal files or settings.