How to safely Reinstall Windows 10
How to safely Reinstall Windows 10
Recent updates for Microsoft Windows 10 weren’t always precise. I strive to correct every issue, yet sometimes the system can feel overly demanding, even for the most tech-savvy users. On this subject, I prefer discussing my approach to performing a "Fresh Install" of Windows 10 while minimizing the chance of data loss. I separate my files into two categories: 1- Personal Data: such as videos, photos, downloaded files, and similar items. 2- Application Data: any settings applied to apps, like your workspace in Adobe Photoshop or Internet Download Manager. A "Fresh Install" involves wiping the Operating System’s main partition (usually C:\), removing all data there and starting from scratch. This means only the files on that partition are lost. To prevent this, always create a backup!
Step 1: Back it up! First, identify key folders. A) Personal Data – Windows Libraries typically store your files at %UserProfile% (for example, "c:\users\pgdarkness\"). Your desktop contents are also included. Check the root of C:\ for unexpected files. B) Application Data – varies by app; common spots are %AllUsersProfile% (e.g., "c:\programdata") and %AppData%. Some tools keep files in specific locations, like "c:\users\pgdarkness\appdata\roaming". Prepare a directory list: c:\users\{your username} (repeat for each account), c:\programdata, and any other relevant paths such as c:\wamp\www or c:\pictures from a thumb drive. A useful tip: Before proceeding, make copies of these folders to safeguard against errors later.
Recovering data afterward can be tricky, especially if you need to retrieve items like your unfinished tasks in Internet Download Manager. If you’re unsure about navigating obscure folders, consider using built-in recovery utilities within the applications.
Second, secure your backup. The Windows 7 Backup utility works well here. To use it in Windows 10, follow these steps: Windows Settings > Update and Security > Backup > Go to Backup and Restore (Windows 7) > Setup Backup > Select your desired location. Choose Navigate and verify each folder from our list. Save your settings and backup now. This process may take time depending on your system. Once complete, go to your Save Location and confirm the backup file appears with a distinctive icon for your PC.
After the Fresh Install, Windows 10 includes a convenient tool to reinstall itself. Proceed with these actions: Windows Settings > Update and Security > Recovery > Reset this PC > Get started. Choose to remove everything. This option clears your storage completely, so ensure you select the right settings: simply delete files on the installation drive. This method is faster but less secure.
I’ve successfully restored my wife’s Royal Revolt 2 profile, my FileZilla client site entries, game save files, and more.