what will be removed in "keep my file"?
what will be removed in "keep my file"?
The option "keep my files" deletes apps and settings while preserving your personal files. It removes the C folder (system), D folder (apps), E folder (games), and F folder (music/movies/drm-free games). Your specific folders remain intact.
I recall correctly, you simply transferred all your files—like documents and photos—into one folder and removed everything else, treating it like starting with a fresh computer.
When using Steam, relocate your games to a separate Steam library folder on another drive. Once reinstalled, you can access that same folder and all your titles will be restored. For most other programs, the situation is more complicated. You'll likely need to edit registry settings, which takes a lot of time, or deal with DRM restrictions that prevent proper functionality after a fresh installation. It's usually wiser to use Ninite to download essential applications first, then reinstall the rest as needed.
Note: This also applies to games outside of Steam. If your connection has bandwidth limits, only download the titles you truly want to play.
Edited February 16, 2017 by HarryNyquist additional stuff
Your personal SSDs remain intact; only the files you keep in them are deleted when you select "Keep My Files."
Copy and paste the instructions directly into your Steam library.
You're looking to refresh your system while keeping your games, apps, and media intact. Yes, you can perform a clean reset without losing data. Consider using a factory reset on the C disk (SSD) first, then reinstall your operating system from a clean installation media. This way, only the system files are replaced, preserving your personal data.
Ensure your files and programs are on separate drives besides C:\, then you can safely format the C:\ folder and reinstall Windows. You’ll likely have to reinstall your apps once more.