Resetting Windows without losing files
When a Windows PC starts crashing often, running slowly, or behaving erratically despite troubleshooting, a full system reset can be the most reliable way to restore stability. Reinstalling Windows from scratch is effective, but it usually comes at the cost of wiping personal data. Fortunately, Microsoft built in a reset feature that allows you to refresh the operating system without losing your files.
This option reinstalls Windows system files and removes apps and settings, but it preserves documents, photos, and other personal data stored in your user profile. It’s not a substitute for proper backups. You should always back up critical files beforehand. But this offers a middle ground between starting over completely and trying to limp along with a broken installation.
Understanding Windows reset options
Windows includes a built-in feature called Reset this PC, which gives you the ability to restore the operating system without needing to perform a full, destructive reinstall. The feature is designed to balance flexibility with convenience, offering different reset paths depending on how severe your system issues are and how much data you want to preserve.
The first choice you face is whether to keep your files or remove everything.
The “Keep my files” option reinstalls Windows while safeguarding personal documents, photos, and other data stored in your user folders. Apps, drivers, and system settings are wiped, so you’ll need to reinstall programs and reapply preferences, but your personal files remain in place. “Remove everything,” on the other hand, does exactly what it sounds like: it clears all files, applications, and settings. This option is often chosen if you plan to sell or donate the machine, or if you want the closest experience to a clean installation.
Once you’ve decided between keeping files or wiping them, Windows lets you choose how it reinstalls itself:
Cloud or local.
With a cloud download, the system pulls down a fresh copy of Windows directly from Microsoft’s servers, ensuring the reset uses the most up-to-date image. This is particularly useful if your existing installation is corrupted, though it requires a solid internet connection and several gigabytes of bandwidth. A local reinstall instead uses the system files already stored on your machine. It’s faster and doesn’t use any data, but if those local files are damaged, the reset may fail or simply reintroduce problems.
In general, combining “Keep my files” with a cloud download is the safest way to reset Windows while preserving personal data. Local reinstalls work fine on healthy systems, but for PCs plagued with persistent corruption, the cloud option is usually worth the extra download time.
Step-by-step reset process
Accessing the reset options
The most direct way to start is through Settings. Open Settings → System → Recovery, then under Reset this PC click Reset PC. If your system won’t boot properly, you can also access reset options from outside Windows. Hold Shift while clicking Restart at the login screen or Start menu, then go to Troubleshoot → Reset this PC.
Choosing “Keep my files”
When prompted, select Keep my files. Windows will display a confirmation explaining that personal files will remain but apps and settings will be removed. This distinction is important — your documents and photos are safe, but installed programs, system customizations, and drivers will all need to be reinstalled afterward.
Selecting cloud download or local reinstall
The next screen asks whether to reinstall Windows from the cloud or locally. If you pick cloud download, Windows fetches a fresh copy from Microsoft’s servers. This guarantees a clean install but requires a stable internet connection and several gigabytes of data. A local reinstall uses files stored on your PC, making it faster and suitable if your internet is limited. However, if those local files are themselves corrupted, the reset may not fix all issues.
Confirming and starting the reset
After you make your selections, Windows shows a summary of what will happen. Double-check that “Keep my files” is selected, then click Reset. Your PC will restart and begin reinstalling Windows. The process typically takes 30–90 minutes, depending on hardware speed and whether you chose cloud or local. Your system will reboot multiple times, and eventually you’ll return to a fresh desktop environment with your personal files intact but applications removed.
After the reset
When Windows finishes reinstalling, you’ll be left with a system that feels clean but is missing most of your old environment. The first step is to reinstall the applications you use daily: browsers, office suites, creative software, and any specialized tools. Since system settings and drivers are reset, you should also visit Windows Update to grab the latest patches and driver updates.
If you rely on third-party drivers like GPU drivers from NVIDIA or AMD, download and install them directly from the manufacturer’s website to ensure best compatibility. Reapply personal settings, such as wallpaper, display scaling, or keyboard layouts, to restore your usual workflow.
Although the reset preserves personal files, it’s worth double-checking that everything is intact. Compare what you have now with any backups you made before starting. If anything is missing, restore it from your external backup or cloud storage.
Preventing future issues
A reset can fix stubborn problems, but you don’t want to rely on it often. The best way to avoid needing another reset is to keep your system healthy. Regularly updating Windows and drivers helps prevent corruption and compatibility problems. Running a reputable antivirus solution — even just Windows Security — lowers the risk of malware damaging system files.
Backing up regularly is equally important. Using File History, OneDrive, or another backup tool means you’ll always have copies of your important documents if something goes wrong. Safe usage habits matter too: shut down or restart properly instead of forcing a power-off, and avoid installing untrusted apps or questionable registry tweaks. These small precautions add up to a system that stays stable long after the reset.