Recovery Options in Windows - Microsoft Support (2023)

Table of Contents
Before You Start Upgrading or Resetting Your PC Update, restore or restore To upgrade your PC To restart your PC To restore your PC to an earlier point in time Videos

Windows 11Windows 10Windows 8.1

If you are experiencing problems with your PC, the following table may help you decide which recovery option to use.

Problem

see this section

Your PC is not working properly and you recently installed an update

Remove an installed Windows update

Your PC isn't working properly and it's been a while since you installed an app or changed your system settings

restart your pc

Your PC won't boot or keeps loading

Use Startup Repair Feature

Your PC won't boot, you didn't create a recovery drive, and restarting your PC didn't work

Use installation media to reinstall Windows 11

Your PC won't start and you haven't created a recovery drive

Use installation media to restore your PC

Your PC won't start and you've created a recovery drive

Use a recovery drive to recover or restore your PC

You want to reinstall your previous operating system

Go back to the previous version of Windows

Your PC is not working properly and you recently installed an application

Restore from a system restore point

You suspect your device has been infected

Use installation media to reinstall Windows 11


Click on one of the recovery options below and follow the steps to try to get everything working again.

If you've recently installed a Windows update, uninstall it to try to fix the issue.

  1. To chooseTo start>Ideas>windows update>update history>uninstall updates.
    View update history

  2. From the displayed list, select the update you want to remove, and then selectuninstall.

Important:

  • If you've encrypted your device, you'll need the BitLocker key to restart your computer. If you don't know your BitLocker key, read on.Find my BitLocker recovery key.

  • During the reset, your screen may remain black for a long time (sometimes more than 15 minutes) and your device may attempt to restart during this time. If you try to manually reset the device yourself during this process, the reset may fail. Please be patient!

The reset will reinstall Windows 11, but you can choose to keep or delete your files and then Windows will reinstall. You can reset your PC from Settings, the login screen, or using a recovery drive or installation media.

Restart your PC in Settings

  1. To chooseTo start>Ideas>System>lazer.
    Open recovery settings

  2. Next toredefining is pc,to chooseRestart PC.Then select one of the options and/or settings in the table below.

Possibility

That makes

Keep My Files > Change Settings > Preinstalled AppsE

  • Reinstall Windows 11 and keep your personal files.

  • Remove apps that you have installed.

  • Removes all changes made to settings.

  • Restores all applications installed by your PC manufacturer.

Keep My Files > Change Settings > Preinstalled AppsOutside of

  • Reinstall Windows 11 and keep your personal files.

  • Remove apps that you have installed.

  • Removes all changes made to settings.

  • Removes all manufacturer-installed apps from your PC.

delete all

  • Reinstalls Windows 11 and removes your personal files.

  • Remove apps that you have installed.

  • Removes all changes made to settings.

  • Removes all manufacturer-installed apps from your PC.

To use: delete all>change settingsgives you two options.

data cleaningEdelete files and wipe drive. If you plan to donate, recycle or sell your PC, use this option. This might take an hour or two, but it makes it harder for others to recover the files you've deleted.

data cleaningOutside ofjust delete the files. It takes less time, but it is less secure.

The data erasure feature is intended for consumer use and does not comply with government and industry data erasure standards.

Restart your PC at the login screen

If you are unable to open Settings, you can reset your PC from the login screen. That's how:

  1. PressWindows-Logo-Flavor+euto go to the login screen. Then restart your PC by holding down the Shift key while selectingpower-taste>Starting over.

  2. Your PC will reboot into the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE).

  3. About itchoose an optionscreen, selectProblems solution>redefining is pcand select one of the options from the table above.

    Recovery Options in Windows - Microsoft Support (1)

Startup Repair helps fix common problems that can prevent Windows from starting.

To use:If you've encrypted your device, you'll need the BitLocker key to start in safe mode.

You must first enter the Windows Recovery Environment (winRE). To do this, turn your device off and on repeatedly:

  1. Press and hold the power button for 10 seconds to turn off the device.

  2. Press the power button again to turn on the device.

  3. At the first sign that Windows has started (for example, some devices restart with the manufacturer's logo), press and hold the power button for 10 seconds to turn off the device.

  4. Press the power button again to turn on the device.

  5. When Windows restarts, press and hold the power button for 10 seconds to turn off the device.

  6. Press the power button again to turn on the device.

  7. This time let the device boot up completely.

  8. To chooseextended options.
    Recovery Options in Windows - Microsoft Support (2)

  9. Now that you are on winRE, onchoose an optionscreen, selectProblems solution>extended options>good start>Starting over.Recovery Options in Windows - Microsoft Support (3)
    Recovery Options in Windows - Microsoft Support (4)
    Recovery Options in Windows - Microsoft Support (5)

To use:If you suspect your device has been infected, make sure your antivirus software is up to date. You can also completely reinstall Windows by booting your device to the installation media and performing a clean install of Windows.

Recovery Options in Windows - Microsoft Support (6)

Problems playing the video?watch on youtube.

To reinstall Windows 11 while Windows is running:

  1. Connect the installation media you created to your PC.

  2. Openfile managerand select the drive with the installation media.

  3. Double-click setup.exe at the root of the drive and selectYwhen asked if you want to allow the app to make changes to your device.

  4. To chooseChange what you want to keep.

  5. Select one of the following options and then select Next:

    • Keep personal files and apps– This keeps your personal data, apps and settings intact.

    • Keep only personal data- This will keep your personal data and settings but remove all your apps.

    • don't save anything– This will remove all personal data, settings and apps.

    Notice:You cannot undo a fresh install of Windows 10. Be sure to back up your files first if you choose to do so.don't save anythingPossibility.

  6. Select to finishinstallto start reinstalling Windows 11 on your PC.

    (Video) Windows 10 Recovery options at startup explained

Your PC will reboot several times during the reinstallation.

To reinstall Windows 11 by starting your PC with installation media:

  1. Connect the installation media you created to your PC.

  2. Boot your PC with the installation media.

    To use:Check with your PC manufacturer how to start your PC with media.

  3. When Windows Setup starts, chooseNextand sooninstall now.

  4. If you have a Windows 11 product key, enter it when prompted. Otherwise, selectI don't have a product key.

  5. If prompted, select a Windows edition (e.g. Home, Pro) to install and selectNext.

  6. When asked to choose an installation type, chooseCustom: Install Windows Only (Advanced).

  7. Select hard disk or partition to install Windows 11.

    To use:If you suspect your PC has been infected, delete existing partitions and reinstall Windows 11 to a clean hard drive. Your data on all deleted partitions will be lost.

  8. To chooseNextto start reinstalling Windows 11 on your PC.

Your PC will reboot several times during the reinstallation.

Important:If you've encrypted your device, you'll need your BitLocker key to use a recovery drive to restore or reset your PC. If you don't know your BitLocker key, read on.Find my BitLocker recovery key.

If your PC won't start and you haven't created a recovery drive, download and use the installation media to restore from a system restore point or restart your PC.

  1. Go to on a working PCSite de download de software da Microsoft.

  2. Download and run the Windows 11 Media Creation Tool.

  3. To chooseCreate installation media for another PC.

  4. Choose a language, edition and architecture (64-bit or 32-bit).

  5. Follow the steps to create installation media and selectfin.

  6. Plug the installation media you created into your non-working PC and turn it on.

  7. On the initial setup screen, enter your language and other preferences and selectNext. If you don't see the setup screen, your PC might not be configured to boot from a drive. Visit your PC manufacturer's website for information on how to change your PC's boot order and try again.

  8. To choosefix your computer.

  9. About itchoose an optionscreen, selectProblems solution. From there you can:

    • Restore from a system restore point by selectingextended options>system recovery. This will remove recently installed apps, drivers, and updates that might be causing issues with your PC. Restoring from a recovery point does not affect your personal files.

Important:If you've encrypted your device, you'll need your BitLocker key to use a recovery drive to restore or reset your PC. If you don't know your BitLocker key, read on.Find my BitLocker recovery key.

If your PC won't start, you can use a recovery drive to restore from a system restore point or reset your PC. To create a recovery drive on a working PC, seeCreate a recovery drive.

To use:If you're using a Surface, read on.Create and use a USB recovery drive for Surfaceto download and create a USB recovery image specifically for your Surface device.

To restore using the recovery drive:

  1. Plug in the recovery drive and turn on your PC.

  2. PressWindows-Logo-Flavor+euto access the login screen and restart your PC by holding down the shift key while selectingpower-taste>Starting over.

  3. Your PC will reboot into the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE).

  4. About itchoose an optionscreen, selectProblems solutionand then choose one of the following two options. (If you don't see thischoose your optionappears, your PC may not be configured to boot from a drive. To change your PC's boot order, check your PC manufacturer's website.)

Recovery Options in Windows - Microsoft Support (7)

  • Select to restore from a system restore pointextended options>system recovery. This won't affect your personal files, but it will remove recently installed apps, drivers, and updates that might be causing problems on your PC.

  • To reinstall Windows 11, selectextended options>Retrieve from a drive. This will remove your personal files, apps and drivers you've installed, and any changes you've made to settings.

After upgrading to Windows 11, for a limited time, you can go back to your previous version of Windows by choosingTo start>Ideas>System>lazer. Next toIt returned,Choose Back. This will keep your personal files, but it will remove any apps and drivers that were installed after the upgrade and any changes made to settings. In most cases you have 10 days to make a return.
Open recovery settings

To return you must:

  • Save everything to the windows.old and $windows.~bt folders after the upgrade.

  • Remove any user accounts you added after the upgrade.

  • Have the USB drive you used to upgrade to Windows 11 ready (if you used one).

Comments:

  • The option inIdeasGoing back to the previous version of Windows after upgrading is only available for a limited time.

  • Apps added, removed, or updated after the upgrade may not be available or work correctly after you go back to your previous version of Windows.

Information for Windows Insiders

If you're an Insider and the current preview build isn't working for you, selectTo start>Ideas>System>lazer. Next toIt returned, to chooseIt returned. This will not remove your personal files, but it will remove recently installed apps and drivers and reset your settings to default values.

Rolling back to a previous build will not remove you from the Insider Program. When the next preview build is ready, it will be installed on your PC.

This option takes your PC to an earlier point in time known as a system restore point. Restore points are generated when you install a new application or driver and whenManually create a restore point. Restoring does not affect your personal files, but it removes apps, drivers and updates that were installed after the restore point.

  1. Type in the search box on the taskbarSwitchboardand then select it from the list of results

  2. MilitarySwitchboardsearch box typelazer.

  3. To chooselazer>open system recovery.

    (Video) How to Use Microsoft Support and Recovery Assistant in Windows 10 [Tutorial]

  4. MilitaryRestore system files and settingsselection boxNext.

  5. Select the restore point you want to use from the list of results and selectChecking for Affected Programs.

    Comments:

    • If you don't see the restore point you want to use, select itSee more restore pointsCheck the box to show more restore points.

    • If you don't see any restore points, it might be because system protection isn't enabled. How to review:

      1. Type in the search box on the taskbarSwitchboardand then select it from the list of results.

      2. MilitarySwitchboardsearch box typelazer.

      3. To chooselazer>Configure System Restore>To set upand see if heTurn on system protectionoption is selected.

        • If heTurn on system protectionThe option is not selected, system protection is not enabled, and there are no restore points. In this scenario, you cannot restore your PC using a system restore point and must use one of the other restore options listed on this page.

        • If heTurn on system protectionis selected, go to step 6.

  6. You will see a list of items that will be removed when you delete this restore point. If you accept the exclusions, selectFence>Next>fin.

If you are experiencing problems with your PC, the following table may help you decide which recovery option to use.

Problem

see this section

Your PC is not working properly and you recently installed an update.

Remove an installed Windows update

Your PC isn't working properly and it's been a while since you installed an app or changed your system settings.

restart your pc

Your PC won't boot or keeps loading

Use Startup Repair Feature

Your PC won't boot, you didn't create a recovery drive, and restarting your PC didn't work.

Use installation media to reinstall Windows 10

Your PC won't start and you haven't created a recovery drive.

Use installation media to restore your PC

Your PC won't start and you've created a recovery drive.

Use a recovery drive to recover or restore your PC

You want to reinstall your previous operating system.

Go back to the previous version of Windows

Your PC is not working properly and you have recently installed an application.

Restore from a system restore point

You suspect your device has been infected.

Use installation media to reinstall Windows 10


Click on one of the recovery options below and follow the steps to try to get everything working again.

If you've recently installed a Windows update, uninstall it to try to fix the issue.

  1. To chooseTo startbutton and then selectIdeas>Updates and security>windows update>See your update history>uninstall updates.
    View update history settings

  2. Right-click on the update you want to remove and select ituninstall.

Important:

  • If you've encrypted your device, you'll need the BitLocker key to restart your computer. If you don't know your BitLocker key, read on.Find my BitLocker recovery key.

  • During the reset, your screen may remain black for a long time (sometimes more than 15 minutes) and your device may attempt to restart during this time. If you try to manually reset the device yourself during this process, the reset may fail. Please be patient!

The reset will reinstall Windows 10, but you can choose to keep or delete your files and then Windows will reinstall. You can reset your PC from Settings, the login screen, or using a recovery drive or installation media.

Restart your PC in Settings

  1. To chooseTo startbutton and then selectIdeas>Updates and security>lazer.
    Open recovery settings

  2. Lowredefining is pc,to choosestartingand then select one of the options and/or settings in the table below.

Possibility

That makes

Keep My Files > Change Settings > Preinstalled AppsE

  • Reinstall Windows 10 and keep your personal files.

  • Remove apps that you have installed.

  • Removes all changes made to settings.

  • Restores all applications installed by your PC manufacturer.

Keep My Files > Change Settings > Preinstalled AppsOutside of

  • Reinstall Windows 10 and keep your personal files.

  • Remove apps that you have installed.

  • Removes all changes made to settings.

  • Removes all manufacturer-installed apps from your PC.

delete all

  • Reinstalls Windows 10 and removes your personal files.

  • Remove apps that you have installed.

  • Removes all changes made to settings.

  • Removes all manufacturer-installed apps from your PC.

To use:Remove All > Change Settings gives you two options.

data cleaningEdelete files and wipe drive. If you plan to donate, recycle or sell your PC, use this option. This might take an hour or two, but it makes it harder for others to recover the files you've deleted.

data cleaningOutside ofjust delete the files. It takes less time, but it is less secure.

Restart your PC at the login screen

If you are unable to open Settings, you can reset your PC from the login screen. That's how:

  1. PressWindows-Logo-Flavor+euto go to the login screen and restart your PC by pressingcapabutton while selecting theperformancebutton>Starting overin the lower right corner of the screen.

  2. Your PC will reboot into the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE).

  3. About itchoose an optionscreen, selectProblems solution>redefining is pcand select one of the options from the table above.

    Recovery Options in Windows - Microsoft Support (8)

Startup Repair helps fix common problems that can prevent Windows from starting.

To use:If you've encrypted your device, you'll need the BitLocker key to start in safe mode.

You must first enter the Windows Recovery Environment (winRE). To do this, turn your device off and on repeatedly:

  1. Press and hold the power button for 10 seconds to turn off the device.

  2. Press the power button again to turn on the device.

  3. At the first sign that Windows has started (for example, some devices restart with the manufacturer's logo), press and hold the power button for 10 seconds to turn off the device.

  4. Press the power button again to turn on the device.

  5. When Windows restarts, press and hold the power button for 10 seconds to turn off the device.

  6. Press the power button again to turn on the device.

  7. This time let the device boot up completely.

  8. To chooseextended options.
    Recovery Options in Windows - Microsoft Support (9)

  9. Now that you are on winRE, onchoose an optionscreen, selectProblems solution>extended options>good start>Starting over.Recovery Options in Windows - Microsoft Support (10)
    Recovery Options in Windows - Microsoft Support (11)
    Recovery Options in Windows - Microsoft Support (12)

To use:If you suspect your device has been infected, make sure your antivirus software is up to date. You can also completely reinstall Windows by booting your device to the installation media and performing a clean install of Windows.

To reinstall Windows 10 while Windows is running:

  1. Connect the installation media you created to your PC.

  2. Openfile managerand select the drive with the installation media.

  3. Double-click setup.exe at the root of the drive and selectYwhen asked if you want to allow the app to make changes to your device.

  4. To chooseChange what you want to keep.

  5. Choose one of the following options, then selectNext:

    • Keep personal files and apps– This keeps your personal data, apps and settings intact.

      (Video) How to Enter Windows 10 Recovery Environment From Boot | Open Advanced Boot Options From Start up

    • Keep only personal data- This will keep your personal data and settings but remove all your apps.

    • don't save anything– This will remove all personal data, settings and apps.

    Notice:You cannot undo a fresh install of Windows 10. Be sure to back up your files first if you choose to do so.don't save anythingPossibility.

  6. Select to finishinstallto start reinstalling Windows 10 on your PC.

Your PC will reboot several times during the reinstallation.

To reinstall Windows 10 by starting your PC with installation media:

  1. Connect the installation media you created to your PC.

  2. Boot your PC with the installation media.

    To use:Check with your PC manufacturer how to start your PC with media.

  3. When Windows Setup starts, chooseNextand sooninstall now.

  4. If you have a Windows 10 product key, enter it when prompted. Otherwise, selectI don't have a product key.

  5. If prompted, select a Windows edition (e.g. Home, Pro) to install and selectNext.

  6. When asked to choose an installation type, chooseCustom: Install Windows Only (Advanced).

  7. Select hard disk or partition to install Windows 10.

    To use:If you suspect your PC is infected, delete existing partitions and reinstall Windows 10 on a clean hard drive. Your data on all deleted partitions will be lost.

  8. To chooseNextto start reinstalling Windows 10 on your PC.

Your PC will reboot several times during the reinstallation.

Important:If you've encrypted your device, you'll need your BitLocker key to use a recovery drive to restore or reset your PC. If you don't know your BitLocker key, read on.Find my BitLocker recovery key.

If your PC won't start and you haven't created a recovery drive, download and use the installation media to restore from a system restore point or restart your PC.

  1. Go to on a working PCSite de download de software da Microsoft.

  2. Download and run the Windows 10 Media Creation Tool.

  3. To chooseCreate installation media for another PC.

  4. Choose a language, edition and architecture (64-bit or 32-bit).

  5. Follow the steps to create installation media and selectfin.

  6. Plug the installation media you created into your non-working PC and turn it on.

  7. On the initial setup screen, enter your language and other preferences and selectNext. If you don't see the setup screen, your PC might not be configured to boot from a drive. Visit your PC manufacturer's website for information on how to change your PC's boot order and try again.

  8. To choosefix your computer.

  9. About itchoose an optionscreen, selectProblems solution. From there you can:

    • Restore from a system restore point by selectingextended options>system recovery. This will remove recently installed apps, drivers, and updates that might be causing issues with your PC. Restoring from a recovery point does not affect your personal files.

Important:If you've encrypted your device, you'll need your BitLocker key to use a recovery drive to restore or reset your PC. If you don't know your BitLocker key, read on.Find my BitLocker recovery key.

If your PC won't start, you can use a recovery drive to restore from a system restore point or reset your PC. To create a recovery drive on a working PC, seeCreate a recovery drive.

To use:If you're using a Surface, read on.Create and use a USB recovery drive for Surfaceto download and create a USB recovery image specifically for your Surface device.

To restore using the recovery drive:

  1. Plug in the recovery drive and turn on your PC.

  2. PressWindows-Logo-Flavor+euto go to the login screen and restart your PC by pressingcapabutton while selecting theperformancebutton>Starting overin the lower right corner of the screen.

  3. Your PC will reboot into the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE).

  4. About itchoose an optionscreen, selectProblems solutionand then choose one of the following two options. (If you don't see thischoose your optionappears, your PC may not be configured to boot from a drive. To change your PC's boot order, check your PC manufacturer's website.)

Recovery Options in Windows - Microsoft Support (13)

  • Select to restore from a system restore pointextended options>system recovery. This won't affect your personal files, but it will remove recently installed apps, drivers, and updates that might be causing problems on your PC.

  • To reinstall Windows 10, selectextended options>Retrieve from a drive. This will remove your personal files, apps and drivers you've installed, and any changes you've made to settings.

After upgrading to Windows 10, you can go back to your previous version of Windows for a limited time by selecting theTo startbutton and then selectIdeas>Updates and security>lazerand then selectstartinglowGo back to the previous version of Windows 10. This will keep your personal files, but it will remove any apps and drivers that were installed after the upgrade and any changes made to settings. In most cases you have 10 days to make a return.
Open recovery settings

To return you must:

  • Save everything to the windows.old and $windows.~bt folders after the upgrade.

  • Remove any user accounts you added after the upgrade.

  • Know the password you used to sign in to Windows 7 or Windows 8.1 (if you used one).

  • Have the USB drive you used to upgrade to Windows 10 ready (if you used one).

Comments:

  • The option inIdeasGoing back to the previous version of Windows after upgrading is only available for a limited time.

  • If you go back to Windows 8.1, some apps that came with Windows, like Mail and Contacts, may no longer work. To repair apps, reinstall them from the Microsoft Store.

  • Apps added, removed, or updated after the upgrade may not be available or work correctly after you go back to your previous version of Windows.

Information for Windows Insiders

If you're an Insider and the current preview build isn't working for you, select itTo startbutton and then selectIdeas>Updates and security>lazer. LowGo back to the previous version of Windows 10, to chooseStarting.This will not remove your personal files, but it will remove recently installed apps and drivers and reset your settings to default values.

Rolling back to a previous build will not remove you from the Insider Program. When the next preview build is ready, it will be installed on your PC.

This option takes your PC to an earlier point in time known as a system restore point. Restore points are generated when you install a new application or driver and whenManually create a restore point. Restoring does not affect your personal files, but it removes apps, drivers and updates that were installed after the restore point.

  1. Type in the search box on the taskbarSwitchboardand then select it from the list of results

  2. MilitarySwitchboardsearch box typelazer.

  3. To chooselazer>open system recovery.

  4. MilitaryRestore system files and settingsselection boxNext.

  5. Select the restore point you want to use from the list of results and selectChecking for Affected Programs.

    Comments:

    • If you don't see the restore point you want to use, select itSee more restore pointsCheck the box to show more restore points.

    • If you don't see any restore points, it might be because system protection isn't enabled. How to review:

      1. Type in the search box on the taskbarSwitchboardand then select it from the list of results.

      2. MilitarySwitchboardsearch box typelazer.

      3. To chooselazer>Configure System Restore>To set upand see if heTurn on system protectionPossibilityis selected.

        • If heTurn on system protectionPossibilityis not selected, system protection is not enabled, and there are no restore points. In this scenario, you cannot restore your PC using a system restore point and must use one of the other restore options listed on this page.

        • If heTurn on system protectionPossibilityis selected, go to step 6.

  6. You will see a list of items that will be removed when you delete this restore point. If you accept the exclusions, selectFence>Next>fin.

(Video) How To Perform an HP System Recovery in Windows 10 HP Computers.

If you are having problems with your PC, you can:

  • Update your computerto reinstall Windows and keep your personal files and settings. Updating also keeps apps that came with your PC and apps you installed from the Microsoft Store.

  • restart your pcto reinstall Windows but remove your files, settings and apps, except the apps that came with your PC.

  • reset your pcto undo recent system changes.

If you're having trouble booting (starting) your PC, read on.Windows Startup Settings (including Safe Mode)and go to the Go to Windows Startup Settings section in the Windows Recovery Environment. You can refresh, reset or restore your PC from the Windows recovery environment.

If you want to backup and restore your personal files using File History, seeBackup and Restore in Windows.

Before You Start Upgrading or Resetting Your PC

In most cases, it will close by itself once you start updating or resetting your PC. However, if Windows needs lost files, it will ask you to insert recovery media, which is usually a DVD or USB stick. What you need in this case depends on your PC.

If your PC came with Windows 8.1 or Windows RT 8.1, you'll need the disks or USB stick that came with your PC. Check the information that came with your PC to see if your PC manufacturer provided these discs or media. In some cases, you may have created them when you initially set up your PC.

If you don't have one of these, you can create them if you have a 16GB or larger USB stick. A recovery drive can help you troubleshoot and troubleshoot your PC even if it won't boot. For more information, seeCreate a USB recovery drive.

If you upgraded your PC to Windows 8.1 or Windows RT 8.1 using a DVD, use that disc. If you don't have Windows 8.1 or Windows RT 8.1 media, please contact usMicrosoft Support.

Update, restore or restore

Select one of the options below for more detailed information.

If your PC isn't working as well as it used to and you don't know why, you can refresh it without deleting your personal files or changing your settings.

To use:If you upgraded your PC from Windows 8 to Windows 8.1 and your PC has a Windows 8 recovery partition, upgrading your PC will restore Windows 8. You should upgrade to Windows 8.1 after the upgrade is complete.

Notice:Applications installed from websites and DVDs will be removed. Apps that came with your PC and apps you installed from the Microsoft Store will be reinstalled. Windows puts a list of removed apps on your desktop after you update your PC.

To upgrade your PC

  1. Swipe in from the right edge of the screen and tapIdeasand then touchChange PC settings.
    (If using a mouse, point to the upper-right corner of the screen, move the cursor down, selectIdeasand then selectChange PC settings.)

  2. tap or selectupdate and restore, then tap or selectlazer.

  3. LowUpgrade your PC without affecting your files, tap or selectstarting.

  4. Follow the instructions on the screen.

If you want to recycle, donate or reset your PC, you can reset it. This will remove everything and reinstall Windows.

To use:If you upgraded your PC from Windows 8 to Windows 8.1 and your PC has a Windows 8 recovery partition, resetting your PC will restore Windows 8. You should upgrade to Windows 8.1 after the reset is complete.

Notice:All your personal files will be deleted and your settings will be reset. All installed apps will be removed. Only the apps that came with your PC will be reinstalled.

To restart your PC

  1. Swipe in from the right edge of the screen and tapIdeasand then touchChange PC settings.
    (If using a mouse, point to the upper-right corner of the screen, move the cursor down, selectIdeasand then selectChange PC settings.)

  2. tap or selectupdate and restore, then tap or selectlazer.

  3. LowRemove everything and reinstall Windows, tap or selectstarting.

  4. Follow the instructions on the screen.

To use:You will be asked if you want to delete the data quickly or completely. If you want to erase data quickly, some data can be recovered using special software. If you choose to wipe data completely, it will take longer, but it will make data recovery less likely.

If you think that a recently installed application or driver caused problems on your PC, you can revert Windows to an earlier point in time, known as a restore point. System Restore doesn't change your personal files, but it can remove recently installed apps and drivers.

Comments:

  • System Restore is not available for Windows RT 8.1.

  • Windows automatically creates a restore point when you install desktop apps and new Windows updates if the last restore point is more than 7 days old. You can also manually create a restore point at any time.

To restore your PC to an earlier point in time

  1. Swipe in from the right edge of the screen and tapTo search for.
    (If using a mouse, point to the upper-right corner of the screen, move the mouse pointer down, and selectTo search for.)

  2. ProhibitedSwitchboardin the search field and tap or selectSwitchboard.

  3. Prohibitedlazerin the Control Panel search box, then tap or selectlazer.

  4. tap or selectopen system recoveryand follow the instructions.

If you need additional help updating, resetting, or restoring your PC, visit the repair and recovery community pages onWindows forumfor the solutions that other people have found to the problems they faced.

(Video) Use the Microsoft Support and Recovery Assistant to Help Fix PC Problems

Videos

1. Windows 7 System Recovery Options - Microsoft 70-680: 8.2
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2. Windows Blue Screen Recovery It looks like Windows didn't load correctly | explained in Hindi
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3. HOW TO ACTUALLY REACH MICROSOFT SUPPORT AGENT
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4. Windows 10 Troubleshooting - 018 - Microsoft Support And Recovery Assistant
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5. How to Fix Automatic Repair Loop in Windows 10 - Startup Repair Couldn’t Repair Your PC
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6. Windows 7 File Recovery Options - Microsoft 70-680: 8.3
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