Repair Windows Without Losing Files: In Place Upgrade

When your Windows PC starts crashing, freezing, or failing updates, reinstalling the entire operating system isn’t your only option.

There’s a safer and smarter method called an In-Place Upgrade a built-in repair process that re-installs Windows while keeping your personal files, apps, and settings intact.

This guide will walk you through every step, clearly and safely.

Outcome

By following this process, you will:

• Repair corrupt system files and fix update failures.

• Reinstall Windows without deleting data or programs.

• Get a clean, stable system that performs like new.

Step 1: Backup Your Essentials

Although the In-Place Upgrade keeps your files, it’s still best to create a quick backup before starting.

Do this first:

1. Sync your important folders (Desktop, Documents, Pictures) with OneDrive or your preferred cloud service.

2. Create a system image backup using a tool like Acronis, Macrium Reflect, or Windows Backup.

3. Note your software license keys and saved browser passwords if possible.

This ensures peace of mind even if something goes wrong, your data stays safe.

Step 2: Download the Windows ISO (Media Creation Tool)

1. Go to the official Microsoft website and download the Media Creation Tool:

   Download Windows 10/11 Media Creation Tool
   

2. Run the tool and choose “Create installation media for another PC.”

3. Select your language and version (Windows 10 or Windows 11).

4. Choose ISO file → Save it to your Desktop.

This ISO file will be your repair installer.

Step 3: Run Setup.exe from Within Windows

This is where the actual repair process begins.

5. 1. Right-click the ISO file → Select Mount.

      It will appear as a virtual DVD drive.

   2. Open that new drive and double-click Setup.exe.

   3. Choose:

      1. Download and install updates (recommended)

      2. When prompted, select Keep personal files and apps

Then click Install.

Now Windows will reinstall itself replacing damaged system files with new ones while preserving your data, apps, and settings.

This process can take 30–60 minutes depending on your system speed.

Step 4: Post-Installation Cleanup

Once the installation is complete, your system should start normally fresh, stable, and without errors.

Now, do a quick check:

6. 1. Open Settings → Windows Update → Check for updates

      1. Install all pending updates and optional driver updates.

   2. If you disabled any system services (like Windows Update, Search, or Defender), re-enable them.

   3. Turn on Storage Sense to automatically clear temporary files:

      1. Settings → System → Storage → Enable “Storage Sense.”

   4. Restart your PC one final time.

Step 5: Confirm the Repair Was Successful

You’ll know your In-Place Upgrade worked if:

7. • Windows boots faster.

   • Update errors are gone.

   • Apps and files are still where you left them.

You can confirm by running the following command in Command Prompt (Admin):

sfc /verifyonly

If it reports no integrity violations your repair was successful.

Final Thoughts

The In-Place Upgrade is one of the most powerful yet underrated Windows recovery tools.

It’s the perfect balance between a full reinstall and a quick fix restoring stability without losing your data or wasting hours reconfiguring your PC.

Pro Tip: If your system still feels slow after repair, check out our guide on Speeding Up Windows Performance Logically