How to Reinstall Windows 11 Without Losing Data [4 Methods]

Updated by

Tracy King 

Updated on April 22, 2024

Sometimes, unforeseen error codes or critical issues may occur, necessitating a reinstallation of the operating system. However, this process can potentially result in data loss, which can be problematic, especially if you have important files. But worry not, as by following the methods provided, you can ensure that no data is lost, and your license remains intact. Here are 4 steps for reinstalling Windows 11, along with precautions to take before the process to avoid data loss.

Sure, please provide the text that needs to be translated.

Yes, you can reinstall Windows 11. Here's a brief overview of the process: 1. **Backup Data**: Before proceeding, ensure you backup all important files and documents as the reinstallation will erase everything on your computer. 2. **Boot from Installation Media**: You'll need a USB drive or DVD with the Windows 11 installation media. Download the Windows 11 ISO file from the official Microsoft website and create an installation media using a tool like Rufus or the built-in Media Creation Tool. 3. **Enter Setup**: Boot your computer from the installation media. This typically requires changing the boot order in your BIOS settings. 4. **Accept Terms and Choose Installation Type**: In the Windows Setup, accept the terms and conditions, then choose the "Custom: Install Windows only (advanced)" option. 5. **Select Partition**: Select the partition where you want to install Windows 11, or create a new one if needed. Delete existing partitions if you want a clean install. 6. **Install Windows**: Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the installation process. It may take some time. 7. **Post-Installation Setup**: After installation, set up your preferences, connect to Wi-Fi, and activate Windows with a valid product key if necessary. Remember, the steps might vary slightly depending on your system and settings. If you have any specific questions or concerns, feel free to ask.

Yes, Windows 11 does support various methods for a fresh installation of the operating system, either preserving or removing existing files and applications on your computer.

You can reinstall Windows when upgrading to a new version of Windows. If your Windows becomes sluggish, first try alternatives such as uninstalling unused software, deleting junk files, using tools like Disk Cleanup, opting for minimal security programs, and managing startup programs to eliminate unnecessary ones. After attempting these, if your system still doesn't speed up, you should consider reinstalling Windows. Reinstalling can be a quicker solution to eliminate malware and resolve other issues compared to troubleshooting and repairing the specific problem. However, if your Windows is functioning properly, there's no need to reinstall the operating system.

Follow this page to get a comprehensive solution and guidance for reinstalling Windows 11 on your computer.

Prerequisites for Reinstalling Windows 11

Before reinstalling Windows 11, you should undertake the following preparatory tasks to ensure the best experience.

# Backup Essential Files

Before reinstalling Windows 11, it's crucial to back up all your files, folders, and applications to another storage device. This is because during the reinstallation process, some of your data might be lost. I recommend using a backup software like Todo Backup to efficiently and quickly backup all your important files to an external storage device in one go. This will ensure the safety of your data.

# Prepare C drive

The installation of Windows 11 requires a minimum of 64 GB of free space on the operating system drive. Hence, it's crucial to verify if you have sufficient storage on your C drive. If not, you should clean up your C drive.

Clean up all the junk files and applications that you never use, and make space for the Windows 11 reinstallation.

If your C drive is too small, you can easily expand it using tools like Partition Master. Simply download the Partition Master software onto your computer, and it will assist you in extending your C drive space.

Option 1. Extend the System C drive with unallocated space

1. Right-click on the System C: drive and select "Resize/Move." 2. Drag the system partition end into the unallocated space to add it to the C: drive, then click "OK." 3. Click "Execute Task" and "Apply" to execute the operations and extend the C drive.

Option 2. Extend System C drive without unallocated space

Translate the following text into English: 1. Right-click a large partition with sufficient free space on the system disk and select "Allocate Space". 2. At the "Allocate Space From (*) To" section, select the system drive, then drag the end of the System C drive into the unallocated space. Click "OK" to confirm. 3. Click "Execute Task". This will display the pending operations. Click "Apply" to save the changes and extend the C drive.

0:00-0:26 - Extend the System Drive with Unallocated Space; 0:27-0:58 - Extend the System Drive without Unallocated Space.

# Choose a suitable method to reinstall Windows 11

Below are some methods to reinstall Windows 11:

• 1. Reset PC & Reinstall Windows 11 using Recovery Option
• 2. Reset PC & Reinstall Windows 11 from Recovery Mode
• 3. Reinstall or Perform a Clean Install of Windows 11 from a Bootable USB
• 4. Reinstall Windows 11 from an ISO File on the Computer

You can follow any of these methods, described below. A clean installation is usually the preferred choice for most regular users, as it can be easier and simpler.

1. Reset PC & Reinstall Windows 11 using Recovery Option

1. Open Settings.
2. Click on System.
3. Click on Recovery in the right panel.

• Under the "Recovery options" section, in the "Reset this PC" setting, click the Reset PC button to initiate the Windows 11 reinstallation process.

Click the Keep my files option.

• Choose the Cloud download option to download Windows 11 for a clean reinstall. Alternatively, select the Local reinstall option to reinstall the operating system without losing your data.

Click the Next button.

Click the Reset button.

2. Reset PC and Reinstall Windows 11 through Recovery Mode

• On the Sign-in screen, click the power button in the bottom right corner and select Restart from the available options. Hold down the Shift key and don't release it until Windows restarts into the Recovery Environment.
• After entering the WinRE, click on the Troubleshoot option. If your mouse isn't working, you can use the arrow keys and the Enter key to navigate.

• Now, click on Reset This PC.

• You'll have two options to select from.

The next option prompts the user to choose between Cloud download or Local reinstall.

• The next option will format your drive and delete all contents if you selected "Remove Everything" in Step 4.
• Click the "Reset" button.

3. Reinstall or Perform a Clean Install of Windows 11 from a Bootable USB

You can utilize the tool called Win 11 Builder to download Windows 11. This application will assist you in creating a bootable USB drive on your computer with just one click. It's a lightweight and user-friendly tool designed for downloading Windows 11 via a bootable USB. The software is free and particularly helpful for users who are not experienced in manually performing all the necessary steps to enable USB booting.

Step 1. Launch OS2Go after installation, and click Windows Install Drive Creator. The system information is displayed on the home screen, which updates continually. Besides Windows 11, the Win11 builder also allows you to download Windows 10/8.1.

Step 2. Connect your USB flash drive to the computer. Win11 Builder will automatically detect your USB device, so simply click the Create button.

Step 3. If your USB drive has been used before, the software will erase its data. When the downloading starts, wait for it to finish, or you can leave and do other tasks.

Step 4. Once the Windows 11 ISO image has been successfully downloaded onto the USB drive, proceed to install Windows 11 on your computer by following the installation wizard step by step from the bootable USB drive.

Boot your device using the Windows 11 USB media, and then press any key to start the device.

On the "Windows Setup" screen, you need to click the Next button.

1. Click the "Install now" button.
2. Choose the option "I don't have a product key" to proceed. However, you will require a product key if this is your first time installing Windows 11.
3. Select the edition of Windows 11 you wish to install.
4. Click the "Next" button.
5. Agree to the license terms by selecting the "I accept the license terms" option to continue.
6. Click the "Next" button again.
7. To proceed with a clean installation, choose the "Custom: Install Windows only" option.
8. Select the partition with the current installation, and then click the "Delete" button.
9. Click the "Yes" button to confirm.
10. Select the empty drive.
11. Finally, click the "Next" button to begin the installation process.

Once you've gone through these steps, the Windows 11 Setup will install a brand new copy of the operating system on your laptop or desktop computer.

4. Reinstall Windows 11 from ISO File on Computer

1. Go to the Windows 11 ISO page. If you're not logged into your Microsoft Account, you'll need to do so. If you haven't registered as a Windows Insider yet, you can sign up for free on the website. 2. Scroll down the page and use the "Select edition" dropdown to choose the edition you want. If you wish to get the latest build, select "Dev Channel." After making your choice, a confirm button will appear.

Click on Confirm.

Click Confirm to proceed as an Insider.

Select your language and click on confirm.

Click the download button that appears.

The ISO file will download to your computer.

Subsequences

Now, when your Windows 11 is reinstalled, you need to follow the steps below to ensure smooth operation of your system.

#1. Restore the backup to the computer

Now, once your reinstallation is complete, you'll need to restore all your data back onto your computer. Follow these steps below to retrieve your data:

• Click the "Start" button, then choose "Control Panel," subsequently navigate to "System and Maintenance," and finally click on "Backup and Restore."
• Perform one of the following actions:

1. If you're using Windows Backup for the first time or recently upgraded your Windows version, select "Set up backup," and then proceed with the subsequent steps.

2. If you've created a backup previously, you can either wait for your scheduled backup to occur, or create a new one immediately by selecting "Back up now."

3. If you have created a backup previously but want to make a new full backup instead of updating the previous one, select "Create new," "full backup," and then proceed with the subsequent steps.

#2. Reallocate hard drive spaces on the computer

You need to redistribute the hard drive space on your computer. You can utilize the tool called Partition Master to accomplish this task. Follow these steps to get assistance in reallocating hard drive spaces on your computer using Partition Master:

< strong > Step 1. Select the disk to adjust its layout. < /strong >

On the main screen, right-click the disk and select "Adjust Disk Layout."

Step 2. Adjust the drive or partition size.

Drag the dots next to the partition head or tail to reallocate the partition size. Or, you can also drag partitions next to the unallocated space to adjust the partition position. Then, click "OK".

Step 3. Confirm to adjust the disk partition size.

点击“执行任务”按钮，然后点击“应用”以保存所有更改。

Conclusion

If you notice that your system isn't functioning optimally or has slowed down, don't worry. You can refer to our guidelines above and, if necessary, reinstall Windows 11 to reallocate disk space and enhance your computer's performance.

Based on my test, the simplest method to help you reinstall Windows 11 on a computer is by using the "Reset this PC" option available through the Recovery settings. This feature enables you to reinstall Windows 11 while preserving your data or erasing everything from your hard drive by downloading installation files from the cloud.

Resetting the PC and installing Windows 11 through the Recovery settings is a convenient way to address issues when your device is not functioning properly, in case of malware attacks, or if your computer is running slow, or you're experiencing battery and application problems. You can reinstall Windows 11 or perform a clean installation using a bootable USB drive for a smooth and straightforward process. It will be highly beneficial and user-friendly.