Introduction

One concern that many Windows users have is whether they'll lose their files if they reinstall the system. While this is a legitimate worry, there's actually not much to be afraid of. Windows offers a built-in feature that allows you to reinstall the operating system while keeping your files safe. Apart from that, you can also utilize third-party software to back up and restore your data, ensuring that you can still access your files in case something goes wrong.

The post explains both methods and helps you understand the importance of using a dedicated tool to back up your files and apps.

Quick Fix:

How to Reinstall Windows 10 Without Losing Data (2 Quick Ways)
Backup and Restore Data with Todo PCTrans Tool

How to Reinstall Windows 10 Without Losing Data (2 Quick Ways)

There are two ways to quickly reset Windows 10, both of which are built into the operating system. You won't need any third-party software.

Solution 1: Use the "Reset this PC" feature

Step 1: Click the "Start" button, then click the "Settings" icon. Go to "Update & Security" settings and find the "Recovery" section.

Reset this PC Windows Recovery

Step 2: In the Recovery options, you have two choices – “Reset this PC” and “Advanced startup”. Click on the “Get started” button under “Reset this PC.”

Step 3: In the Reset Wizard, you'll see two options – “Keep my files” and “Remove everything.” Choose the former. On the next screen, you'll be asked if you want to download and install Windows or reinstall it from the device; choose the latter, and then follow the wizard through to reinstall Windows.

Keep my files, reset this PC

While the “Reset this PC” feature may work and save your personal files, it will uninstall apps, programs, and drivers. Reinstalling everything could take a long time. You're better off using software like Todo PCTrans for backups and restoration.

Fix 2: Apply the Classic Start Menu

Step one: Hit the Windows key, go to “Settings” > “Update & Security” > “Recovery.” Then click “Restart now” under “Advanced startup.”

Advanced Startup on a Windows PC

Step 2: It will prompt you to restart, then boot into the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) or Advanced Boot Options menu. There are three options on the blue screen; one of them should be “Troubleshoot.” Click it.

Windows Recovery Troubleshooter

Step 3: Finally, you'll see the "Reset this PC" option. Click it, then choose "Keep my files," and click "Next" > "Reset" > "Continue." Your computer will restart, and Windows will begin reinstalling itself.

Reset this PC from WinRE

Note: This is like a repair install, and will keep your files safe, but none of your applications, drivers, or programs. You'll have to reinstall everything, which can take some time. If you want to save time, try the tool Todo PCTrans, which will back everything up and restore it for you.

Utilize the Todo PCTrans Tool for Data Backup and Restoration

Todo PCTrans is a professional data migration tool that allows you to transfer files, applications, and user accounts from one computer to another with just one click. The transfer takes place directly between PCs or via a complete image of another disk or system disk for transfer. It can also recover data from unbootable or non-booting PCs, meaning all hope isn't lost if your computer suddenly stops working.

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You can use either scenario.

Backup file

The software has a dedicated “Backup and Restore” section where you can choose to back up only files. While the default options are selected automatically, you can edit them and pick which files to include. The backup will be saved to an external drive.

Upon completion of the upgrade, if you find any files missing, you can always restore them using the backup method. You can choose to perform a full recovery or a selective recovery by simply picking the required files from the backup.

The backup files can only be viewed through Todo PCTrans, so they're inaccessible to others.

Backup and Restore utility

This precise part also allows backing up applications, user accounts, and files. The significant advantage of using this method is that it saves a lot of time. You don't have to reinstall applications from scratch. When you restore them, you don't even need to reactivate them with keys again. It transfers all settings, customizations, and activation states to the upgraded operating system.

Step 1: Create an image of the installed app

1. Run Todo PCTrans on your computer and select "Backup & Restore". Click "Start" to continue.

Run Todo PCTrans

2. In the Backup Method window, select Data Only and click Next to proceed.

Select Data Backup Select Data Backup

3. Click “Browse” to choose a location to save the backup file.

4. In the “Applications” section, select the app you want to back up.

Select the apps to transfer select application for transfer

5. Finally, tap “Backup” to start creating a backup image of the selected app. When it's done, proceed with Step 2.

Step 2: Restore the app from the created backup file

Note: If the application is already on your computer, it will not restore the app image to your computer. You'll need to uninstall the existing application first, then try these steps again.

1. Copy and save the backup file to the target computer, then run Todo PCTrans.

In the “Backup and Restore” section, click “Start” to proceed and choose “Data Recovery” as the transfer mode.

2. Click "Browse" to select the Todo PCTrans image file, then click "Restore" to proceed.

Select the pictures you want to restore select image to recover

3. On the Applications tab, check the programs and apps you want to restore from the image, then click Restore.

Restore application images

Backing up your files and apps works in a similar way; you just have to choose the right one. Launch the app, go to "Backup and Restore," and select "Data Backup" before you upgrade. Choose your apps and files, and you're done. After upgrading Windows, you can use the "Data Restore" method.

During the process, you can choose to restore everything or just a few items. Migration settings also let you skip system files and folders and specify what to do in case of duplicate files.

Conclusions

Before you upgrade, it's essential to back up your files and apps, or both. The Windows upgrade process will take care of backing up your personal files, but not your apps. So if anything goes wrong, you'll have to reinstall everything.

This is why using a dedicated software like Todo PCTrans is important, as it offers more flexibility and ensures data integrity. The backup method is safe, you can restore quickly, the file integrity is preserved, and so on.