Installing windows 10 will the data be saved. How to reinstall Windows while keeping settings and installed programs

Reinstalling (updating) Windows is performed over the installed operating system without formatting the system partition. This saves your files and settings, as well as installed programs and their settings.

As a rule, this method is advised in cases where all other options for solving the problem have been exhausted, although in modern Windows this is a completely acceptable solution from a technical point of view. Often, it leads to the goal much faster than dancing with a tambourine.

Windows 10 owners automatically and silently go through this process every time a new build is released, ie. once every six months (insiders - much more often).

Comparison table of recovery tools in Windows

Due to the variety of means Windows recovery, I have prepared a comparison table . In it you will find short description recovery methods and how they work, as well as links to detailed articles about each of the tools.

Reinstall process

The process is identical for Windows 7, Windows 8.1 and Windows 10. You will need installation disk(download) and a product key (Windows 7 and 8.1 only, as you can skip entering the key on Windows 10).

To reinstall the operating system in this way, you must log in to it. Upgrading from 32-bit Windows to 64-bit is basically impossible.

Step 1 - Start Reinstallation

Insert the installation disk and run setup.exe, and then in the window that opens, click the button Install.

Step 2 - Install updates

Windows will prompt you to download Latest updates- it is logical to install an updated system. Of course, an Internet connection is required.

If you choose to download updates, the download progress will be displayed in the next window.

Step 3 - Selecting the type of installation

After the updates are downloaded, the system will reboot and the installation process will begin. After accepting the license agreement, you can choose its type.

• Update is an installation on top existing system. Wherein persist your settings and data, as well as installed programs. All system parameters (for example, service configuration) are reset - they are brought to the standard ones, as in new installation Windows.
• Full installation- this is a clean installation with formatting the system partition, or installation on another hard disk partition. Wherein are lost all your data and programs.

The update uses the data transfer tool.

It saves:

• all your files and folders
• programs and their settings
• user accounts and settings
• Internet settings
• email options
• contacts and messages

All files are saved on the same partition where the operating system is installed. During the reinstallation, a number of folders are created, one of which is where Easy Transfer places these files. The figure below shows how user profiles are migrated.

Then all this data is restored to installed system, and temporary folders are deleted. But before you can see the desktop, you'll have to go through the standard customization process called OOBE (Out of Box Experience) - create an account, set language preferences, and so on.

At the end of the update, you will have a clean Windows, which, however, retains your files, user preferences, programs and their settings. Once you have verified that it is working properly, you can

Windows 10 Creators Update introduced another system update feature. Now you can reinstall Windows 10 with personal data saved - everything happens automatically, and as a result we get a clean version of the system.

Implemented in the Creators Update new feature Start Again, which allows you to automatically reinstall Windows 10 while keeping personal data (documents, photos, videos, etc.). The operating system will not only be completely cleared of unnecessary programs and reinstalled, but in addition we still get completely updated version Windows 10. How can I reinstall Windows 10 without losing my license and personal data using the built-in Start Again tool?

What is the Start Again feature?

The Start Over feature was introduced in the Windows 10 Creators Update and is an optional upgrade option. It's more powerful than the Reset PC feature. It does the following:

• allows you to completely reinstall operating system Windows 10 from scratch;
• installs all available updates during reinstallation;
• saves personal data of user directories Documents, Music, Images, Videos;
• removes everything third party programs(in the end, get a clean OS without unnecessary add-ons);
• produces automatic tuning account the user to the state that was before the reinstallation;
• automatically activates the license for Windows 10.

Before you reinstall Windows 10 on your computer using this tool, pay attention to the following again.

The only thing that is saved is your personal data from the libraries of documents, images, videos and downloaded files. Everything else is removed, as you can freely call this installation option "from scratch" with saving only the most important data for the user.

The advantage of the "Start over" application is that during the reinstallation, the latest current version Windows 10. Thanks to this, the problem with downloading and installing a large number of updates completely disappears.

Which is very convenient, especially for users who use laptops - before that there were several useful solutions reinstall the system on the PC from the Recovery section. From this partition, you can restore the OS using the recovery disk. But, as you know, the recorded installation on the disk becomes outdated after time and you had to install a lot of updates. Now this need disappears, since the Start Again application not only allows you to reinstall the OS from scratch, but also automatically updates it.

In addition, the function removes from the laptop all unnecessary add-ons that were added by the manufacturer for advertising purposes, that is, the so-called bloatware (for example, ineffective pre-installed anti-virus software etc.).

Reinstalling Windows 10 with saving data through the "Start over" function

Will go directly to how to reinstall windows 10 using this tool. To do this, open the Start menu and go to the Settings section (gear icon on the left side of the panel). Then go to the tab "Update and Security" - "Recovery".

The tab will display the already familiar options for restoring and returning the computer to its original state through a reset. But we are interested in the option to start over. Find "Advanced Recovery Options".

Directly below it is the link "Learn how to start over with clean install windows". Click on this link and you will be asked if you want to launch the Security Center app. Windows Defender". Confirm login to the app.

A window will appear with the "Start over" option. Clicking on the "Get Started" button will start the reinstallation process. Everything will be done automatically, for this you do not need a disk or Windows Installer 10 - it is built into the system.

Downloaded, hung and installed updates stored in computer memory. Over time they take a large number of memory and crash the system. one piece Windows updates deletes automatically, and the second half will have to be cleaned manually.

We clean the computer: ways and means

Remove installed updates

Already installed updates can be removed, thereby rolling back the version of the operating system to the moment when these updates have not yet been received. For complete removal a certain update, as well as for installation, at the end of the process, the computer must be restarted. Removing some updates will cause the system to install the previous version of the update, the one that was in use before the installation of the update being removed.

There are several built-in ways to get rid of installed versions. Deletion options via additional programs will be dealt with in a separate paragraph, so if standard methods not suitable for you, you can use a third-party application. So, we consider internal means of removal.

Using the update center

1. Open your computer settings. Opening computer settings
2. Select the Update & Security tab.
   Go to the "Update and Security" section
3. Go to the update log, which contains all the information about the installed updates.
   Opening the update log
4. Click the Uninstall Updates button.
   Click the "Uninstall Updates" button
5. The control panel will open. A list of installed updates will appear on the screen, it can be sorted by one of the columns. To delete an update, select it and use the Delete button.
   Select the update and click on the "Delete" button
6. You will be asked to confirm the action, do so by clicking the "Yes" button. After removing all unnecessary updates, restart your computer. Press the "Yes" button

Video: Remove updates using Update Center

Using the control panel

In the previous paragraph, we got to the desired section of the control panel through the computer settings, now let's look at how to do it directly:

Video: Remove updates using Control Panel

Using the command line

1. Find and open the row using admin rights. Open command prompt as administrator
2. Please note that in order to remove updates through a command, you must first find out the unique number of this update. It always starts with KB, you can find it in the update log, when viewing the list of installed updates, on the official Microsoft website, or using the wmic qfe list brief / format:table command, which calls up a table with dates and update numbers.
   We execute the command wmic qfe list brief / format: table
3. Once you know the correct numbers, use the wusa /uninstall /kb:unique_code command to start uninstalling a specific update.
   We execute the command wusa / uninstall / kb:unique_code
4. You may be asked to confirm the deletion, do so by clicking the "Yes" button. Select the "Yes" option
5. To complete the procedure, you must restart your computer. This can be done immediately or later. Choose whether to restart the computer now or later

Cleaning up the folder with old updates and copies

Restore points and versions of previous updates are stored in the computer's memory so that in the event that a new update causes an error or any other problem, the system can be rolled back. In no case should you delete the WinSxS folder, as this may cause Windows to stop starting, and it will not be possible to roll back or restore it without this folder. It is recommended to clear the folder only when its weight exceeds 8 GB.

Clear downloaded updates and cache

Downloaded, but for some reason not yet installed or recently installed updates are also stored in the computer's memory. Some downloaded updates hang, because of this they cannot be installed. All such updates are located in the PrimaryDrive:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution\Download folder. By going to this folder, you will find subfolders with long names, you can delete them all or only certain ones, focusing on the code in the name and the date of creation. Deletion is carried out by the usual movement to the trash, that is, right-click on them and apply the "Delete" function.

Delete the contents of the folder in Primary_disk:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution\Download

It is worth clearing the DeliveryOptimization subfolder, located in the same SoftwareDistribution folder, it stores the update cache. You cannot delete the folder itself, only its contents.

We clear the folder in the Main_disk:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution\DeliveryOptimization

Purging from a previous build

After installing the Anniversary Update, the build version of the system changes. In order for the user to be able to cancel the transition to a new global version of the operating system, the Windows.old folder is created, containing all necessary files within 30 days. After this period expires, the folder will self-destruct, but if you do not want to wait, follow these steps:

1. Run Disk Cleanup.
   Open Disk Cleanup
2. Select drive C and wait for it to be scanned. Choosing a disk to clean
3. Move on to cleansing system files, this will require administrator rights. Windows will ask you again to select the drive that needs to be scanned. Click the "Clean up system files" button
4. Check the boxes for "Previous Windows installations" and "Temporary installation files". Check the boxes "Previous Windows installations" and "Temporary installation files"
5. Start the uninstall process and agree to all the warnings that appear on the screen.
   We indicate that we still want to delete files

Cancel automatic update

By default, all available updates are downloaded and installed automatically, notifying you only that the system is up to date. The negative side of this action is that at any time there may be a load on the Internet. The traffic spent on downloading updates is not controlled. There are several ways to disable automatic update system, the easiest and fastest is to shut down the update center:

Third party software to manage updates

There are several third party programs to help manage updates, one of them is windows update mini tool. In it, you can select updates to download and install, remove installed and downloaded versions, block certain updates. The application is set to Russian, almost all actions are performed in the main menu using the list and action icons on the left side of the window. It is recommended to download the program distributed for free from the official website of the developer.

Manage updates through Windows Update MiniTool

Another program is IObit Uninstaller, designed to remove various Windows components, including updates. The application has built-in support for the Russian language. trial version can be downloaded for free from the official website of the developer. In the "Windows Updates" section, you can remove each update individually or erase them several at once. The application allows you to create restore points that will help you set up the system if, after uninstalling next update failures will occur.

Uninstall updates with IObit Uninstaller

Error uninstalling updates

Updates may not be removed for the following reasons:

• they are currently being downloaded or installed;
• the update being removed is involved by some process or application;
• update stuck.

First of all, disable all unnecessary processes, programs and disconnect from the Internet. If this does not help, then boot into safe mode and try to uninstall the update through it. Try uninstalling updates different ways described above in the article: through the control panel, command line, third party applications and cleaning folders.

To enter the safe mode, follow these steps:

If all else fails, then there are two ways out: roll back the system to the point where the update has not yet been installed, or reinstall the system using the image of the desired version. When you manage to uninstall the update, don't forget to deactivate it automatic installation, otherwise the update will start again the first time you connect to the Internet.

If Windows updates or lack of memory lead to uncomfortable work, then it is worth uninstalling harmful updates. To do this, in Windows 10, there are many system methods, such as uninstalling using the update center, uninstalling using the control panel, and using the command line. Third-party programs are also suitable, the functions of which are not limited to this. Remember, if auto-updates are not disabled, the data will again fall on your computer.

Updating the system - a necessity or an excess? Well-oiled Swiss watch mechanism or chaotic data flow? Sometimes there are situations when it is necessary to remove updates that, in theory, should stabilize Windows work 10 or other systems. The reasons can be different, whether it is an incorrectly installed upgrade or unwillingness to make changes to save space on the hard drive.

How to remove the latest installed updates in Windows 10

It often happens that a freshly installed OS update harms the performance of your computer. Problems can occur for a number of reasons:

• the update may have installed with errors;
• the update does not support the drivers that are installed for the correct operation of your PC;
• There were problems installing updates that caused critical errors and disruption of the operating system;
• the update is outdated, not installed;
• the update was installed two or more times;
• Errors occurred while downloading updates;
• there were errors hard drive The on which the update is being installed, etc.

Photo gallery: Errors when installing Windows 10 updates

Windows Update database corruption errors Duplicate Windows 10 update in Update History Updates failed due to hard drive failure

Removing updates through the "Control Panel"

1. Open the "Control Panel". To do this, right-click on Windows icon in the lower left corner of the screen and select "Control Panel".

   Right-click on the Start menu and open the Control Panel

2. In the window that opens, among the set of elements for managing your OS, we find the item "Programs and Features".

   In the "Control Panel" select the item "Programs and Features"

3. At the top left we find the link "View installed updates".

   In the column on the left, select "View installed updates"

4. Click on the update you need. The default is sorting by date, which means that the desired update will be among the top ones if several upgrades were installed at once, or the top one when only one was installed. It must be removed if it is because of it that problems arose. We left-click on the element, thereby activating the "Delete" button.

   Select the required update from the list and delete it by clicking on the appropriate button

5. Confirm the deletion and restart the computer. Some updates may not require a reboot.

Removing updates via Windows Update

1. Open the Start menu and select the Settings item.

   Select the "Settings" item by opening the "Start" menu

2. In the window that opens, select the Update and Security environment.

   Click on "Update and Security"

3. On the Windows Update tab, click on Update History.

   In "Windows Update" we look through the "Update History"

4. Click the "Uninstall Updates" button. Select the upgrade you are interested in and delete it by clicking on the appropriate button.

   Click "Uninstall updates" and remove incorrect upgrades

Uninstall updates via command line

Instead of [update number], enter the numbers from the second column of the list displayed command line. The first command will remove the update and reboot the computer, the second will do the same, only the reboot will occur if necessary.

All updates are removed in the same way. You only need to choose which particular upgrade incorrectly affects the operation of the OS.

How to delete Windows 10 updates folder

The magic folder is named WinSxS and all updates are downloaded to it. After a long lifetime of the operating system, this directory is increasingly overgrown with data that is in no hurry to be deleted. No wonder sophisticated people say: Windows takes up exactly as much space as it is given.

Do not flatter yourself, believing that the problem can be solved with a single click on the Delete key. Simple, brute deletion of the folder with updates in any Windows versions can lead to a deterioration in the operation of the OS, slowdown, freezing, refusal of other updates and other "joys". This directory should be cleared by operating system tools. This safe operation will release maximum volume memory.

There are several ways to optimize the updates folder:

• Disk Cleanup utility;
• using the command line.

Let's consider both methods in order.

The second method is even faster, but it does not clean the entire system or other disk and deals exclusively with OS updates.

How to cancel a Windows 10 update

Unfortunately or fortunately, canceling Windows 10 updates is not so easy. AT simple settings you will not find an option to opt out of receiving new upgrades. Such a function is not included in the Top Ten, because the developers promise lifetime support for this system, which means they guarantee its stability. However, threats, new viruses and similar "surprises" appear daily - accordingly, your OS must be updated in parallel with them. Therefore, it is not recommended to disable system updates, although this can be done by a workaround.

1. Right-click on the "This PC" icon on the desktop and select "Manage".

   Through context menu icon "This PC" go to "Management"

2. Select the "Services and Applications" tab. In it we enter the "Services".

   Open the "Services" of the computer through the "Services and Applications" tab

3. Scroll through the list to the required service "Windows Update" and start it with a double click.

   Open Windows Update properties by double-clicking

4. In the window that opens, change the filter in the "Startup type" column to "Disabled", confirm the changes with the OK button and restart the computer.

   Change the "Startup Type" of the service to "Disabled", save the changes and restart the computer

Video: How to cancel a Windows 10 update

How to delete Windows 10 update cache

Another option for cleaning and optimizing your system is to clear cached information files. An overflowing update cache can affect system performance, constantly search for new updates, etc.

Video: How to Clear the Windows 10 Update Cache

Programs for uninstalling Windows 10 updates

Windows Update MiniTool is a free and easy-to-manage program that will help you customize your Windows 10 update environment to your liking.

Windows Update MiniTool - a program for working with Windows updates

This utility looks for actual updates, can remove old ones, reinstall upgrades and much more. Also this software allows you to opt out of updates.

Revo Uninstaller is a powerful program similar to the Windows Add/Remove Programs service.

Revo Uninstaller is a program for working with software and OS updates

This is a functional application manager that allows you to track how and when the operating system or any individual application was updated. Among the advantages is the ability to remove updates and applications in a list, and not one at a time, which significantly reduces the cleaning time of your device. In cons, you can write down a complex interface and a general list for programs and updates, which in Windows service divided.

Why is the update not being removed?

The update cannot be removed only because of an error or a series of errors that occurred during the installation or operation of the update patch. Windows system is not ideal: every now and then there are problems due to the load on the OS, inaccuracies in the network, viruses, hardware failures. So, critical errors during the installation of an update may be in the registry, in which the update data is recorded, or in the hard disk sector where the update files are stored.

How to remove non-removable updates

There are no standard methods for removing "unremovable" items. The occurrence of such a situation means that there are critical errors on your device that prevent the operating system from working correctly. It is necessary to take a whole range of measures to solve this problem:

• check computer for virus programs several programs-defenders;
• carry out complex diagnostics of the hard drive with specialized programs;
• run a utility to clean the registry;
• defragment hard drives;
• start the Windows Recovery service from the installation disk.

If all these measures did not lead to the desired result, contact the specialists or reinstall the operating system. The last measure, albeit a drastic one, will definitely solve the problem.

Updating the system is not a big deal. However, in order to maintain high performance The computer must be monitored to ensure that all updates are installed in a timely and correct manner.