How to Repair/Install Windows 11 Using 3 Quick Methods

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In This Guide

Method 1. Repair/Install Using Windows Settings

Method 2. Install Using Windows 11 ISO

Method 3. Repair Your Windows Using Recovery Mode

repair windows now

Is your Windows 11 system experiencing issues like corrupted system files, failed updates, or minor performance problems? A repair install could be the solution you need. A repair install, or in-place upgrade, involves reinstalling the operating system while keeping your files, settings, and applications intact.
This method aims to fix corrupted system files and restore stability without affecting your personal data, offering a time-saving alternative to full reinstallation.

In this article, we’ll guide you through three methods to repair and install Windows 11: using Windows Settings, the Windows 11 ISO, and Recovery Mode.

Before you begin, it’s essential to back up your important files. While the repair/install process is designed to keep your files intact, backing up ensures that your data remains safe in case of any issues.

Additionally, disconnect any unnecessary devices like printers and temporarily disable third-party security software to avoid potential conflicts.

Also, if you experience any repair loop issue, see how to fix it here.
Another error that’s prone to showing up is a stuck screen on ‘getting Windows ready’.

Now that you’ve backed up your files, let’s dive into the first method!

Method 1. Repair/Install Using Windows Settings

The simplest way to repair Windows 11 is through the Settings app. This method preserves your files and folders but will remove any third-party applications you’ve installed, which will need to be reinstalled afterward.
Follow the below steps:

• Press the ‘Windows key + I’ to open the “Settings” app.
• Go to the “System” section, then scroll down and click on “Recovery”.

• Under “Recovery options”, find the “Reset this PC” section and click on “Reset PC”.

• Choose the option “Keep my files” to ensure your personal files are preserved.

• In the next prompt, select either “Local reinstall”, which uses files already on your system, or “Cloud download”, which retrieves fresh files from Microsoft’s servers. The “Cloud download” option is recommended if you’re facing system issues, as it avoids using potentially corrupted local files. Ensure you have a stable internet connection for this option.

• Next, review your choices, and if necessary, adjust them by selecting “Change settings”. Click “Next” to proceed.

• On the “Ready to reset this PC” screen, click “Reset” to begin the repair process. This may take some time, and your PC will restart during the process, which is normal.

Method 2. Install Using Windows 11 ISO

Next up, we’re going to use a Windows 11 ISO file. This method allows you to perform an in-place upgrade, preserving your personal data, user accounts, and installed applications while addressing issues with your current installation. Here’s how to do it:

A. Create the Windows 11 ISO

To begin, you’ll need the Windows 11 ISO file. Follow these steps to create it:

• Visit the official Microsoft website and download the “Windows 11 Installation Media”.

• Double-click the “MediaCreationTool.exe” file to launch the tool. When prompted by User Account Control (UAC), click “Yes”.

• Accept the license terms to proceed.

• Choose the appropriate language and edition, ensuring it matches your current installation, or select “Use the recommended options for this PC”, then click “Next”.
• Select the option “ISO file” and click “Next”.

• Pick a location to save the ISO file and wait for the download to complete. Click “Finish” once the download is complete.

B. Repair install Windows

Once the ISO file is ready, follow these steps to perform the repair install:

• Right-click the downloaded ISO file and select “Mount”.

• Open the mounted drive and double-click “setup.exe “to start the installation process.

• When asked if you want to update Windows to the latest version, choose “Not right now” and click “Next”.
• Accept the terms, and the system will perform some checks. Let them complete.
• Click “Change what to keep”, choose from the following options, and click “Next”:
  Keep personal files and apps
  Keep personal files only
  Keep nothing
• Click “Install” to start the repair installation process. 

Windows 11 Setup will proceed with the repair install. Once finished, your computer will reboot, and you will be taken to the Sign-in screen.

Method 3. Repair Your Windows Using Recovery Mode

You can also repair your Windows 11 installation using the recovery mode. This method utilizes the Windows Recovery Environment and does not require logging into your account. Follow the steps below:

• Click the “Start” button, then click “Power” > “Restart”, and hold down the ‘Shift’ key until the PC restarts.

• You will be taken to the “Windows Recovery Environment”. On the “Choose an option” screen, select “Troubleshoot”.
• On the “Troubleshoot” screen, click “Reset this PC”.

• You will then be prompted to choose whether to keep your personal files. Select the appropriate option based on your preference.

• Next, decide how you want Windows to be reinstalled. We recommend using the “Cloud download” option, especially if you’re having trouble signing in. This will download a fresh copy of Windows 11 from Microsoft’s servers.

• Choose which drives to format: either just the drive with Windows (usually C:) or all drives.

• Next, choose how thoroughly you want to clean the drive: either “remove files only” or “fully clean the drive”.

• Review your choices on the next screen and click the “Reset” button to start the process.
• Wait for the process to finish. The time it takes will depend on your options.

You have now successfully completed the fresh install for your Windows 11 system.
You’ve done a great job following through!
Remember, keeping your system updated is key to avoiding future issues. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to ask by leaving a comment below.