Backup & restore, PC-to-PC transfer, and recovery options in Windows Choose a backup solution Backup and restore with Windows Backup Windows backup settings catalog Backup and restore with File History Get the most out of your backup Transfer using PC-to-PC transfer Transfer your files using an external storage device Recovery options in Windows Windows Recovery Environment Point-in-time restore for Windows Configure System Protection Fix issues by reinstalling the current version of Windows Reinstall Windows with the installation media Go back to the previous version of Windows Quick Machine Recovery If your PC is experiencing problems, especially issues related to Windows Update, you can use the Fix problems using Windows Update recovery option to reinstall the current version of Windows. Reinstalls the same version of Windows already on your PC Repairs system files and components Preserves your apps, files, and settings Keep your PC connected to a power source and the internet during the entire reinstallation process. Steps to reinstall Windows Select Start > Settings > System > Recovery or use the following shortcut: Open Recovery settings Select Start > Settings > System > Recovery or use the following shortcut: Open Recovery settings Under Fix problems using Windows Update , select Reinstall now. Under Fix problems using Windows Update , select Reinstall now. In the Fix problems using Windows Update window, choose if you want to allow the PC to automatically restart 15 minutes after the installation completes.

In the Fix problems using Windows Update window, choose if you want to allow the PC to automatically restart 15 minutes after the installation completes. Select OK when you’re ready to start the installation. Select OK when you’re ready to start the installation. The reinstall will take you to the Windows Update page in Settings . It will start downloading a repair version of the last operating system update that was successfully installed on your PC. Once the download is complete, the repair version of the update installs. The reinstall will take you to the Windows Update page in Settings . It will start downloading a repair version of the last operating system update that was successfully installed on your PC. Once the download is complete, the repair version of the update installs. Once the reinstall is complete, restart your PC if you didn’t choose to allow it to restart automatically. Once the reinstall is complete, restart your PC if you didn’t choose to allow it to restart automatically. Windows Update recommends a reinstall after an update installation fails If an update fails to install because of problems related to system files or components, you might see the following message in the Windows Update page in Settings : `Reinstall your current version of Windows to repair system files and components.``` Selecting the Reinstall now option opens Fix problems using Windows Update . Choose if you want to allow the PC to automatically restart 15 minutes after the installation completes. Select OK when you’re ready to start the installation. Once the reinstall is complete, restart your PC if you didn’t choose to allow it to restart automatically. Fix problems using Windows Update isn't displayed If your PC is managed by your work or school, Fix problems using Windows Update might be unavailable. The option might also be missing if you’re running a version of Windows that’s earlier than Windows 11 with the 2022 annual update . You'll also need the February 2024 optional update, or a later update installed on the PC. Information for IT professionals Fix problems with Windows Update isn’t available on devices that have their updates managed. Devices won’t have the option if they are enrolled in Autopatch , leverage the deployment service , or have any of the following Windows update policies configured: UpdateServiceUrl Computer Configuration> Administrative templates > Windows Components > Windows Update > Manage updates offered from Windows Server Update Service > Specify intranet Microsoft update service location DeferFeatureUpdatePeriodInDays Computer Configuration> Administrative templates > Windows Components > Windows Update > Manage updates offered from Windows Update > Select when Preview Builds and Feature Updates are received DeferQualityUpdatePeriodInDays Computer Configuration> Administrative templates > Windows Components > Windows Update > Manage updates offered from Windows Update > Select when Quality Updates are received TargetReleaseVersion Computer Configuration> Administrative templates > Windows Components > Windows Update > Manage updates offered from Windows Update > Select the target Feature Update version SetDisableUXWUAccess Computer Configuration> Administrative templates > Windows Components > Windows Update > Manage end user experience > Remove access to use all Windows Update features Thank you for your feedback!