How to Reinstall Windows 10

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Michael Collins

You can reinstall Windows 10 through Reset this PC or Microsoft installation media. Back up your files, save your BitLocker recovery key, confirm activation, and choose carefully between keeping files and erasing everything. Windows 10 support ended October 14, 2025, so consider moving to Windows 11 instead of reinstalling an unsupported system.

How to do it

Step 1: Back up and check support

Copy important files to a separate drive or cloud account. Record app licenses and the BitLocker recovery key. Confirm whether the PC can run Windows 11 before committing to Windows 10.

Step 2: Choose Reset or installation media

Use Reset this PC for the simplest reinstall. Use Microsoft installation media for an in-place reinstall, a PC that cannot start, or a clean installation.

Step 3: Start Reset this PC

Open Settings > Update & Security > Recovery. Under Reset this PC, select Get started, then choose Keep my files or Remove everything.

Step 4: Choose the reinstall source

Select Cloud download for a fresh download or Local reinstall to use files already on the PC. Review the summary closely before confirming.

Step 5: Let Windows finish

Keep a laptop connected to power and do not force a restart. After setup, reconnect, run Windows Update, reinstall applications, and restore only the files you need.

What happens next

Windows is reinstalled using the options you selected. Keep my files preserves personal files but removes apps and settings; Remove everything deletes personal files as well. Neither option makes Windows 10 a supported operating system again.

Tips and troubleshooting

  • Microsoft says Windows 10 no longer receives free security updates.
  • A clean install from bootable media erases files, apps, and settings.
  • Use only Microsoft or your PC maker’s official recovery media.
  • If selling the PC, review the drive-cleaning option, but note that consumer reset is not an industry-certified erasure process.

Frequently asked questions

Can I reinstall without losing files?

The Keep my files reset option retains personal files but removes installed apps and resets settings. Back up anyway.

Do I need a product key?

A digitally licensed PC usually reactivates automatically when the same edition reconnects to the internet.

What size USB drive is needed?

Microsoft specifies a blank USB flash drive with at least 8 GB for installation media.

Should I reinstall Windows 10 in 2026?

Only with a clear reason. Since support ended, upgrading to Windows 11 or replacing incompatible hardware is safer.

What if the PC cannot start?

Create installation media on another working PC and use it to access repair tools or reinstall Windows.

Summary

You can reinstall Windows 10 through Reset this PC or Microsoft installation media. Back up your files, save your BitLocker recovery key, confirm activation, and choose carefully between keeping files and erasing everything. Windows 10 support ended October 14, 2025, so consider moving to Windows 11 instead of reinstalling an unsupported system.

Sources

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