To repair Windows with the lowest risk to personal files, use the Windows Recovery Environment and try the least disruptive options first.
- If the PC is stuck in Automatic Repair, go to WinRE
- On the Automatic Repair screen, open Advanced options.
- Then select Troubleshoot.
- Try Startup Repair first
- Go to Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Repair > Restart.
- This tool checks for startup problems such as damaged system files or boot configuration issues and attempts to fix them automatically.
- If BitLocker is enabled, the BitLocker recovery key is required.
- If the problem started after a recent change, try Uninstall updates
- Go to Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Uninstall updates.
- This is a safer option because personal files and apps are not affected.
- If a restore point exists, try System Restore
- In WinRE, use System Restore.
- This rolls back system files and settings without removing personal files.
- Use Reset this PC only if the above does not work
- Go to Troubleshoot > Reset this PC.
- Choose Keep my files.
- This reinstalls Windows, removes apps and settings, but keeps personal files.
- Before doing this, make sure product keys and installation files are available for desktop apps that need to be reinstalled later.
- If Reset this PC fails
- Reinstall Windows from recovery media or installation media.
- Warning: this is more disruptive and can remove everything from the device.
Important precautions:
- Some recovery options can cause data loss, so back up important files first if possible.
- If BitLocker is enabled, the recovery key is needed for most recovery options in WinRE.
- Since the goal is to keep personal files, the safest order is: Startup Repair → Uninstall updates → System Restore → Reset this PC > Keep my files.