Repair Windows 11: Upgrade Without Losing Your Files

Is your Windows 11 computer acting up? Sometimes quick fixes don’t work. The good news is you can repair Windows 11 by doing an “In-place upgrade.” This means reinstalling Windows while keeping all your files, apps, and settings safe.

Other ways to fix Windows exist too, like resetting your PC without deleting your data. You can learn more about that here: Reset Windows 11 without losing data.

For the In-place upgrade, you need a copy of Windows 11 called an “ISO file.” This file must match your current Windows edition, language, and version or be newer. You also need at least 20 GB of free space on your main Windows drive.

Steps to Repair Windows 11 with an In-place Upgrade

Before you begin, please check these important things:

• Turn off or uninstall any antivirus or security software you installed.
• Turn off bitlocker-encryption-type-on-fixed-data-drives-in-windows-11/" class="sal-link" rel="noopener" target="_blank" data-sal-id="15824">BitLocker encryption if it’s enabled.
• Download a full Windows 11 ISO file if you don’t have one.
• Mount (open) the ISO file on your computer.

Once you have done these, follow these simple steps:

1. Open the Windows 11 ISO file

Double-click the ISO file you downloaded. It will open like a new drive on your computer.

Windows 11 ISO file opened (mounted) to start the upgrade

2. Run the setup program

Inside the opened ISO, find and double-click setup.exe to start the Windows installer.

If you see a pop-up asking for permission (User Account Control), click Yes. ⚠️ Admin privileges required.

3. Change update settings

When the setup window opens, click the link that says “Change how Setup downloads updates”.

Windows 11 setup window with option to change update preferences

4. Choose Not right now for updates

In the next window, select Not right now. This means the setup won’t download updates, drivers, or extra features during install.

Choose “Not right now” to skip updates during setup

5. Let Windows check your PC

The setup will now check your computer to make sure it’s ready for the upgrade. It will check for enough free space and other requirements.

Windows is preparing your system for the upgrade

Windows checking if there is enough storage space

6. Choose what to keep

When you see the Ready to install window, click the link that says Change what to keep.

Click “Change what to keep” before installing

7. Select Keep personal files and apps

In the next window, pick Keep personal files and apps to make sure nothing gets deleted.

Choose to keep your files and apps during the upgrade

8. Start the upgrade

Click the Install button to begin the repair process.

Click Install to start the repair

9. Wait for the repair to finish

Your PC will now upgrade Windows 11 while keeping your files and apps safe. This can take some time, and your computer may restart a few times.

Windows 11 repair process running

10. Done!

When finished, you will be able to log back into your PC. Your files and apps should still be there, and many Windows problems may be fixed.

Summary

• This guide helps you repair Windows 11 without losing your files, apps, or settings.
• Doing an In-place upgrade is a safe way to fix Windows problems when nothing else works.
• If you have questions or want to share tips, feel free to leave a comment where you found this guide.