How to reinstall Windows 10 from usb without losing files?

Reinstalling Windows 10 from a USB drive can be a bit of a process, but it's definitely doable. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you through it.

 Tools Needed

1. USB Drive: Get a USB drive with at least 8GB of free space. You'll use this to create the bootable media.
2. Windows 10 ISO: You'll need the Windows 10 ISO file. You can download it from Microsoft's official
3. website. Make sure you have a valid product key for the version you're downloading.
4. Rufus: A free tool that helps you create a bootable USB drive. Download Rufus from its official website.
5. PowerShell or Command Prompt: You might need to open one of these to run some commands.

Preparing the USB Drive

• Plug in the USB Drive: Insert the USB drive into your computer.
• Download Rufus: If you haven't already, download Rufus and run it.
• Open Rufus: Run Rufus and select your USB drive from the device list.
• Settings: In the Rufus settings, make sure:
• Partition scheme: Choose MBR (Master Boot Record) for older BIOS systems or GPT (GUID Partition Table) if you're using UEFI.
• File system: Choose FAT32 (for older systems) or NTFS (for newer systems).
• Cluster size: Leave it as default or choose the smallest cluster size that can handle your files.
• ISO Image: Click on the folder icon to select the Windows 10 ISO file you downloaded earlier.
• Start: Click Start and let Rufus create the bootable media.

Steps for reinstalling Windows 10 from USB

1. Boot from USB: Restart your computer and enter the BIOS settings (usually by pressing F2, F12, or Del).
2. Set your computer to boot from the USB drive first.
3. Windows Setup: Once your computer boots from the USB, you'll see the Windows setup screen. Click Next and then choose your language preferences.
   Accept License Terms: Accept the license terms by checking the box and clicking Next.
   Choose Installation Type: Select "Custom: Install Windows only (advanced)" to keep your files intact. Otherwise, select "Keep personal files and apps" to keep everything, but this might overwrite some system files.
4. Select Disk: Select the disk where you want to install Windows. Be careful not to select the wrong disk, as it can erase all your data on that disk.
5. Install Now: Click Install now and wait for the installation process to complete.

Keeping Files and Apps

If you select "Keep personal files and apps" during the installation process, Windows will preserve your files and installed apps. However, some system files might be overwritten, which can cause issues with some apps.

If you select "Custom: Install Windows only (advanced)" and you want to keep your files, make sure to:

• Back up your important files before reinstalling.
• Connect an external hard drive or network location to store your files during installation.
• Make sure to select the correct disk during installation to avoid erasing your files.