I need to reinstall Windows 10 on my computer and I've heard that it can be done using a USB drive. However, I'm not entirely sure about the steps involved in creating a bootable USB and then using it to reinstall the OS. Could someone please provide a detailed, step-by-step guide on how to reinstall Windows 10 from USB? Here are a few specific questions I have: What tools do I need to create a bootable USB drive?How do I prepare the USB drive for the installation?What are the steps to follow during the installation process?Possible to keep the files and apps during reinstallation? Thanks for your help!

Helenkate Before reinstalling Windows 10 from USB drive, take a full backup of all important data. Reinstalling Windows 10 will erase all files on your system drive (usually the C: drive), so copy your documents, photos, and other vital data to an external hard drive, cloud storage, or another safe location. Copy and take a photo of current product key. While modern versions of Windows 10 often activate automatically if your device was previously activated, it's good to have your product key on hand just in case. This is particularly important if you are performing a clean install.

Reinstalling Windows 10 from a USB while keeping your files safe can be a bit nerve-wracking, but it’s totally doable! I've been through this process myself. During the installation process, you’ll be asked whether you want to keep your files and apps or do a clean install. Make sure you select the option that says “Keep personal files and apps.” If you accidentally click on “Remove everything,” it’s game over for your files.Make sure the USB drive you’re using is at least 8 GB and formatted properly (NTFS or FAT32). Also, ensure it’s not filled to the brim. A cluttered USB might fail during installation. I once tried using an old drive that was barely working, and surprise, surprise—it didn’t help. When you reinstall, it’s important to check for updates after the installation completes. If you skip this, you might miss crucial security patches or features that improve performance. Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and make sure everything’s up to date.Depending on your hardware, you might need certain drivers after reinstalling. It’s a good idea to download those from your manufacturer’s website ahead of time and have them ready. Otherwise, you might find yourself with a device that isn’t working right after the install. If you’ve got software that requires activation (like Microsoft Office), make sure you write down your license keys before you start. Reinstalling Windows 10 from USB might cause you to lose activation, and you’ll want that key handy to get things running again.

You can reinstall Windows 10 from a USB without losing files by performing an in-place upgrade and choosing the option to keep personal files during setup. Step 1. Prepare a Bootable USBDownload the Media Creation Tool from Microsoft’s official site.Use it to create a Windows 10 installation USB (8 GB or larger).Step 2. Start the Setup from WindowsInsert the USB drive into your PC.Open the USB drive in File Explorer → double-click setup.exe.This launches Windows 10 setup while keeping your current system active.Step 3. Choose Installation OptionsFollow on-screen prompts until you reach “Choose what to keep.”Select Keep personal files and apps (or at least Keep personal files only).Continue with the installation → your PC will restart several times.Step 4. Complete ReinstallationAfter setup, Windows 10 will be reinstalled, and your files remain in place.Some apps may need reinstallation, but user data stays intact.Tips & Best PracticesAlways back up important files to external storage before starting—unexpected errors can still cause data loss.Ensure your PC has enough free disk space (20 GB or more recommended).Keep the USB plugged in until the process fully finishes.If you boot directly from USB instead of running setup.exe inside Windows, you must select Upgrade during installation to avoid a clean wipe.

You can create a Windows 10 bootable USB with the Media Creation Tool. After that, change the boot order in Bios. After that, boot the computer from the USB and reinstall Windows 10 from USB drive. During the installation, you have the option to keep the files. Means no data loss after installation.

Before you reinstall Windows 10 from USB, make sure you have a blank USB drive with at least 8GB of free space. You can use any type of USB drive, but a faster one (like a USB 3.0 or higher) will make the process go smoother.

How to reinstall Windows 10 from usb without losing files?

13 Replies

LindaHamilton
Iron Contributor
Jul 04, 2024
Helenkate Before reinstalling Windows 10 from USB drive, take a full backup of all important data. Reinstalling Windows 10 will erase all files on your system drive (usually the C: drive), so copy your documents, photos, and other vital data to an external hard drive, cloud storage, or another safe location.

Copy and take a photo of current product key. While modern versions of Windows 10 often activate automatically if your device was previously activated, it's good to have your product key on hand just in case. This is particularly important if you are performing a clean install.
Sunlia
Copper Contributor
Jul 04, 2024
Before you reinstall Windows 10 from USB, make sure you have a blank USB drive with at least 8GB of free space. You can use any type of USB drive, but a faster one (like a USB 3.0 or higher) will make the process go smoother.
KennethHass
Copper Contributor
Jul 04, 2024
You can create a Windows 10 bootable USB with the Media Creation Tool. After that, change the boot order in Bios. After that, boot the computer from the USB and reinstall Windows 10 from USB drive. During the installation, you have the option to keep the files. Means no data loss after installation.

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How to reinstall Windows 10 from usb without losing files?

13 Replies

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