How to reinstall Windows 10 from usb without losing files?

I just did it successfully on my 12-year old HP laptop and it is now running Windows 10 22H2 very well.

Quick startup guide: https://www.wintechhow.com/install-windows-10-os-from-usb

Back up your files: It's always best to have a backup, even if you choose to keep files during the reinstall.
Boot from USB: Change boot order in BIOS to prioritize the USB drive.
Choose "Custom install" during setup.
Select "Keep personal files only" when prompted.
And for retail Windows 11 Pro key, use Microsoft partner Hype-stkey

Make a bootable USB from Windows 10 ISO and connect it to the target computer. The tricky part is how to boot the computer from Windows 11 installer USB. You should check the computer or motherboard model in order to locate the Boot Menu, which allows the computer booting from USB drive for this time.

HP: Esc

Dell: F12

Lenovo: Enter + F12

ASUS: F8/ESC

ACER: F12

Once the computer boot from the USB, then you get the chance to reinstall Windows 10 from USB drive without losing data. However, you should backup the files first!

You can reinstall Windows 10 from a USB drive without losing files.

Create a bootable USB: Use the Media Creation Tool from Microsoft.
Back up your files: It's always best to have a backup, even if you choose to keep files during the reinstall.
Boot from USB: Change boot order in BIOS to prioritize the USB drive.
Choose "Custom install" during setup.
Select "Keep personal files only" when prompted.

This will reinstall Windows 10 while preserving your documents, music, and pictures. You'll need to reinstall your apps afterward.

Disclaimer: While this method aims to preserve files, there's always a slight risk of data loss.

I hope this helps!

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Reinstalling Windows 10 from a USB drive can be a bit complex, but it's a straightforward process. Here are the steps to reinstall Windows 10 from USB:

Step 1: Prepare the USB drive

• Insert the USB drive: Insert the USB drive into your PC.
• Open Rufus: Run Rufus and select your USB drive from the list.
• Select ISO file: Click the "Create a bootable disk using" drop-down menu and select the Windows 10 ISO file you downloaded.
• Setup settings: Make sure the following settings are correct:
  - Boot selection: UEFI (non-Legacy)
  - Partition scheme: GPT (non-MBR)
  - Target system: UEFI firmware
• Boot process: Click "Start" to create a bootable USB drive.

Step 2: Boot from the USB drive

• Restart your PC: Turn your PC off and back on. Press the key to enter the BIOS (usually F2, F12, or Del).
• Enter the BIOS: Use the arrow keys to navigate to the Boot section. Set the USB drive as the first boot device (usually option 1).
• Save and Exit: Save your changes and exit the BIOS.

Step 3: Reinstall Windows 10

• Boot from USB drive: Your PC should automatically boot from the USB drive.
• Windows 10 Setup: Windows 10 Setup will launch. Follow the prompts to select your language, time and currency format, and keyboard layout.
• Install Windows 10: Select the Custom installation option to reinstall Windows 10.
• Format Hard Drive: Select the drive you want to reinstall Windows 10 on, and then select the Format option.
• Wait to install: This process may take some time, depending on your system configuration.

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.

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.

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.