Forum Discussion
"Reset This PC" reinstallation of Windows 11 failed
I backed up my personal files and attempted to get an updated clean install of Windows 11 using "Reset This PC" in the Update & Security section of Settings. I asked it to "clean" the filespace. It w...
Thanks so much. I tried that last night, but ran into a wall: I bought my Dell XPS several years ago directly from Dell, and it came with Windows 10. When Windows 11 came out, I was allowed to upgrade for free. BUT, when I tried to install from an external HD last night, it doesn't accept my old Windows 10 product key anymore, which is the only one I have. I really wish I hadn't tried to improve my computer with a fresh install ... I'll try to reinstall Windows 10 and see if it still allows me to upgrade again, but I'm losing confidence.
If it doesn't work out, then you could try using Dell OS recovery media below from Dell.
https://www.dell.com/support/kbdoc/en-us/000123667/how-to-download-and-use-the-dell-os-recovery-image-in-microsoft-windows
https://www.dell.com/support/kbdoc/en-us/000123667/how-to-download-and-use-the-dell-os-recovery-image-in-microsoft-windows
- I wasn't aware of that option, that might be encouraging. I might try that first, in fact. Thanks you!
- You're most welcome. Please let us know how it went.
Thank you so very much!! I should have done that in the first place. Using the Dell utility, I was able to replace the original 2018 Windows 10 OS and all the original Dell tools and utilities that came with the laptop. I was immediately notified that I could upgrade to Windows 11, which I did right away. All my files reappeared from my backups (and my heavy use of 2Tb of Google Drive). Better than new, it is. I appreciate your suggestion so much, I never would have thought to look to Dell for this solution.
(Honestly, I'm not sure that Windows 11 is net better than Windows 10, but I'm used to it at this late point, so I "upgraded" anyway.)
