Restore Windows without losing files: all options explained (Cloud, DISM, SFC…)

When Windows starts running slowly, crashes frequently, or is infected with malware, many people consider simply formatting. But that usually means losing programs and, in the worst-case scenario, documents, photos, and other personal data. The good news is that there are Ways to restore Windows without losing filesprovided it is done properly and some precautions are taken, and it is advisable Identify whether a Windows failure is due to hardware or software.

Throughout this guide you will see all the options that Windows (and macOS, if you use both systems) offers for return the device to a "clean" state without sacrificing your dataWe'll see what is preserved and what is lost in each case, how to prepare backups, what to do if the system doesn't start, and what the real limitations of these functions are so as not to be misled.

What does it mean to restore or reset Windows without losing files?

Before touching anything, it's important to understand what Microsoft means by "not losing files." When you choose Windows recovery options that promise to preserve data, what the system actually keeps are the personal files stored in your user profile (Desktop, Documents, Pictures, Videos, Music and other user folders).

However, that type of restoration Removes installed apps and most custom settingsWindows reinstalls as if you had just bought the computer, but it copies your personal documents to the new installation. Therefore:

• They are preserved: documents, photos, videos, music and other user files that are in your profile.
• They get lost: installed desktop programs, many applications, system and program settings, manually added drivers, etc.

This means that if you're looking for a magic solution for Reinstall Windows and continue with all your programs as they were.That doesn't exist. What you can achieve is a clean Windows installation while keeping your data, at the cost of reinstalling the software you use daily afterward.

Backups: the step you should never skip

Regardless of the method you use, the most sensible thing to assume is that no restoration process is 100% infallibleA power outage, a disk failure, or an unexpected error can ruin your plan. That's why, before resetting or restoring anything, you should back up what's important.

The idea is to have your data duplicated in another location so that, if the restore goes wrong, you can recover everything without depending on Windows doing its job properlyThere's no need to overcomplicate things: as long as you respect some basic principles, you'll be much safer than most users.

You can combine cloud solutions with physical storage; if you need to switch providers, see how migrate your data from one storage service to anotherThe most convenient services for a home user are OneDrive (built into Windows), Google Drive or Dropboxwhich synchronize your important folders and make it easy to revive your information on another computer if needed.

In addition to the cloud, it's highly recommended that you create a local copy on an external hard drive or high-capacity USB flash drive. This way, even if your internet connection fails or there's a problem with your online account, You will continue to have a direct copy of your critical files by hand.

How to make a quick backup before restoring Windows

If you don't want to get bogged down with advanced tools, you can perform a basic manual backup. It's not the most automated solution in the world, but it's sufficient for most home users and allows you to... Save the essentials before touching the Windows installation.

Start by locating everything you don't want to lose: work documents, family photos, projects, music, saved games, and any files you'd hate to delete. Then, connect to your favorite cloud service or an external hard drive and Copy those folders carefully to verify that everything has been transferred..

If you want to go a little further, in Windows you can use File History or the "Backup" options in Settings, or third-party tools such as AOMEI Backupper. These features allow you schedule periodic backups to an external driveso you don't have to remember every time.

On macOS, the equivalent is called Time MachineThis tool makes a complete copy of the system on an external disk, with versions by date, so that you can then restore specific files or even an entire Mac from that backup, keeping your data when reinstalling the system.

Reset Windows 10 and Windows 11 from within the system

If your computer still starts normally, the easiest way to restore Windows to its original state while keeping your files is to use the built-in option. “Reset this PC” from SettingsThis assistant guides you step by step and lets you choose whether you want to keep or delete your personal data.

To get there, first open the Settings app (the gear icon in the Start menu or notification panel). Once inside, go to the section “Update & Security” in Windows 10, or “System > Recovery” in Windows 11The name changes slightly, but the idea is the same.

Within that menu, you'll find the "Recovery" section. In Windows 10, you'll see the "Get Started" button under the heading “Reset this PC”In Windows 11, you'll also find a similar button within Recovery. Click it to launch the wizard.

The first step of the wizard will ask you to choose between two options: “Keep my files” or “Remove everything.” To avoid losing your personal data, you must choose the “Keep my files” option. “Preserve my files” (or “Keep my files”)Please keep in mind that this will not save your programs, only your documents and other personal files.

After selecting that option, Windows will take some time to analyze your installation. When it finishes, it will display a list of applications that will be uninstalled. This is a very useful opportunity to Note which programs you will need to reinstall afterwards of the reset, especially if you use licensed paid software.

When you confirm that you accept losing those applications, the assistant will show you a summary of what will happen: it will reinstall Windows, reset your settings, and keep your personal files. If you agree, click OK. "Reset" to begin the processFrom that moment on, it's best not to touch anything until it's finished.

Reset Windows when you can't log in

In some cases, the problem is so serious that you can't even access your desktop: passwords that don't work, black screens, login errors (for example, Log in with a temporary profile), etc. Fortunately, Windows includes an advanced recovery environment that allows access the same reset wizard without starting a normal session.

If you get stuck on the login screen, you can force entry into recovery mode as follows: press the power icon that appears in the bottom right corner, and while holding down the key Shift (Caps Lock) click on “Restart”Keep the key pressed until the computer restarts.

Instead of booting into Windows, the system will display a blue screen with advanced options. There you will see several checkboxes; the one you are interested in is called “Solving problems”Enter that section to access the recovery tools.

Within "Troubleshooting" you'll find the "Reset this PC" option. Selecting it will again offer you two alternatives: erase everything or keep your files. To keep your personal data, choose again. “Keep my files”The subsequent operation is very similar to the process from the desktop.

It's important to understand that this method is useful when the system resists logging in, but The recovery environment (WinRE) continues to function correctlyIf your disk is severely damaged or there is a physical problem, you may not even reach this screen, and more aggressive rescue methods will have to be considered.

Use System Restore from the Recovery Environment

Another classic Windows tool is "System Restore". It's not the same as resetting your computer: instead of reinstalling Windows, it does... revert to a previous restore pointpreserving your personal files but undoing changes to the system, drivers, and some program installations.

This feature can get you out of more than one tight spot if your computer It starts up but behaves strangely after installing a driver, update, or program.or if you suspect that An antivirus or firewall is causing the problemIt can also be used from the Recovery Environment (WinRE) if the desktop fails to load properly but WinRE does appear.

To use it from WinRE, just like before, access the advanced blue screen (using the Shift + Restart trick or a recovery drive). From there, go to "Troubleshoot," then to advanced options, and you'll find it there. “System Restore”When you run it, you'll see a list of previously stored restore points.

When you select a restore point, Windows indicates which programs and drivers might be affected. The idea is that Revert software changes without touching your personal documentsso that your files remain there, but the system reverts to a previous, more stable state.

Keep in mind that System Restore will only work if You had system protection enabled and restore points were createdIf you never set it up or the disk is badly damaged, you may have nothing to revert to, in which case you will have to resort to a full reset or a clean reinstall.

What to do if Windows won't start: recovery drive and reinstallation

When the disaster is major and the team is no longer able to even reach the internal recovery environment, it is advisable to have a recovery drive or Windows installation media (USB or DVD). From there, in addition to trying to repair the boot process, you can access recovery tools.

If you created a recovery drive from Windows, you can boot your computer from that USB drive and access advanced options similar to those we've seen. From there, it's possible Launch System Restore, repair startup, or even start a reinstallation while preserving files.Depending on the version of Windows and the available options.

On modern computers, it's also common to use a USB drive created with Microsoft's official Media Creation Tool. Booting from this media, the installation wizard usually offers the option to Reinstall Windows over the existing installation and try to preserve your personal dataHowever, this option is more delicate and depends on the disk structure not being too damaged.

In these extreme scenarios, more than ever, it is crucial that have a previous backup on another deviceIf the hard drive or SSD is physically failing—for example, When Windows does not recognize a new NVMe SSD—, any attempt at reinstallation can worsen things and make data recovery more complicated or expensive.

What things will you definitely lose when you restore the system?

It is worth emphasizing an idea that often causes confusion: recovery tools, both in Windows and macOS, They are not designed to preserve your programs exactly as you had them.Its function is to secure your personal data and return the system to a functional state.

After a Windows reset with the option to keep your files, you'll see that most of your installed applications have disappeared. The wizard itself shows you a list before starting, but if you're unsure, you can assume that Almost all third-party software will need to be reinstalled..

Many preferences are also lost: changes you made in the Control Panel, fine-tuning performance settings, taskbar customizations, file associations, and special application configurations. On a Mac, something similar can happen with system settings and third-party extensions. do not survive the operating system reinstallation.

That's why it's such a good idea to do a quick "audit" of your computer before restoring: note down which programs you use daily, what licenses you have, and which accounts they're linked to. That way, after the process, you'll be able to... Rebuild your work environment much faster and without leaving anything important behind.

Finally, it is worth remembering that certain data stored within the applications themselves (e.g., local databases, game settings, projects in unusual locations, etc.) They are not always saved in the typical user foldersIf they are critical to you, locate and manually back them up before restoring anything.

All these options allow you to restore your computer to a healthy state without losing your documents. However, the key is to combine the restoration tools with adequate backups, review what will be lost (especially applications and settings), and enter the process knowing exactly what you can and cannot keep.That way, even if you thoroughly modify the system, you'll still have what really matters safe: your personal files.