Windows provides several recovery tools to help you troubleshoot and restore your PC when issues occur, such as startup failures, update problems, or malware infections.
If you're having problems with your Windows device, the following table can help you decide which recovery option to use:
| Problem | Recovery option |
|---|---|
| You have problems installing, downloading or applying a Windows update | Reinstall Windows using Windows Update |
| Your PC isn't working well, and you recently installed an app | System Restore |
| Your PC isn’t working well, and it’s been a while since you installed an app or changed system settings | Reset |
| Windows doesn't start or it keeps loading | Startup Repair |
| Windows doesn't start, and Startup Repair doesn't work | System Restore |
| Windows doesn't start, System Restore doesn't work, and you have a recovery drive | Reinstall Windows using the recovery drive |
| Windows doesn't start, you don't have a recovery drive, and System Restore doesn't work | Reinstall Windows using the installation media |
| You suspect your device has been infected | Reinstall Windows using the installation media |
| Your PC isn't working well, and you recently installed an update | Uninstall an update |
| Your PC isn't working well, and you recently installed a new version of Windows | Go back to the previous version of Windows |
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
What should I do before starting any recovery process?
Backup your data: Always try to back up important files to an external drive or cloud service before proceeding with recovery options. Some options, like Reset or Reinstall, may result in data loss.
For more information, see Choose a backup solution in Windows.
What is the difference between "Reset" and "Reinstall Windows"?
Reset: This option reinstalls Windows and gives you the choice to keep or remove personal files. However, apps and settings are reset to default. For more information, see how to reset your PC.
Reinstall Windows: This option reinstalls the entire operating system from scratch and can be done using installation media or a recovery drive. It is more thorough and typically removes all files and apps.
For more information, see:
How do I create a recovery drive for future use?
Go to Control Panel > Backup and Restore > Create a system repair disc. You will need a USB drive with at least 8GB of free space to create the recovery media. For more information, see how to create a recovery drive.
Can I recover my files if I choose to Reset or Reinstall Windows?
Reset: If you choose the option to Keep my files, personal files like documents and pictures should remain intact. However, apps and settings will be removed. For more information, see how to reset your PC.
Reinstall Windows: This usually removes all files, apps, and settings, so make sure to back up your data before proceeding.
For more information, see:
Can I perform a System Restore if my PC doesn't start?
Yes, if your PC can still boot into the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE), you can access System Restore. If Windows won’t start, but you have a recovery drive, you can use it to restore your system.
For more information, see System Restore.
How long does recovery take?
Typically, 30 minutes to 2 hours, depending on the method.
What if I suspect a virus or malware infection?
If you suspect your device has been infected, use installation media to reinstall Windows, which will remove any malware. Before reinstalling, you may also want to run a virus scan using Windows Defender or a trusted antivirus tool.
Can I go back to a previous version of Windows after upgrading?
Yes, you can roll back to a previous version of Windows if you encounter issues after upgrading. This option is available within 10 days after upgrading to a new version of Windows.
What if my PC won’t start, and none of the recovery options work?
If your PC isn't responding to recovery options like Startup Repair or System Restore, you may need to use installation media (e.g., USB or DVD) to reinstall Windows completely.
For more information, see Reinstall Windows using the installation media.
What if I don't have a recovery drive or installation media?
If you're unable to access any recovery options and don't have a recovery drive, you will need to create installation media using another working PC. You can download Windows 10 or 11 from Microsoft’s official website and use a USB drive to create the bootable media.
For more information, see Reinstall Windows using the installation media.
