How to Reinstall Windows 11 Without Losing Apps [2025]

Ralph Adolphs
Ralph Adolphs

Updated:

Are you frustrated with the sluggish performance of your current Windows 11? Are you considering either reinstalling a new operating system or using a different version of the operating system? If your answer is yes, then the next question arises: How to reinstall Windows 11 without losing apps (and files)?

how to reinstall windows 11 without losing apps

This article presents two scenarios: the first scenario assumes that you have a USB driver available, while the second scenario assumes that you don't. Let's proceed and find the best solution for you!

Tips:

  • The primary difference between the two cases is the ability to keep your installed applications.
  • If you have a USB driver and choose to reinstall or clean install, you can preserve both your files and applications. Otherwise, you will lose all installed applications.

Back up Your Data - Optional

When large amounts of data are involved, it is recommended to back up your data in case something goes wrong. With iSumsoft Cloner, you can clone the whole disk containing apps and files quickly and effortlessly.

download cloner

Step 1 After completing the installation of Cloner, launch it and switch to the Backup tab.

select back option

Step 2 Select the disk where the apps and files are stored.

select a volume to back up

Step 3 Select a folder to save the backup by clicking on the Choose option.

select a path to save backup

Step 4 Click Start to copy your data. When see a prompt window, click Yes to continue. Then wait for the backup process to complete.

start backup

How to Reinstall Windows 11 without Losing Apps and Files

By creating a Windows 11 installation media, you are allowed to refresh your current system without losing apps and files. Following is the detailed tutorial.

Step 1 Go to Microsoft Download Windows 11 Page, then scroll down and locate Create Windows 11 Installation Media. From there, click Download Now.

download windows 11 installation media

Step 2 After downloading, run this tool and follow the onscreen instructions. Here, select language and edition.

Notes:

  • The language you selected needs to be matched to your current system. To see what language you're currently using, go to Time & language in PC settings or Region in the Control Panel.

select language and edition

Step 3 Select USB flash drive.

select USB flash drive

Step 4 Choose the connected drive. If not seeing the drive on the list, you can clickRefresh the Drive on the top.

select the connected usb driver

Step 5 The application is downloading the Windows 11 file and it is going to create a Windows media for the computer.

windows 11 is being downloaded

Step 6 When the process is completed, open the USB driver, then launch setup.exe. If you see a pop-up window, click Yes to continue.

launch the setup application

Step 7 Click Next to reinstall Windows 11 and the application will check for updates. Wait for the process to complete.

click next to install windows 11

Step 8 Click Accept to agree with the license.

click accept to agree to the license

Step 9 Click Change what to keep.

click change what to keep

Step 10 Choose Keep personal files and apps and click Next to proceed.

select keep personal apps and files

Step 11 Click Install.

click install after keeping apps and files

Step 12 Windows 11 is being installed. Once the installation is finished, the PC will restart automatically with a new Windows.

windows 11 is being installed

How to Reinstall Windows 11 without Losing Data (No USB Driver)

Factory resetting, which doesn't require an installation media, allows you to set your PC as a new device, reinstalling Windows 11 without losing files, while apps and settings will be deleted compared to the first method. Follow these steps:

Step 1 Go to Settings > System > Recovery.

locate recovery

Step 2 Select Reset PC.

click reset pc

Step 3 Select the first option, Keep my files.

select keep my files

Step 4 Select Local reinstall. Make sure your computer is connected to the internet.

select local install

Step 5 Click Next.

click next

Step 6 Select Reset to reinstall Windows 11 on your computer and wait for the process to complete.

click reset to reinstall windows 11

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