How To Repair Windows 10 Without Losing Data: A Step-by-Step Guide

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6 min. read

Published on November 4, 2025

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Losing data during a Windows repair can be a nightmare. Fortunately, there are several methods you can use to repair Windows 10 without sacrificing your precious files and settings. This guide will walk you through various techniques, from using built-in tools to more advanced solutions, ensuring you can get your system back up and running smoothly while keeping your data safe.

Whether you’re dealing with startup issues, system crashes, or general performance problems, understanding how to repair Windows 10 without losing data is crucial. We’ll cover everything from running system file checks to performing a non-destructive reinstall, providing you with a comprehensive toolkit to tackle common Windows 10 issues.

What Are the Steps to Repair Windows 10 Without Data Loss?

Using System File Checker (SFC)

The System File Checker is a built-in utility that scans for and restores corrupted system files.

Open the Command Prompt as an administrator. Type cmd in the Windows search bar, right-click on “Command Prompt,” and select “Run as administrator.”
Type sfc /scannow and press Enter.
Wait for the scan to complete. This process might take some time.
Restart your computer after the scan finishes.

Performing a Startup Repair

Startup Repair can automatically fix common issues that prevent Windows from booting correctly.

Restart your computer.
As your computer restarts (before Windows loads), repeatedly press the F11 key (or the key specified by your manufacturer for accessing recovery options). This will take you to the Advanced Startup Options menu.
Choose “Troubleshoot.”
Select “Advanced options.”
Click “Startup Repair.”
Select your account and enter your password if prompted.
Wait for the repair process to complete, then restart your computer.

Using System Restore

System Restore allows you to revert your computer to a previous state, undoing changes that might be causing problems.

Type “Create a restore point” in the Windows search bar and open the System Properties window.
Click the “System Restore” button.
Choose “Recommended restore” or “Choose a different restore point” and click “Next.”
Select a restore point from the list and click “Next.”
Confirm your restore point and click “Finish.”
Wait for the restore process to complete, then restart your computer.

Reset This PC (Keep My Files)

This option reinstalls Windows but allows you to keep your personal files.

Open the Settings app (Windows key + I).
Click on “Update & Security.”
Select “Recovery.”
Under “Reset this PC,” click “Get started.”
Choose “Keep my files.”
Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the reset process.

Performing an In-Place Upgrade

An in-place upgrade reinstalls Windows using the installation media, keeping your files and apps intact.

Download the Windows 10 Media Creation Tool from the Microsoft website.
Run the Media Creation Tool.
Select “Upgrade this PC now” and click “Next.”
Follow the on-screen instructions.
Choose “Keep personal files and apps” when prompted.
Wait for the upgrade process to complete, then restart your computer.

Using the DISM Tool

The Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) tool can repair the Windows image.

Open the Command Prompt as an administrator. Type cmd in the Windows search bar, right-click on “Command Prompt,” and select “Run as administrator.”
Type the following command and press Enter: DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
Wait for the process to complete.
Restart your computer.

Tips

Back Up Your Data: Before attempting any repair, back up your important files to an external drive or cloud storage.
Create a System Restore Point: Creating a restore point before making changes allows you to revert to a working state if something goes wrong.
Check Hardware: Ensure that hardware components such as RAM and hard drives are functioning correctly. Faulty hardware can cause system instability.
Update Drivers: Outdated or corrupt drivers can cause issues. Update your drivers to the latest versions.
Run Antivirus Scan: Malware can cause system errors. Perform a full system scan with your antivirus software.

Repairing Windows 10 Successfully

By following these steps, you can effectively repair Windows 10 without the fear of losing your valuable data. Remember to back up your data before attempting any major repairs to ensure peace of mind.

FAQ

Will resetting my PC remove everything? No, when resetting your PC, you can choose the option to keep your personal files, which will reinstall Windows but preserve your documents, photos, and other data.

How long does Startup Repair take? Startup Repair can take anywhere from a few minutes to over an hour, depending on the severity of the issues it encounters.

What happens if System Restore fails? If System Restore fails, you can try choosing a different restore point or exploring other repair options, such as resetting your PC or performing an in-place upgrade.

Is it safe to use the DISM tool? Yes, the DISM tool is a safe and reliable way to repair the Windows image, as it is a built-in utility provided by Microsoft.

When should I consider reinstalling Windows completely? You should consider a clean reinstall of Windows as a last resort if all other repair methods have failed, and your system is still unstable or experiencing significant issues.

Choosing the Right Repair Method

Repair Method	Description	Data Loss Risk
System File Checker	Scans and restores corrupted system files.	Low
Startup Repair	Automatically fixes common issues that prevent Windows from booting.	Low
System Restore	Reverts your computer to a previous state.	Low
Reset This PC (Keep Files)	Reinstalls Windows but keeps your personal files.	Low
In-Place Upgrade	Reinstalls Windows using the installation media, keeping your files and apps intact.	Low
DISM Tool	Repairs the Windows image.	Low

Final Thoughts on Windows 10 Repair

Repairing Windows 10 without losing data is entirely achievable with the right tools and techniques. By systematically trying each method, from simple system file checks to more involved processes like in-place upgrades, you can often resolve the problem while keeping your files safe.