Does Reinstalling Windows 10 Delete Everything? Key Details

Does Reinstalling Windows 10 Delete Everything?

Reinstalling the system is indeed an effective method to solve issues such as decreased system performance, corrupted system files, and malware infections. Before performing this operation, a common question that most users want to know is: Does reinstalling Windows 10/11 delete everything? The answer is both yes and no. It all depends on the options you choose.

In general, most methods for reinstalling the system will allow you to choose between keeping your personal files or removing everything. When you select to keep your personal files, below is a summary of which files are retained and which are deleted.

⭕What will be Retained (When Selecting "Keep my files")

• Personal files stored in the C drive (C:\Users\Username), such as files in folders like Desktop, Documents, Pictures, and Music.
• Files in other partitions will not be affected.
• Partial system settings: Some account configurations (such as wallpapers and user account information) may be retained.

❌What will be Deleted

• All software installed via the installer will be deleted.
• Windows settings (such as network settings and power options) will be restored to default.
• Third-party drivers may be deleted.
• Temporary files and original system files will all be cleaned up.

Expert Tips: Safeguard Your Data During Reinstalling Windows 10

While in most cases, reinstalling the system won't delete everything, it's not foolproof. Backing up your data before starting the reinstallation and choosing an appropriate method for the process are both crucial for protecting your data during the system reinstallation.

Before Reinstall: Backup All of Your Files

Regardless of the reinstall method, it’s best to make a full backup first using cloud backup tools or Windows built-in backup features. Even if you select "Keep my files", there’s always a small risk of something going wrong. This step also protects data on other drives as mistakes in drive selection could still wipe them.

During Reinstall: Choose Right Option and Method

When reinstalling Windows 10, you’ll often be given two options: Keep my files or Remove everything.

Keep my files: Removes apps and settings but preserves your personal files.

Remove everything: Erases all files, apps, and settings from your system drive.

Additionally, choosing the correct reinstallation method is also important for protecting your data. If you want to reinstall Windows without losing data including system settings and installed applications, you can select "Upgrade option" via installation media or the method of mounting an ISO file. Both of these methods can preserve all your personal data, as well as most installed applications and system settings.

How to Recover Lost Data After Reinstalling Windows 10

Although reinstalling Windows 10 allows you to keep personal files and apps, accidents can still happen. Choosing the "Remove everything" option by mistake or using an inappropriate Windows reinstallation method can lead to data loss during the process. This section will provide several methods to recover lost data after reinstalling Windows.

Method 1. Recover Files from Windows.old Folder

When reinstalling without formatting, and you choose "Keep my files", Windows may save your personal files in C drive from original system to a Windows.old folder in the new Windows system. You can recover previous files from Windows.old folder.

Step 1. Open File Explorer and navigate to C: \Windows.old.

Step 2. In the Windows.old folder, go to your old username folder and find your files you wish to recover.

Step 3. Select the files you wish to recover, then copy and paste them to a safe location.

Method 2. Restore Your Files with File History

If you have enabled File History on Windows 10 and backed up the files before reinstalling Windows, it allows you to restore previous version of your files or folders.

Step 1. Type "Restore your files with File History" in the start bar and open it.

Step 2. Browse and find the items you wish to recover, then choose the desired version based on the backup time.

Step 3. Click the green "Restore" button to recover files to their original location.

Method 3. Recover from Windows Backup

Backup and Restore is a classic backup feature built-in Windows. It can create a full system backup and allow you to restore files from the backup including personal files. Similar to File History, it only works when you have made a backup before reinstalling Windows.

Step 1. Open "Backup Settings" and click "Go to Backup and Restore (Windows 7)".

Step 2. Choose "Select another backup to restore files from" and select a created backup including lost data.

Step 3. Check the "Select all files from this backup" option to recover all files from the backup. You can also select specific files or folders by clicking on "Browse for files/folders".

Step 4. Choose a safe location to save the recovered files and click "Restore" to start the process.

When the process is completed, the message "Your Files have been Restored" will pop up. You can check the recovered files by clicking on the "View restored files".

Method 4. Recover Lost Files with MyRecover

If no backup is available, or in a worse-case scenario, all files were removed during the Windows reinstallation, the all-in-one data recovery tool, MyRecover can help you recover lost files after Windows upgrade or reinstall. It can scan all drive on your computer and offer an opportunity to retrieve lost files from these drives.

4 Steps to Recover Lost Files after Windows Reinstall

Step 1. Download and install MyRecover on your computer from secure channel, avoid installing it on the drive with lost files.

Step 2. Launch it and select the drive where the lost files were originally stored, then click "Scan".

Step 3. Choose files you intend to recover from the recoverable lists and click "Recover".

Step 4. Select a location different from the original one to save the recovered files.

Once the process is finished, the message "Files have been recovered successfully" will pop up. You can check the recovered files by clicking on the destination folder path or "Browse" button.

Summary

So, when you reinstall Windows 10 does it delete everything? Not always—if you choose “Keep my files” and avoid formatting C drive, your personal data should remain intact. However, if you select “Remove everything” or format the drive, all files on that drive will be erased.

If you’ve already lost data, don’t panic. The comprehensive data recovery tool, MyRecover, might save you, which can recover files even from a freshly installed system. For professionals and frequent users, MyRecover's Professional Edition offers data recovery from unbootable Windows systems, making it a long-term safeguard against data loss.