Unable to update Windows 10 Build 10586 while keeping files and apps

I have a computer that has been offline for quite awhile. It is still on build 10586. When I run the media creation tool, the options to keep persona files and apps and keep personal files only are grayed out. At the bottom, there is a message that says, "Your files, apps, and settings can't be kept because you're installing an edition of Windows that's different than the one you're currently using." I'm guessing this is because of how out of date the computer is. Is there a way to get this computer updated without removing files and apps?

Zoam said:

I have a computer that has been offline for quite awhile. It is still on build 10586. When I run the media creation tool, the options to keep personal files and apps and keep personal files only are grayed out. At the bottom, there is a message that says, "Your files, apps, and settings can't be kept because you're installing an edition of Windows that's different than the one you're currently using." I'm guessing this is because of how out of date the computer is. Is there a way to get this computer updated without removing files and apps?

This message usually occurs when you try to upgrade using media for a different language version from the one currently installed. Another possibility is that you have Education installed, the Media Creation Tool is for upgrading to Home/Pro.

If you have Home or Pro the simplest way to ensure you upgrade to the correct language is to run the Media Creation Tool on the PC you want to upgrade, then select 'Create installation media for another PC' and create an ISO that you can then use to do the upgrade. By default it will create media in the same language as the currently installed system. Option One here...

Download Windows 10 ISO File | Tutorials

If you have Education then you need the Education MCT, Option Two in the tutorial.

Rather than speculating on vague details, start from the beginning. Hit Win + R type winver then OK to get window in post 2. Post Version and OS Build nos., if you can't post screenshot. THEN we can get more specific on your situation.

AddRAM said:

(I have no idea what build 10586 means, a version of 1511 ?) what version are you running ? Not the build, the version. Open Run, type winver

All builds of the Fall Update, 1511, are build 10586.nnn, see: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/4000824

In 'MS speak' the YYMM 'version' and the the major build number are interchangeable, they both mean the same thing. What we'd like to know is what MS call the 'Edition' (Home, Pro, Education, Single language, etc.).

1) Windows 10586 is version 1511.

2) Uninstall any non-Microsoft
a) antivirus
b) firewall
c) drive encryption

3) Remove or detach all drives except the Windows drive

4) Place the computer in clean boot:
Perform a Clean Boot in Windows 10 to Troubleshoot Software Conflicts | Tutorials

5) Open file explorer

6) Insert the Windows 10 iso version 1809 into any USB port

7) Identify the iso within file explorer

8) Click on the iso and launch setup or setup.exe

9) Follow the text and images in this link
(defer Windows updates until after a successful Windows upgrade)
Repair Install Windows 10 with an In-place Upgrade | Tutorials

What we really need to know is what edition of Windows 10 @Zoam is trying to update, found by running winver:



My guess is an Enterprise edition.