Windows update bricked my PC, How update to recent version of Windows?

Windows 10 Pro / Lenovo Thinkstation P910

Last weeks Windows 10 Pro update bricked my Workstation and none of the Microsoft work-around's were helpful, and were more like 'counterproductive'.

Using the Lenovo flash drive copy of Windows 10 delivered with the computer several years ago I was able to reinstall the OS and get running again at windows build 1511.

Photoshop and other Adobe apps will not run on this old build, and require a minimum of (Windows 10 Anniversary Update ("Version 1607, or later").

Would it be wise to update to the latest build ? And if so how is that done, I don't see a way? - Your help & advice are very much appreciated, R

You could do a totally clean install of Windows by downloading the latest build:

Clean Install Windows 10 | Tutorials

You would then need to reinstall all your programs and copy back all your own personal files (so make sure have those backed up).

As you have run W10 already on the PC you don't need worry over entering the licence key, just select the 'I don't have a product key' option... all in the tutorial. I would then let Windows install any required drivers automatically and only after all that has occured even think about whether you need any specific drivers/applications adding.

f14tomcat said:

Use the MCT to upgrade in place, without loosing anything. Step #3, Option #6.

Repair Install Windows 10 with an In-place Upgrade | Tutorials

On a "bricked" PC?

Mooly, Thanks for your reply, and I'm sure that would work great! Problem is we just went through the whole process and arrived at the old build. Trying to keep the business running, after being down over a week - Best, R

f14tomcat, Thank you for your service. I'm retired from a 30+ year career happily supporting the US Navy!

Also, I'm going to jump right on your suggestion, thank you so much!

Imageman said:

Mooly, Thanks for your reply, and I'm sure that would work great! Problem is we just went through the whole process and arrived at the old build. Trying to keep the business running, after being down over a week - Best, R

The MCT (Media Creation Tool) from Microsoft (as described in the tutorial) will get you the most current build automatically. You then go down the clean install route to configure it which means booting from the newly created USB drive you just made and either doing a 'custom instal'l where you can delete everything on your HDD and take the drive down to unallocated space or you can install onto the existing C partition of your drive leaving the other partitions (if you have any) intact.

Which version / build of Windows had been installed that was working without problems?

What had happened?
What did you mean by brick?
Which troubleshooting steps had been tried?

Fortunately you had Lenovo / Microsoft software.

There are iso files that are available for many versions/builds from multiple websites.
These iso can be used to replace a problematic build.
The iso are free.
The latest two builds are available on the Microsoft website.

What are the status of the files?
a) users folders backed up to another drive?
b) backup image
c) other?

Once there is a successful install with working Adobe applications you can make a backup image.
The if there are any problems you can often reinstall the image in < 1 hr.

Options include Acronis, Aoemi, EaseUS, Macrium, Paragon, etc.

Macrium is widely used in Ten Forums:
Macrium Software | Your Image is Everything
Backup and Restore with Macrium Reflect | Tutorials

If Windows 1511 is working without problems then as f14tomcat commented you can perform an in place upgrade repair with an iso downloaded to the desktop or to a flash drive.
The latest iso downloaded to a flash drive is a nice tool to have as you will start with a more up to date build and have the windows advanced troubleshooting menu available to troubleshoot other computers.

f14tomcat said:

@NavyLCDR

Went back and read again. OP got an old version of 1511 back on. That's why I said what I did.

#3, step #6.

Repair Install Windows 10 with an In-place Upgrade | Tutorials

I see now! My mistake!