Your files, settings, apps can't be kept problem...

TBneon · 27 Aug 2017

I downloaded an ISO for Windows 10 Creator Updates, however when I opened it first time, it didn't give me the first option "Keep my files and programs..." but instead only the last two options although I don't want to clean install, I want to upgrade without losing my files, however it gave me that note of:

"Your files, settings, apps can't be kept because the language is different"

I usually fix my problems on my own since I'm a professional user but it seems that this problem is whole different.

However, when I first opened it first time my system was french and ISO is english, I downloaded a language pack of EN-US but the problem still exists even after changing my system to english from french.

dalchina · 27 Aug 2017

Hi, from notes on a repair install (which is the same procedure as an upgrade) note the second criterion:

The installation media (ex: ISO or USB) must be the same edition and same or newer build as your currently installed Windows 10. If it's not, then the repair install will fail.
The installation media (ex: ISO or USB) must be the same language as your currently installed Windows 10. If it's not, then you will not keep anything.
If you have a 32-bit Windows 10, then you must use a 32-bit ISO or USB.
If you have a 64-bit Windows 10, then you must use a 64-bit ISO or USB.

These may be of help:
See Default System Language of Windows 10 Windows 10 General Tips Tutorials
See Full Details about a Windows 10 ISO file Windows 10 Installation Upgrade Tutorials

in checking language consistency between your iso and your Windows base build.

Determine the base build of your installed Windows, and download a compatible iso.

(How did you download the iso you have? - Use the MS Media Creation Tool.)

TBneon · 27 Aug 2017

EDIT: after testing that [CultureInfo]::InstalledUICulture in powershell, I found that it treats system language as Fr-FR and not EN-US, although I downloaded the language pack and display language, any help with this?

dalchina · 27 Aug 2017

As I said- it's the base language of the installed OS that's important.

Kari · 27 Aug 2017

Changing the display language on a user account using a language pack does not change the Windows system (install) language. If system language is French, the in-place upgrade keeping all software and files must be done using French install media (ISO / USB / DVD). However, the system language can be changed with Sysprep.

1.) You have two options: download Windows 10 ISO in French and use it to upgrade

-- OR --

2.) Install language pack for the language you want to use as upgrade language. Open Command Prompt and run the following command:

%windir%\system32\sysprep\sysprep.exe /oobe /reboot

This forces Windows to perform Windows Setup (OOBE) once again, as if Windows was just installed. Setup detects all installed language packs, asking user to select in which language Windows should be set up, changing system language to the selected one.

In the screenshot an example: I have installed EN-US language pack on my Finnish (Suomi) Windows 10 and run Sysprep; I can now select English and in doing it change the original system (install) language Finnish to English:

Your files, settings, apps can't be kept problem...-image.png

I can now upgrade using US English install media although the original install language was Finnish. Without Sysprep, the only option had been to use Finnish upgrade media.

Notice that as your original user accounts remain intact, when Windows Setup asks you to create the initial user after the Sysprep you have to use a new user account name. For instance, as my machine already had user account Kari when I sysprepped, after running Sysprep to change system language I must set up a new user because account name Kari is reserved:

I use account name Dummy in these cases.

When finally on desktop with this Dummy account, I just sign out, sign in with my original account Kari and delete user Dummy.

Warning

Never run Sysprep on an existing Windows installation without backing up your system first!

Kari

TBneon · 27 Aug 2017

I think I will to upgrade by using french Iso.

Thanks although, I didn't want to upgrade by using french iso in first time because my internet is weak and it will take me at least 1 day but it seems that it is the best way, thanks for who helped me.

Kari · 27 Aug 2017

Of course it's up to you to decide, I am just saying that the Sysprep method takes 3 to 5 minutes to change the system language from French to English and requires no downloads if you already have English language pack installed and English ISO downloaded.