Refresh Windows 10

selltech · 31 Mar 2017

After reading a lot about this I still have a few questions for you.
I right now am trying to do a refresh on my windows 10 due to what I think was malware included in another program I downloaded.
I went to restart, keep my files, etc... it started to do its thing. This morning I wake up and its stuck at 3% and (installing drivers 6% below)
First, I have been looking all over and cant find an answer, can I abort this or will the world come to an end?
Second, Should I delete everything due to the whole malware thing?
Third, Will I need a a IOS USB? I was under the impression no, but now its stuck etc and now Im second guessing myself. Thanks guys!

Brink · 31 Mar 2017

Hello selltech, and welcome to Ten Forums. :)

If you still have hard drive activity, it should eventually finish with the refresh.

If you have backed up your files, then yeah it would be safer and faster to do a clean install of Windows 10 since you had malware involved.

Clean Install Windows 10 - Windows 10 Installation Upgrade Tutorials

You can use any USB flash drive at least 6 GB in size to create a Windows 10 installation USB using Option One below.

Create Bootable USB Flash Drive to Install Windows 10 - Windows 10 Installation Upgrade Tutorials

selltech · 31 Mar 2017

Thanks Brink.
It has been sitting here now for 6+ hours still in the same 3% (Installing features and drivers 6%), due to the malware i think its time to start over. We shall see.

****-----****

Finally how do I end this doing nothing activity 3%, on my laptop? I really dont think that holding the power button would do anything. maybe just make things worse.

Sorry to sound like a total nub, but I have to be super careful due to the fact that I work off my laptop and I'm in a different country, so its not like I can just go to the local Best Buy.

Brink · 31 Mar 2017

Actually, you could create a bootable USB directly from the Media Creation Tool if wanted.

That's correct. You would hold down the case power button until it powers off. If you restart, the update will either fail or pick up where it left off.

ixodid · 21 Jan 2018

The table at the top of the tutorial reads for both 'Keep my files' and 'Remove Everything': "Removes changes you made to settings."

Then immediately below the table is:

"This tutorial will show you how to refresh Windows 10 on your PC to reinstall Windows and keep your personal files and settings..."

I'm confused by the apparent contradiction - does refresh keep or remove settings?

Brink · 21 Jan 2018

Hello ixodid, :)

You have the option to "Keep my files" or "Remove everything" when refreshing Windows 10.

The steps in the tutorial are for "Keep my files", and why you see that below the table.

ixodid · 21 Jan 2018

Hi, Yes, I understand the part about keeping or removing files.

I was asking about the settings. The table says (for all three options) settings are removed. Below the table, it seems to say settings are (or can be) retained.

The reason I ask is because if settings are going to be lost no matter whether I choose refresh or reset, it seems to make sense to go ahead and do a reset (since I have all of my files backed up).

Thank you for your help and I appreciate your tutorials! They have helped me several times.

Brink · 21 Jan 2018

"Keep my file" is basically just keeping your accounts and the files in your user "C:\Users\<user name>" profile folder.

If you sign in with a Microsoft account and have sync settings turned on, then your sync settings will sync back afterwards.

If you like, you could try doing a repair install to fix your issue without losing anything though.

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

Brink · 09 May 2019

Tutorial has been updated for changes made in Windows 10 May 2019 Update version 1903.

Bedlamite · 21 May 2019

Just a silly question. Wondows.old contains all old program files as well. When moving them back tomtheir position in e.g. /program files does that mean that those will work as before?
I habe my doubts, as these are no longer registered in the registry. Or am I wrong?