Reinstalling Windows 11 is a great way to fix persistent issues. It gives the OS (operating system) a new lease of life, but currently comes with a fair bit of hassle. Fortunately, Microsoft is working on a way to streamline things in Windows Update, saving you a lot of trouble.
Microsoft’s aptly named “Fix Problems using Windows Update” feature first debuted to Insiders in the summer. The aim is to bake in a way to reinstall the OS from within the Recovery settings. With a single click, you’ll be able to get the exact version of Windows you’re currently using, and you won’t need to delete all your apps, files, and settings in the process.
Unlike “Reset this PC,” which factory resets your device as if it’s new again, the new option reinstalls a specific build of Windows 11 fresh without the bloatware that comes with OEM systems. This means no Asus Armory Crate, which is sure to get a cheer from some.
The feature is still in beta, appearing to anyone with access to Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 25905. It’s currently not usable, though, as it doesn’t seem to do anything just yet. Windows Latest suggests that Microsoft will make it public in the upcoming Windows 11 Moment 5 update, scheduled for February 24, 2024.
To achieve the same effect currently, you’re forced to create a bootable USB drive using Windows Media Creation Tool. Then, you need to prioritise the device boot order in your BIOS, run the program, and follow the instructions. One slight misclick, and you’ll sentence all your files to digital doom.
This method also forces you to download the latest version of Windows 11, which might not be your preference. After all, Windows updates aren’t always perfect and can sometimes break things.
In my experience, most OS issues I’ve experienced stem from wonky drivers or a full primary disc. Naturally, the new option does little to help in these cases. Still, there’s plenty it could come in handy for when it finally becomes available.
