How to Repair and Upgrade Windows 11 with In-Place Upgrade

Windows 11 is a powerful operating system, but it’s not immune to issues like slow performance, corrupted files, or software glitches.

Whether you’re troubleshooting persistent problems or simply want to refresh your system while keeping your files and apps intact, an in-place upgrade is a fantastic solution.

This process reinstalls Windows 11 over your existing setup, repairing issues and bringing your system up to the latest version—all without the hassle of a full reset.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to perform an in-place upgrade on Windows 11, ensuring a smooth and user-friendly experience.

Step 1: Download the Windows 11 Installation Media

To perform an in-place upgrade, you’ll need the latest Windows 11 installation files:

1. Visit Microsoft’s official Windows 11 Download page.
2. Under Create Windows 11 Installation Media, click Download Now.
3. Run the downloaded MediaCreationToolW11.exe file.
4. Accept the license terms, then select your language and edition (usually auto-detected).
5. Choose ISO file and save it to your desktop or another accessible location.

This ISO contains the most recent Windows 11 version, ensuring your system gets the latest updates during the upgrade.

Step 2: Mount the ISO File

You don’t need to burn the ISO to a USB or DVD—Windows 11 can mount it directly:

1. Right-click the downloaded ISO file and select Mount. This creates a virtual drive (e.g., D: or E:) in File Explorer.
2. If “Mount” isn’t an option, use a free tool like WinRAR or 7-Zip to extract the files to a folder.

The mounted drive or extracted folder contains the setup files you’ll use next.

Step 3: Run the In-Place Upgrade

Now, initiate the upgrade process:

1. Open the mounted drive (or extracted folder) and double-click setup.exe.
2. When prompted by User Account Control (UAC), click Yes.
3. The Windows 11 Setup window will appear. Click Next to check for updates (optional but recommended for the latest patches).
4. Accept the license terms and wait as the tool prepares your system.
5. On the Choose what to keep screen, select Keep personal files and apps. This ensures your data and programs stay intact.
6. Click Install to start the upgrade.

The installation will take 30 minutes to a few hours, depending on your hardware. Your PC will restart several times—don’t interrupt it.

Step 4: Verify the Upgrade

Once the process completes, your system will boot into a refreshed Windows 11:

• Check your files and apps in File Explorer and the Start menu to confirm they’re still there.
• Go to Settings > System > About to verify the Windows 11 version and build number.
• Test your system for resolved issues (e.g., improved speed or fixed errors).

If something’s missing, restore from your backup or troubleshoot specific apps.

Alternative Tools for System Repair

If you’d rather not use an ISO, try these built-in options first:

• Reset this PC: Go to Settings > System > Recovery > Reset this PC and choose Keep my files. It’s less comprehensive but faster.
• SFC and DISM: Open Command Prompt as admin and run sfc /scannow, followed by DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth to fix system files.

For detailed guides, check Microsoft’s Repair Windows 11 page.

Final Thoughts

An in-place upgrade is a reliable way to repair and upgrade Windows 11, breathing new life into your system without losing what matters most. By following these steps, you can tackle stubborn issues and ensure your OS runs smoothly with the latest features.

Whether you’re a casual user or a tech enthusiast, this method is approachable and effective. For more tips or help, explore communities like Reddit’s r/Windows11 or Microsoft’s Windows Insider Blog.