A few weeks ago, I received a prompt to upgrade to Windows 11 after updating my PC. I intended to let it install during the next shutdown, but I kept hibernating my PC instead. Finally, I left it on for a few hours, and when I returned, it was stuck on the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) screen and hasn't moved since. I've tried several options within WinRE, like attempting a startup repair and uninstalling updates, but nothing has worked. I even checked the health of my SSD using an external enclosure and ran various commands through the command prompt, but I still can't resolve the issue. The presence of a Windows.old folder suggests the upgrade may have been attempted, but I'm uncertain what to do next without losing my files. What should I try next? I have access to a bootable USB for both Windows 10 and Windows 11, and I want to keep as much of my data, apps, and settings from before the issue started.
3 Answers
Honestly, if I were you, I'd just go for a fresh install of Windows 11. It's likely going to save you a lot of time versus trying to troubleshoot this current mess. You can buy a cheap Windows 11 key online, or if your hardware supports it, just use a generic key to install it and it should activate automatically with your digital license. You won't even have to delete files during the reinstall, so it might be worth considering!
Totally agree! Reinstalling Windows 10 first might be a safer route. It usually activates automatically with your hardware signature if it’s the same version. After that, you could upgrade to Windows 11 cleanly. And don't worry too much—most of this can be done without a hassle if you have a backup of your data. Good luck!
And just to add, your Windows 10 key should work for Windows 11 too, so you might not need to buy anything new. Just ensure you do it on a clean drive, and you should be set! If you're worried about losing data, plugging your SSD into another machine to back it up first could be a good start.
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