A few weeks ago, I received a prompt to upgrade to Windows 11 after powering on my PC. Instead of installing right away, I opted to do it during my next update, but I kept putting it off. Finally, on April 28th, I found my PC on the WinRE screen, and it's been stuck there ever since. I've tried several options in WinRE:
- Continuing the startup just restarts the menu.
- Turning off the PC results in the same WinRE screen upon restart.
- Startup Repair claims it can't fix the problem.
- Startup Settings didn't change anything.
- Attempting to uninstall the updates fails with a "we ran into a problem" message.
- System Restore indicates there are no restore points.
I also checked my SSD with an external enclosure and ran diagnostics, which showed no issues. However, I did find two installations listed in the bootrec command outputs, suggesting my Windows 11 upgrade was incomplete. When trying to reinstall from the install media, I encounter prompts that indicate an incomplete upgrade.
Now, I have a few options to consider, including resetting my PC, reinstalling Windows 10, or directly installing Windows 11, but I'm worried this might complicate things more. I want to preserve my files and settings as much as possible, especially since I've lost important bookmarks in past reinstalls. Any suggestions on how to proceed would be greatly appreciated!
2 Answers
When installing Windows 11, you can use generic keys to bypass needing to purchase a new license right away, as long as your hardware supports it. If you're leaning towards reinstalling, just make sure to carefully back up your important files using an external hard drive first. Also, reinstalling Windows 10 should be straightforward since it should auto-activate if it's the same version you had before.
It sounds like you’ve made quite a few attempts already! The simplest solution might just be a fresh install of Windows 11. I know it seems like a hassle, but it usually ends up taking less time than troubleshooting ongoing issues. If your PC is compatible, you could even find a cheap Windows 11 key online. Just remember, you don’t need to buy a new license if your hardware already has a digital license for Windows 10 or 11. That way, you can keep your data relatively safe without worrying about messy upgrades.
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