Windows 11 could soon make it easier to fix problems with your PC
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Windows 11 may soon allow users to perform an in-place upgrade directly from the settings panel, which would be a handy option for those who need a quick way to fix problems with their PC.
The option to do so was spotted in the latest preview build of Windows 11 (version 25284) by @PhantomOfEarth (via windows latest (opens in new tab)), a Twitter-based leaker who regularly shares bits and pieces on the topic of Windows. Note, however, that it’s hidden now, so Windows 11 testers won’t see this feature unless they use ViVeTool (a Windows configuration tool).
It looks like you will soon be able to perform an in-place upgrade to the same build without installation media. Hidden in 25284 (new Troubleshoot Windows Update option) vivetool /enable /id:42550315 pic.twitter.com/WiaLb0qjAvJanuary 25, 2023
The option is present in System > Recovery in the Settings app and is labeled “Troubleshoot without resetting your PC.”
What this does is try to fix any issues with your system by completely reinstalling the current build of Windows 11. This works effectively as a way to, say, fix corrupted system files that can cause your OS to malfunction one way or another, by replacing them (while leaving all your personal files and data and apps untouched).
Analysis: A feature likely to make the cut
Of course, reinstalling the current build of Windows is quite a lengthy process, and as Microsoft points out in the text for the option, users should try running Windows troubleshooters before resorting to this method (and don’t forget our guide too for troubleshooting common Windows 11 issues).
Normally, doing a reinstall like this requires grabbing the correct installation media (the Media Creation Tool), so putting the option for an in-place upgrade (and repair) there in Settings is really helpful.
That said, this hasn’t even been enabled in testing yet – it’s just a placeholder that doesn’t work, and as noted it’s hidden from boot. Chances are it will be shipping live in a preview build soon though, as it seems like a useful addition to Windows 11 and unlikely to cause controversy. Still, there are many reasons why features may not materialize during testing, so we can’t take for granted that this is inbound for the release version of Microsoft’s operating system.
Keep those fingers crossed, as this would be a definite boon to users as an easy repair option when something has gone wrong with Windows 11, and it’s not possible to figure out exactly what. Of course, these kinds of errors can be most frustrating when Windows behaves strangely and gives you no idea why.