Hi morrowgigi-
I'm Kevin B. Windows user like you. Let me help you sort things out.
If your going to use media creation tool for upgrade or repair install on your Windows, it will provide you an option on the last phase to keep personal files and apps.
Click on install and you should be all set.
There is an option as well to change what to keep before clicking install.
Please do let me know if you do have a questions. Hope this will help and have a blessed day!
Thanks,
Kevin B.