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Cloud downlaod

Sawyer Sawyer 0 Reputation points
2026-02-26T19:29:11.0966667+00:00

Every time I go into WinRE and click reset this pc and cloud download it shows an error that it can't and asks me to do a local reinstall.

Windows for home | Other | Recovery and backup
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  1. John DeV 159.4K Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-02-26T21:20:35.6166667+00:00

    Hi, good day!

    Have you tried the suggested AI method?

    In case Local reinstall doesn't work, the best thing to do in this situation is to perform a Clean Install of Windows. However, you will need to find another working Windows computer from a family member or friend near you to create the Windows USB Installation media.

    Find another working computer then download the Media Creation tool (Click Download tool now). Use the tool to "Create installation media (USB flash drive at least 8GB in size) to install Windows". Instructions inside the link.

    Note: Please make sure to uncheck the "Use the recommended options for this PC" box. Please check the link below for more details.

    https://support.microsoft.com/windows/create-installation-media-for-windows-99a58364-8c02-206f-aa6f-40c3b507420d

    If you want to retrieve your important files, Insert the USB Installation media into your computer. Please change the boot order in the Bios Settings. Boot your PC from the Installation Media you created.

    Click Repair your computer > Troubleshoot > Command prompt

    Type: notepad.exe

    Press Enter

    Click File, then Open

    This will open a Mini-Explorer that you can use to find folders or individual files that need to backup, right click the files to Send to USB flash drive.

    Kindly refer to the link below on How to Perform a Clean Install for more details.

    https://support.microsoft.com/windows/reinstall-windows-with-the-installation-media-d8369486-3e33-7d9c-dccc-859e2b022fc7

    I look forward to receiving your update and I'm willing to collaborate with you till we resolve the issue. Do keep me informed by clicking "Add comment" below.

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  2. Q&A Assist
    2026-02-26T19:29:24.0466667+00:00
    AI generated content. This question contains an answer created with AI from Q&A Assist. Learn more

    Cloud download can fail in WinRE if Windows cannot reliably access the recovery services or required system files, or if the edition/build is not supported for that path. When that happens, WinRE falls back to offering Local reinstall.

    In this situation, the supported workaround is to use Local reinstall instead of Cloud download. Local reinstall uses the existing Windows files on the device to rebuild the OS. On Windows 10/11 and Surface devices, this still performs a full reset and can fix most system issues.

    To reset from the running OS (if it still boots):

    1. Open Settings > System > Recovery (Windows 11) or Settings > Update & Security > Recovery (Windows 10).
    2. Under Reset this PC, select Reset PC / Get started.
    3. Choose Keep my files or Remove everything.
    4. When asked, select Local reinstall instead of Cloud download.

    If Windows does not boot, use WinRE but choose the local option:

    1. From the Choose an option screen, select Troubleshoot > Reset this PC.
    2. Select Keep my files or Remove everything.
    3. Select Local reinstall when Cloud download fails.

    Cloud download is optional; both paths reinstall the same build, version, and edition already on the device. If Cloud download repeatedly fails but Local reinstall completes, the reset is still valid and supported.

    References:

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