How do I do an in place install for Windows 11?

Question

I have done the following but I still get an error when trying to install the latest KB file.

1. Reset Windows Update components
2. Manually clear the update cache
3. Manually download the update and install it

Thank you in advance for any help you can provide.

Answer 1

In Windows 11 there is a recovery process that keeps all files etc. (essentially a repair install)

Go to Settings > System > Recovery > Fix problems using windows update then select Reinstall now.

Answer 2

Hi Patrick,

Thanks for reaching out to Microsoft Q&A Forum. I understand that you want to perform an in-place install (repair install) on Windows 11 because a specific KB update keeps failing, even after resetting Windows Update components, clearing the cache, and manually installing the update.

Please make sure you already tried the Q&A Assist steps. In addition, please try the following.

Before proceeding, I’d like to narrow this down a bit to ensure the correct approach:

1. Do you receive a specific error code when the KB installation fails or during Windows setup?
2. Is BitLocker or any other device encryption currently enabled on this device?

In the meantime, you can try these steps:

1, Open Start and search for Command Prompt, then select Run as administrator.

• Run: sfc /scannow
• Wait for the scan to complete and restart the device

2, Open Command Prompt as administrator again.

• Run: DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
• Restart once the command finishes

3, Temporarily disable third-party antivirus or security software, then retry the in-place install process.

4, Ensure at least 25–30 GB of free space is available on the system drive before starting the repair install.

5, If BitLocker or device encryption is enabled, suspend it temporarily, then attempt the in-place install again.

6, After the in-place install completes, open Settings, go to Windows Update, and check for updates again.

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Answer 3

Hi,

Let’s check further information so I can provide you with the appropriate solution.

1. In the search bar, type Winver and hit Enter.

Please share a screenshot of that window.

2. Which specific KB update is causing the issue?

Go to Settings > System > Windows Update.

Answer 4

Use an in-place upgrade (also called an in-place repair) with the Windows 11 ISO. This reinstalls Windows 11 over the existing installation while keeping files and apps.

Follow these steps:

1. Go to the Windows 11 download page and download the Windows 11 ISO that matches the current Windows language and edition.
2. After the ISO finishes downloading, disconnect from the internet and unplug all nonessential external devices (USB drives, printers, etc.).
3. Temporarily disable any third-party antivirus/security software.
4. In File Explorer, locate the downloaded ISO file and double-click it to mount it as a virtual DVD drive.
5. In the mounted drive, run Setup.exe.
6. When the Windows 11 setup starts, choose the option to install Windows 11.
7. When prompted what to keep, select the option to keep personal files and apps so data and installed programs are preserved.
8. Proceed with the installation and let the process complete. The PC will restart several times.
9. After setup finishes and Windows 11 loads, reconnect to the internet and run Windows Update again to install the latest cumulative updates/KBs.

If Windows is very corrupt and the in-place upgrade is not offered automatically, a registry key can be added (for affected builds) so the device is targeted for an in-place upgrade via Windows Update:

1. Open Command Prompt as administrator.
2. Run:

      Reg.exe Add HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion /v AllowInplaceUpgrade /t REG_DWORD /f /d 1
   

3. Wait (up to 48 hours) for Windows Update to offer the in-place upgrade, then install it. The key is removed automatically after the upgrade.

After the in-place upgrade, the system should be able to take new updates normally.

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References:

• KB5005322—Some devices cannot install new updates after installing KB5003214 (May 25, 2021) and KB5003690 (June 21, 2021)
• Troubleshoot problems updating Windows
• Get help with Windows upgrade and installation errors
• i get this code when i try to update windows 0x8007041D. - Microsoft Q&A
• Mijn windows updates gaan mis - Microsoft Q&A