PSA: Windows 10 Fresh Start feature is still there in the Windows 10 May 2020 Update

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by Radu Tyrsina 

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Yesterday, we reported that some users have discovered that the Fresh Start feature has been removed beginning with the Windows 10 May 2020 Update. Well, Microsoft has quietly updated its official support document (via Windows Latest) this morning to explain what is actually happening with Fresh Start in the latest Windows release.

According to the updated support page, the recovery tool has not been removed in the latest version, and it has just been moved to another place. “Fresh start is available for Windows 10 versions prior to 2004. For version 2004 and after, Fresh start functionality has been moved to Reset this PC,” the company explained.

Microsoft explains that to access the Fresh Start feature, you simply need to follow the steps mentioned below:

  1. Head over to Start > Settings > Update & Security > Recovery > Reset this PC > Get Started to use Fresh Start on PCs running the May 2020 Update or later.
  2. Click “Keep my files” option when prompted, choose between the local or cloud recovery option.
  3. Finally, select “No” when prompted “Restore preinstalled apps?”

However, Microsoft said that the preinstalled apps recovery option is only available if your machine has some preinstalled apps that are configured by the PC manufacturer. Microsoft has also confirmed that users running the Windows 10 November 2019 Update or older can still go to Settings > Update and Security > Windows Security > Device performance & health > Additional info > Get Started to access the feature.

It is worth noting that the Fresh Start references are still present in other parts of the OS (Update & Security section of the Settings menu), but in reality, the Fresh Start option has been removed from there, and it has been merged with the “Reset this PC” option under Recovery settings. Now that Microsoft is aware of the broken link in the Windows Security app, it’s likely that the software giant will remove them in future updates.

Radu Tyrsina

Radu Tyrsina Shield

Radu Tyrsina has been a Windows fan ever since he got his first PC, a Pentium III (a monster at that time). For most of the kids of his age, the Internet was an amazing way to play and communicate with others, but he was deeply impressed by the flow of information and how easily you can find anything on the web. Prior to founding Windows Report, this particular curiosity about digital content enabled him to grow a number of sites that helped hundreds of millions reach faster the answer they're looking for.