In a new Canary version of the Windows Insider Program, Microsoft is testing a solution to repair Windows PCs using Windows Update.
This is great news for anyone who has had to reinstall Windows due to system issues, as it offers a simpler and more convenient solution.
Microsoft’s new repair content is displayed on the Windows Update Settings page, with the title appended with ‘(repair version).’ The feature is aimed at keeping your device secure and up to date. The description reads: “Use this to fix problems with Windows and keep your device up to date.”
“Available only on select Windows Insider builds, Fix problems using Windows Update allows you to install a ‘repair version’ of Windows 11 without removing any files, settings, or programs,” Microsoft explains. “This feature will be especially useful in the event of a failed update or if you need to repair your PC by reinstalling a Windows component.”
The ability to repair Windows using Windows Update settings is currently only available on Windows Insider build 25905 in Canary, but it should be available across all Windows versions in the future. You can access the new repair settings by going to Settings > System > Recovery. Under the ‘Fix problems’ section, you’ll see the option labeled ‘Fix problems using Windows Update.’
If successful, this should eliminate the need for you to reinstall the entire operating system. Not only does this save you from having to backup files you may have forgotten about, it also saves you from having to reinstall all programs, which can be a real time-suck.
However, it’s important to note that Canary builds are very much in testing, and may be unstable and lack comprehensive documentation. If you rely on your primary machine for work, you may want to wait for this feature to reach the beta build or a release version.
In the meantime, you can check out some of our other favorite Windows Insider tips. You can also correct Windows Update settings if the “Download Updates” option is grayed out.
