How to install windows from recovery without wiping data

[Davidremon2000]

I have an HP recovery windows 11 on my usb drive and I want to install windows from it but I don't want to wipe all the disk, how can I install it without wiping data so it can only touch the c drive?

[Deep_World]

Hi @Davidremon2000,
 
Welcome to the HP Support Community!

Thanks for reaching out!

I completely understand how important it is for you to reinstall Windows without losing your personal files. Let’s work through this carefully together.

Could you please share the exact HP model you’re using  and whether your recovery USB was created using HP Recovery Manager or downloaded from Microsoft’s Media Creation Tool? 

Here are a few steps you can try:

• Check recovery options: When you boot from the recovery USB, look for the option that says “Reset this PC” or “Repair your computer”. You should see choices like “Keep my files” or “Remove everything”. Select “Keep my files” to ensure only the system files on the C: drive are refreshed.
• Custom installation: If you go through the Windows setup process, choose Custom: Install Windows only (advanced). From there, select only the C: partition for installation. Be careful not to delete or format other partitions where your data is stored.
• Backup precaution: Even though the process is designed to preserve files, I strongly recommend backing up important data to an external drive before proceeding, just in case.
• HP Recovery Manager: On some HP models, Recovery Manager may default to a full factory reset. 

I hope this helps.