Microsoft Corp. is reportedly integrating a built-in recovery system that will allow users to reinstall the Windows 11 operating system through Windows Update without losing their existing files.

The new feature was first spotted by Windows Latest today, and will be made available through a new setting called “Fix problems using Windows Update.”

According to that report, the new setting can be found by heading to Settings > System > Recovery on Windows 11. It’s currently only available to members of the Windows Canary Channel, who get to test new features before they become more widely available.

Microsoft first mentioned the upcoming feature around six months ago in a blog post, but its implementation in public Windows 11 test versions suggests it’s almost ready for prime time.

The feature could be particularly useful for users that want to reinstall, update, or repair the OS without losing files, documents, pictures, videos or apps. “This operation reinstalls the OS that you have and will not remove any files, settings, or apps,” the company said in the original blog post. “Devices may need to complete in progress updates prior to this process taking effect.”

Previously, the best way to reinstall or recover Windows 11 without losing any files was to use the “In-Place Upgrade” option within Microsoft’s Media Creation Tool. While both this and the newer option allow users to do the same thing, the In-Place Upgrade is known to be quite a lengthy process. With the new feature, the process of recovering Windows will be rapidly accelerated.

Windows Latest says the new features could be integrated within the Windows 11 Moment 5 Update that’s expected to roll out in February 2024. That will be a cumulative update that’s typically rolled out through the Windows Update feature, as previous “Moment” updates were.

It’s also expected to be the last minor update for Windows 11 ahead of a much bigger one that’s slated to take place in 2025. Other new capabilities to come in the minor update include new quality-of-life features such as better support for digital pens, and the ability to make certain apps uninstallable, such as Microsoft Edge and Cortana.

Image: Windows Latest