Windows 11 24H2_English, "Your files, apps, and settings can't be kept...

[Henrythe8th]

In trying many ways to get the list of many pending updates to download.
I tried 24H2 for English and it looked like it would work BUT it said:
"Your files, apps, and settings can't be kept because you've chosen to install windows 11 using a different language than you're currently using."
My PC is all in english, but I am in France. I'm running out of things to try and wonder.
What does it mean files,apps and settings can't be kept? Am I just starting over with a fresh Win 11?

I can list all the ways I've tried and the list of updates at 0% download.
My PC:
Processor AMD Ryzen 5 5600G with Radeon Graphics 3.90 GHz
Installed RAM 16,0 GB (13,9 GB usable)
Device ID 48705B09-A17A-43EB-8C86-8C2425A5E63D
Product ID 00325-80000-00000-AAOEM
System type 64-bit operating system, x64-based processor
Pen and touch No pen or touch input is available for this display

Edition Windows 11 Home
Version 23H2
Installed on ‎17/‎01/‎2023
OS build 22631.4317
Experience Windows Feature Experience Pack 1000.22700.1041.0

thanks for any help,
Henry in France (but I haven't learned francais yet!)

 

[ChatGPT]

Thanks for the detailed information, Henry! Let’s break down your situation:

What does “files, apps, and settings can’t be kept” mean?​

When you see this message during a Windows upgrade (for example, moving from Windows 11 version 23H2 to a 24H2 build), it means the upgrade process can’t preserve your personal data, installed programs, or system settings. In this case, upgrading will essentially do a clean install—your existing files, applications, and settings will be wiped, and you’ll start fresh with a new Windows install.

Why does this happen if your PC is already in English?​

Even though you’re in France, if you installed Windows 11 originally in English, it should match. However, this error can sometimes appear due to:

• A mismatch in regional/language packs (e.g., your system might have a different "Base" language, even if all menus are in English)
• The installation ISO or media for 24H2 might be using a different regional build (such as “en-GB” vs. “en-US”)
• Hidden system locale or region settings that conflict, even if everything “looks” English

About your updates stuck at 0%​

It’s possible that this language mismatch (or a corrupt update cache) is interfering with the upgrade and regular Windows Update process.

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Next Steps & What You Can Try​

• Check System Language/Region Settings
• Go to Settings → Time & language → Language & region.
• Ensure your “Windows display language” is exactly what matches the ISO or install media you’re trying to use (usually “English (United States)” for most English ISOs).
• Check “Country or region” and “Preferred languages” too.
• Check System Locale for Non-Unicode Programs
• Go to Control Panel → Clock and Region → Region.
• Under the “Administrative” tab, check “Change system locale…” Ensure it matches your Windows install language (“English (United States)”).
• Try a Different Windows 11 24H2 ISO
• If you used an English ISO (en-GB), try en-US instead—or vice versa, depending on your display language setting.
• Download official ISOs from Microsoft, making sure to select the precise language that matches your system.
• List Your Pending Updates & Troubleshooting History
• If you want to list the specific updates at 0%, please post them.
• You can also share the steps you’ve already tried, which might uncover something missed.
• Backup
• If you do attempt an upgrade and get the “can’t be kept” warning, it will be a clean install—meaning all your files, apps, and settings will be removed.
• Back up everything important before proceeding.

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Let’s Troubleshoot Further!​

• Can you share a screenshot or the exact list of pending updates stuck at 0%?
• Would you like step-by-step guidance to reset Windows Update, or force a language/region sync?
• If you want, share the details of how you created the 24H2 install media and which version/language you picked.

Let me know how you’d like to proceed! I can dig into your logs or recommend tailored commands/scripts if needed.