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.

---

Next Steps & What You Can Try​

1. 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.
2. 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)”).
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.

---

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.

 

[Henrythe8th]

That's really impressive!
I'll be back!

 

[ChatGPT]

Thank you for the kind words, Henry! Whenever you’re ready, just drop your update lists, a summary of your troubleshooting steps, or any files/logs that might clarify the situation. I’ll be here to dig in and give targeted advice.
When you’re back, let me know exactly where you’re stuck or what you’d like to try next. Happy hunting until then!

 

[Henrythe8th]

Ok, I changed everything to United States and remove any French stuff.
I still get the no files, apps, warning. So I want to backup.
However I don't have OneDrive and I'm having trouble getting it back.

 

[ChatGPT]

Great work on switching everything to United States settings—if the warning persists, backing up is indeed the smart move before proceeding with any upgrade or clean install.
Since you don’t have OneDrive and are having trouble reinstalling it, here are some alternative backup options and troubleshooting tips for getting OneDrive back:

---

1. Alternative Backup Solutions (Without OneDrive)​

• External Drive: Use an external USB drive or hard disk; simply copy your important folders (Documents, Pictures, Desktop, Downloads) onto it.
• Network Storage: If you have another PC on your network, use Windows File Sharing or a tool like Syncthing or FreeFileSync.
• Cloud Alternatives: Consider using Google Drive, Dropbox, or another free cloud storage provider if you’re comfortable with those.

---

2. Getting OneDrive Reinstalled​

Here’s how you can manually reinstall OneDrive on Windows 11:

1. Check if OneDrive is Still Installed:
   • Press Win + R, type onedrive, and hit Enter.
     If it launches, it’s just not set up.
2. Reinstall OneDrive:
   • Download the latest installer directly from Microsoft:
     Download OneDrive
   • Run the installer and follow the instructions.
3. If “OneDrive is already installed” Error Appears:
   • Go to Settings → Apps → Installed apps and search for OneDrive.
   • If it shows up, click it and choose Uninstall.
   • After uninstalling, restart your PC, then run the installer again.
4. If OneDrive Won’t Appear or Install:
   • Open File Explorer and navigate to:
     C:\Windows\SysWOW64 (on 64-bit) or C:\Windows\System32 (on 32-bit)
   • Locate OneDriveSetup.exe and double-click it to reinstall.

---

3. Manual Files and Settings Backup Checklist​

If OneDrive still won’t cooperate, make sure you back up:

• User Folders: Documents, Pictures, Videos, Music, Downloads, Desktop (C:\Users\<YourName>\)
• Browser Bookmarks/Passwords: Export from your browser’s settings.
• Email Files: If you use Outlook or other clients, export data files.
• App Data: Some program settings are stored in C:\Users\<YourName>\AppData\ (mostly Roaming).
• Licenses & Installers: Save software keys and installers for apps you’ll need to reinstall.

---

Let me know how you’d like to proceed, or if you’d like detailed backup scripts or step-by-step recovery checks for OneDrive specifically! If you hit a specific error installing OneDrive, just let me know the message and I’ll help you resolve it.

 

[Henrythe8th]

Ok, thanks for the onedrive link.
The app is installed, but I can't open it and Back Up says I'm not logged into OneDrive.

 

[ChatGPT]

No problem, Henry! Let’s get OneDrive up and running.
If the app is installed but you can’t open it, and Windows Backup says you’re not logged in, this usually means the OneDrive setup process hasn’t completed or it’s not signed in with your Microsoft account.

---

Quick Steps to Get OneDrive Working:​

1. Launch OneDrive Manually
   • Press Win + R, type onedrive, and press Enter.
   • If nothing happens, try searching for “OneDrive” in the Start menu and click it.
2. Sign In (or Reconnect)
   • If OneDrive opens, you should see a setup screen prompting you to sign in with your Microsoft account.
   • Enter your credentials and follow the prompts to complete sign-in.
3. Reset OneDrive (if it won’t launch or sign-in fails)
   • Press Win + R, copy-paste the following command, and hit Enter:
     %localappdata%\Microsoft\OneDrive\onedrive.exe /reset
   • Wait a minute for OneDrive to reset. Then, try launching it again from the Start menu.
   • If it still doesn’t start, restart your PC and try again.
4. Reinstall if Problems Persist
   • Uninstall OneDrive (Settings → Apps → Installed apps → Search “OneDrive” → Uninstall).
   • Download the installer again from here and reinstall.
   • Repeat step 2.

---

If It Still Won’t Work:​

• Are you logged into Windows with a Local Account or a Microsoft Account? OneDrive may require a Microsoft Account.
• Do you get any error messages when trying to open or sign in? If yes, please share the exact error text.

---

Let me know what happens when you try these steps! If you encounter a specific error or blank launch, just describe the result and I’ll help troubleshoot further.

 

[Henrythesecond]

No problem, Henry! Let’s get OneDrive up and running.
If the app is installed but you can’t open it, and Windows Backup says you’re not logged in, this usually means the OneDrive setup process hasn’t completed or it’s not signed in with your Microsoft account.

---

Quick Steps to Get OneDrive Working:​

1. Launch OneDrive Manually
   • Press Win + R, type onedrive, and press Enter.
   • If nothing happens, try searching for “OneDrive” in the Start menu and click it.
2. Sign In (or Reconnect)
   • If OneDrive opens, you should see a setup screen prompting you to sign in with your Microsoft account.
   • Enter your credentials and follow the prompts to complete sign-in.
3. Reset OneDrive (if it won’t launch or sign-in fails)
   • Press Win + R, copy-paste the following command, and hit Enter:
     %localappdata%\Microsoft\OneDrive\onedrive.exe /reset
   • Wait a minute for OneDrive to reset. Then, try launching it again from the Start menu.
   • If it still doesn’t start, restart your PC and try again.
4. Reinstall if Problems Persist
   • Uninstall OneDrive (Settings → Apps → Installed apps → Search “OneDrive” → Uninstall).
   • Download the installer again from here and reinstall.
   • Repeat step 2.

---

If It Still Won’t Work:​

• Are you logged into Windows with a Local Account or a Microsoft Account? OneDrive may require a Microsoft Account.
• Do you get any error messages when trying to open or sign in? If yes, please share the exact error text.

---

Let me know what happens when you try these steps! If you encounter a specific error or blank launch, just describe the result and I’ll help troubleshoot further.

Hello AI, it's me Henry. The OneDrive was found and I ran a backup.
The 24H2_English worked, but now my PC does not recognize my pin.
And the forum thinks I'm still logged into the forum on that machine, so I had to register again to get in on my laptop. Not having fun here.
I thought if I couldn't get the pin to work there would be an option to sign in.

 

[ChatGPT]

Hi Henry, sorry you’re having such a rough time—Windows authentication can be more “adventure” than anyone asks for.
Here’s what might help get you back into your PC and address your PIN trouble:

---

1. Windows Hello PIN Not Recognized? Try These:​

On the Login Screen​

• Look for “Sign-in options” just below the PIN field (it might show an icon like a key or a little user silhouette).
• Click it—this should allow you to choose:
  - Password (your regular Microsoft account password)
  - Picture Password (if set up)
  - Security Key (if you use one)

If you don’t see “Sign-in options,” let me know—sometimes Windows Update can hide/mess with these.

If Your Password Also Fails​

• Check for a “Reset PIN” or “Forgot PIN?” link under the PIN box.
  • This should prompt for your Microsoft account password (assuming you linked the device to it).
  • Follow the reset process.

---

2. If “Sign-in options” Are Missing or You’re Locked Out Completely​

Try Safe Mode with Networking:

• On the login screen, hold Shift and click “Restart.”
• When the blue options screen pops up, navigate:
  Troubleshoot → Advanced options → Startup Settings → Restart.
• After reboot, select Safe Mode with Networking.
• Try logging in with your password, not PIN.
• If you get in, go to Settings → Accounts → Sign-in options, and remove/add your PIN again.

---

3. If You’re on a Local Account (not a Microsoft Account)​

• The steps are similar, but instead of your Microsoft password, use your local password (the one you set up with the account).

---

Forum Sessions/Account Issues​

• If you’re locked out of your primary account, that’s likely because the old browser session on your PC is still seen as active by the forum. Using your laptop and a different account is a good workaround, but you should be able to log back in on your main PC once Windows access is restored.

---

Let me know:​

• Are you offered “Sign-in options” on the PIN screen?
• Do you remember your Microsoft account password (if used)?
• Is your account a Microsoft online account or a local one?
• Any specific error when you enter the PIN?

We’ll get this sorted, even if Windows is dragging its feet!

 

[Henrythesecond]

@ChatGPT your doing great, we should go out and have beer!
So there are no sign-up options
I don't understand, hold Shift and click “Restart.” None of the items on the screen open up. There is only the pin window active.
Some guy on youtube ranted about windows and talked me into going local acct. But with all this trouble I tried to get back into my MS acct, but not sure if it worked. I don't know if I'm local or with MS.
The login screen has three accounts, my first, Henry, and my wife. I think the first account maybe had a different pin.

 

[ChatGPT]

Thank you, Henry! If we ever get AI arms and a thirst for hops, I’ll take you up on that beer offer .
Let’s focus on untangling this login mess:

---

What's Happening on Your Screen​

• Only the PIN box is active—no “Sign-in options” or password prompt.
• Three accounts show up: “first” (original?), “Henry,” and your wife’s account.
• You’re uncertain if you’re using a local or Microsoft account.

---

Immediate Steps to Try​

1. Switch Users:
   On the lock screen, can you click the other account names on the left or bottom corner? Try selecting each one—see if any give you a “Sign-in options” or password field.
2. Restart With Keyboard:
   Press Ctrl+Alt+Delete.
   If nothing changes, try clicking the power icon (if visible), then hold Shift while clicking “Restart.”
   If no restart menu appears, you might be facing a stuck or restricted login environment.
3. Accessing Recovery Environment (Force Hard Reboot):
   • Hold down your physical power button until the PC fully turns off.
   • Turn it on. As soon as you see the Windows logo, force shutdown again.
   • Repeat 3 times. On the next boot, Windows should enter “Automatic Repair.”
   • Click Advanced options, then proceed to Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings > Restart. See if you now get more options.

---

About Local vs. Microsoft Account​

• If you set up a local user, Windows won’t usually let you “reset” a PIN with your MS password.
• If you moved back to a Microsoft account, you need internet access to validate a password reset.

---

If Nothing Works (But You Have Files Backed Up)​

If you can’t get in at all, and your important files are safe (like in OneDrive or elsewhere), a RESET or “Repair Install” might become necessary—but let’s save that as a last resort.

---

Questions & What to Try Next​

1. When you select each account, do any offer a password field or “reset PIN” option?
2. Do you have another admin user (maybe your wife)? If she can log in, you might be able to fix/reset other accounts from there.
3. If you’re unsure of your account type, can you recall ever entering an email and password, or do you always log in only with a PIN?
Let me know what you see when trying these options, especially the forced restart/Automatic Repair trick. Don’t worry—there’s always a way back in!

 

[Henrythesecond]

Cannot switch users, stuck with original user
cannot ctrl-alt-del
the power icon is not active
Wow, the inner sanctum,  Advanced options. But there were 10 items to chose and I was so slow it kicked me out! LOL
I could take a picture of all the choices, but I bet you know.

 

[ChatGPT]

I appreciate your persistence, Henry! “Kicked out by Windows while reading options”—that’s about as classic as it gets.
You’re right—I probably know the menu you’re seeing in the Advanced options/Windows Recovery Environment. Here's a rapid rundown of the common choices you’ll find, and what you should target:

---

Usual “Advanced Options” Menu:​

1. Continue (exit recovery, boot into Windows)
2. Use a device (USB/DVD recovery media)
3. Troubleshoot (the option we want!)
   • Inside Troubleshoot:
     • Reset this PC (nuclear option: reinstall Windows, can keep or remove files)
     • Advanced options (here’s the goldmine)
       • Startup Repair
       • Startup Settings
         • This is where you can enable Safe Mode!
       • Command Prompt
       • Uninstall Updates
       • System Restore
       • Sometimes others like “UEFI Firmware Settings,” etc.

---

What to try:​

1. From Advanced options:
   Go to Troubleshoot → Advanced options → Startup Settings
   Click “Restart.”
   When it restarts, you’ll see a numbered menu.
   Press 4 or F4 to enter Safe Mode (or 5/F5 for Safe Mode with Networking).
2. In Safe Mode:
   Try logging in—it will usually prompt for your password (not PIN).
   If you get in, you can manage accounts, reset PINs, or turn PIN login off under Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options.
3. If That Fails:
   From within Advanced options (in Step 1), you might try:
   • Command Prompt: I can walk you through some commands to enable the hidden Administrator account, which sometimes rescues jammed logins.
   • Or, System Restore (if you have restore points).

---

If you want to post a picture:​

Absolutely—if you’re unsure of any choices, taking a photo and uploading it here can help me guide you step-by-step based on exactly your menu.

---

Let me know if you manage to reach Safe Mode or if you want tailored steps for a specific option you see! We're getting closer.

 

[Henrythesecond]

Ok, all those tries returned the same screen.
So I'm in cmd

 

[ChatGPT]

Great work getting into Command Prompt—that opens up more options for troubleshooting!
Here’s what you can do from Command Prompt to regain access:

---

1. Enable the Built-in Administrator Account​

This creates (or exposes) an administrator account you can log in with.
In the Command Prompt (should say Administrator: X:\Windows\System32\cmd.exe):
net user Administrator /active:yes

• If it says "The command completed successfully," that’s good.
• Now restart your PC. On the login screen, you should see a new “Administrator” account. Select it (no password by default) and log in.

---

2. Once In as Administrator​

1. Open Settings → Accounts → Family & other users (or just “Other users”).
2. Manage existing user accounts—reset passwords, convert accounts, or even delete problematic PINs under Sign-in options.

---

Optional: Remove PIN Requirement​

If you regain normal access, visit Settings → Accounts → Sign-in options and remove the PIN or reset it.

---

3. If You Need to Reset a Password (For Local Accounts Only)​

Replace “YourUserName” with the exact username:
net user YourUserName NewPassword
Example:
net user Henrythesecond MyNewPassword123
Afterwards, try logging in with that new password.

---

Let me know the outcome of enabling the Administrator account! If you see errors or unexpected prompts, just quote them back and I’ll advise. Step by step, we’ll get you out of Windows purgatory!

 

[Henrythesecond]

I still get the same screen.
Should I have exited cmd before restarting manually.

 

[ChatGPT]

No, you don’t need to do anything special before restarting from Command Prompt—just closing the Command Prompt window or simply rebooting is fine. The key is whether the net user Administrator /active:yes command returned a “success” message. If it did, Windows should normally display the “Administrator” user on the login screen after a standard reboot.
Since you still land on the same screen, let’s clarify a couple of things to help troubleshoot further:

---

1. Did you see a success message?​

When you typed:
net user Administrator /active:yes
Did you get “The command completed successfully”? Or any kind of error or warning?

---

2. What does your locked login screen look like?​

Does it show only your original username, or does it now also list “Administrator” among the accounts? (If only your old user still appears, describe what you see—sometimes a picture is worth a thousand words!)

---

3. Try a Direct Password Reset (For Local Account)​

If you want, you can attempt this command as well (replace USERNAME and NEWPASS):
net user USERNAME NEWPASS
Example:
net user Henry NewStrongPassword1
Then try logging in with that new password instead of PIN. If unsure of usernames, type:
net user
to list all available user accounts.

---

4. If You're Stuck in Recovery (Not Normal Boot)​

Sometimes, after working in recovery/WinRE, a system reboot returns you to the recovery menu or the same stuck login.

• Double-check that you actually exit the recovery/advanced options menu to boot your existing Windows, not recovery again. Look for options like “Continue: Exit and continue to Windows 10/11.”

---

If none of this helps, describe exactly what is on-screen after your reboot. If possible, upload a photo or details of the accounts shown and any fields/buttons you see—that will pinpoint next steps!​

We’re making progress—hang in there!

 

[Henrythesecond]

I tried again and it said successful again.
But same screen.
No Admin acct
all the same three and no response from other buttons

 

[ChatGPT]

Thanks for sticking with it, Henry. You’re not the only one who’s seen the “success” message in Command Prompt but still finds no sign of the Administrator account or alternative sign-in options. This is a classic “stuck at PIN screen” problem that’s hit a lot of users—especially after Windows Updates or system resets.

Key Points from Similar Cases​

• Sometimes, even after enabling the Administrator account with net user administrator /active:yes, the account does NOT show up at the login screen if something has corrupted user profiles, system files, or the Secure Boot/TPM config.
• You may only ever see your original locked-out account, with PIN as the only available login, if the system is severely stuck.
• Recent Windows 11 24H2 updates are notorious for causing exactly this—reset, update, or move to a local account, and suddenly PIN is your only login path and it’s broken. The normal “Sign-in options” button may simply not appear due to a TPM or Windows Hello subsystem breakage.

---

What Can You Try Now from Command Prompt?​

1. Delete Corrupted PIN Data (“NGC” folder)​

Corrupt PIN/Windows Hello data can lock you out. Deleting the NGC folder forces Windows to reset this.

1. From Command Prompt, type:
   explorer.exe
   • This should open File Explorer (even in the recovery environment or WinRE). If it doesn’t, let me know.
2. Navigate to:
   C:\Windows\ServiceProfiles\LocalService\AppData\Local\Microsoft
   • You might need to enable “Hidden Items” in the View menu.
   • Delete the entire NGC folder (if allowed).
3. Reboot and check if you now get an option to enter password or set up a new PIN.

2. Use “System Restore” from WinRE​

• In the Advanced options menu, find “System Restore.”
• Roll back to a date before this problem.
• This often fixes boot/login traps caused by bad updates.

3. Last Resort: “Reset this PC” (Keep My Files)​

• Only if you’re confident your files are backed up (OneDrive, etc.).
• In the Troubleshoot menu, use “Reset this PC” → “Keep my files.”
• This will reinstall Windows but keep personal files; apps will need reinstalling.

---

Important: If “explorer.exe” Fails​

If you can't launch File Explorer and browse files from command prompt (meaning you can’t reach or delete the NGC folder), your installation is likely more deeply corrupted, and a system restore/reset is safest.

---

Why Is This Happening?​

• Updates (like 24H2) or switching between local/Microsoft accounts can sometimes corrupt the system’s authentication subsystem (particularly with Windows Hello/PIN), trapping you in a broken login with no alternatives.
• Even commands like net user administrator /active:yes can't recover if the login UI itself is malfunctioning due to these bugs.

---

Let me know if you manage to:​

• Delete NGC and reboot,
• Run System Restore,
• Or are forced to consider a Reset.

We’ll make sure you get back in—one way or another. If you want step-by-step for any of these, just say the word!