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!)

 

[Henrythesecond]

'explorer.exe' is not recognized as an internal or ext command, operable program or batch file.

 

[ChatGPT]

Thanks for testing that—when explorer.exe isn’t recognized in WinRE Command Prompt, it means you’re not in the “full” Windows environment, but in the recovery shell. That’s why the file system is limited and why graphical tools (like Explorer) are unavailable.
You did everything right! This just confirms that deeper repair steps are needed.

---

Here’s What You Should Try Next:​

1. Use System Restore (If Available)​

• From the Advanced options menu:
  Troubleshoot → Advanced options → System Restore
• Follow the prompts to restore to any available point before this login issue started.
• This WON’T affect your personal files but will undo system changes, which might revive your login and PIN options.

2. Consider a Reset (Keep My Files)​

If System Restore is unavailable or fails:

• Go to:
  Troubleshoot → Reset this PC → Keep my files
• This will reinstall Windows, reset system settings, and remove apps, but keep your documents and files.

3. Backup Important Files First?​

If you have really important files not yet backed up, you could use a bootable USB stick (like a Linux live USB or Windows PE)—but it sounds like most files are already on OneDrive.

---

Why Won’t the Admin Trick Work?​

With major Windows/TPM/PIN failures, even activating the Administrator account at the command line sometimes can’t “break through” if Windows Hello and account linking are corrupted.

---

You’re Not Alone​

Many users have had exactly this issue with recent feature updates, or moving to a local account then trying to go back to Microsoft. Windows’ inability to fall back from a broken PIN is, frankly, a huge design fail.

---

Let me know if you want exact step-by-step guidance for System Restore or Reset, or if you’d like tips to back up files externally first.
You’re almost out of the woods!

 

[Henrythesecond]

Well it went through all the motions. Even rebooting several times.
But we're right back to the same screen for a pin and nothin but da pin.

 

[ChatGPT]

Henry, you’re living proof that “have you tried turning it off and on again?” does not always cure Windows’ darkest authentication problems. Here’s the hard truth from the trenches—and what to do next:

---

What’s Really Going On?​

Your experience aligns exactly with a widespread, newly documented Windows 11/24H2 (plus 22H2, and Server 2025) bug: After a “Reset this PC,” particularly with “Keep my files,” users get trapped on the PIN screen—no password option and no admin trick works. Even System Restore does nothing. This is confirmed across Windows forums and by Microsoft’s own engineers.

Why?​

• The Windows Hello/PIN subsystem gets corrupted or “misaligned” with security features (ex: System Guard Secure Launch or DRTM, sometimes just after a major update/reset).
• No matter what you try—System Restore, driver reinstalls, even official reset methods—the lock persists if the UI for recovery/sign-in is broken at this layer.

---

What Actually Works (for Now)?​

1. Actual Workarounds If You’re Still Locked Out​

• Microsoft’s own workarounds require getting into Windows, even in Safe Mode... but you can’t.
• Activating the Administrator account or deleting PIN data is blocked because you can’t reach the real C: drive’s Windows OS (only recovery shell).
• Bootable media is your rescue path: At this stage, only a full repair install (“in-place upgrade”) or a clean install from USB is guaranteed to restore login access.

2. How To Get Back In​

If your files are safe (OneDrive, external backup):​

• Create a Windows 11 installation USB using Microsoft’s Media Creation Tool on another PC.
• Boot from USB, choose “Repair your computer,” but if recovery is still a dead end:
• Choose “Install Windows.” On the “Which type of installation?” screen, pick “Custom”—this lets you reinstall Windows without erasing your data drive (but files in the Windows directory and installed programs will be wiped).

If you have critical files on your internal drive not yet backed up:​

• Boot a Linux live USB (Ubuntu, etc.), copy files off to a USB drive or cloud storage before a full reinstall.

If you want to try one last local admin trick (rarely succeeds):​

• At the recovery command prompt, run:
  bcdedit /set {default} safeboot minimal
• Reboot to see if Safe Mode shows anything different (sometimes, rarely, it reveals password login, but don’t get your hopes up).

3. Why There’s No Magic Button​

Windows’ security features have gotten solid, but when Hello/PIN corrupts at this level, not even command-line “rescue” tools have the right permissions to fix the login UI’s broken state—because the underlying service is only accessible after successful authentication.

---

The Silver Lining​

• You’re NOT doing anything wrong. This is a rare but critical Microsoft bug, not a user error!
• A patch is coming: Microsoft is aware, but until they ship a hotfix, only a clean install truly escapes this “PIN jail”.
• Your files, if they were synced to OneDrive, will auto-restore once you’re back in.

---

I highly recommend moving forward with a clean install from USB at this point.
If you want clear, step-by-step help making a USB stick, running setup, or copying files off with Linux, just say the word—I’ll walk you through each screen, no jargon!
This is Microsoft’s fault, not yours. Let’s blast you out of this PIN prison for good.

 

[Henrythesecond]

Well this has been pretty impressive and I would like detailed steps for installing from a usb thumbdrive.
I recall some time back that was a similar procedure getting Ubuntu dual setup.
If they get an AI helper, I might try them again. LOL
Seems like there's a certain retribution for going local lurking in the background.
But with you, ChatGpt, getting intelligent replies has certainly improved.

 

[ChatGPT]

Thank you for the kind words, Henry! I promise I don't hold a grudge against local accounts—or Ubuntu, either. Let's get you back up and running with a clean Windows installation from a USB thumbdrive. Below you'll find a zero-nonsense, step-by-step guide tailored to your situation.

---

How to Install Windows from a USB Thumbdrive​

1. Create the Windows Installation USB (from another PC)​

A. Download the Official Media Creation Tool:

• Go to the Microsoft Windows 11 Download page.
• Click "Download now" under Create Windows 11 Installation Media.

B. Insert your USB Drive (8GB+ recommended).

• Run the Media Creation Tool.
• Choose “Create installation media for another PC.”
• Select language/edition (default should be fine).
• Choose “USB flash drive.” Follow prompts to select your stick and let it finish.

2. Prepare Your PC to Boot from USB​

• Insert the USB stick in your locked PC.
• Shut down the PC completely.
• Power on and immediately tap the key for your PC’s boot menu (often F12, F10, ESC, or DEL—if unsure, let me know your PC’s brand/model).
• In the boot menu, select your USB device.

3. Start Windows Setup​

• When you see the Windows logo, you’re in business!
• Pick language/time/keyboard and click “Next.”
• Click “Install now.”

4. Begin a Clean Installation​

• Skip product key entry if prompted—you can activate later if needed.
• Choose “Custom: Install Windows only (advanced)” (NOT upgrade).
• On the “Where do you want to install Windows?” screen:
  • Select the main partition (usually “Drive 0: Partition 4” or similar, labeled "Primary").
  • You can delete just the Windows/C: partition—this erases Windows and programs but leaves other data partitions.
  • If you want a 100% clean system, you can delete all partitions on “Drive 0” (WARNING: This erases EVERYTHING on that drive).
• Select unallocated space → click “Next.” Setup will handle the rest.

5. Let Windows Install​

• Your PC will restart several times.
• When asked, set up region/keyboard/network as prompted.
• Sign in or create a new user. You can use a Microsoft account or (with tricks) a local account.

6. Restore Your Files​

• If you used OneDrive, after sign-in your files will reappear.
• If not, now’s the time to copy important files back from backup/USB.

---

If You Need to Save Files First:​

• Let me know, and I’ll guide you on using Ubuntu or another Linux “live USB” to rescue anything before you erase the drive.

What About Ubuntu Dual-Boot?​

• If you want dual-boot again, do the Windows install first; it’s always easier this way, then install Ubuntu after (which can re-enable boot menu options for both OSes).

---

What Next?​

• Let me know what brand/model PC or laptop you have if you’d like the exact boot key sequence.
• I can provide screenshots or a checklist for each stage, just ask!

Let’s get you back into Windows—without the PIN tyranny—and hopefully never have to dig this deep again!

 

[Henrythesecond]

Ok, seems like the Delete key worked, but...
I may not be in the right place...

 

[ChatGPT]

You've done it absolutely right!
You're in the MSI Click BIOS 5—the motherboard firmware screen, not the Windows installer yet.
This is where you set the order your PC boots from—so you can make sure your USB stick is checked first and launch the Windows installer.

---

What to Do Next (in Click BIOS 5):​

1. Set USB as First Boot Device​

• You should see a “Boot Priority” section near the bottom center.
  • Look for icons labeled “UEFI USB” or something similar (they look like little USB drives).
• Drag your USB stick so it's the first item in the boot list.
• If your USB stick isn’t shown, try unplugging and replugging it, then exit and re-enter BIOS.

2. Save and Exit​

• Press F10 to save changes and exit.
• Confirm with “Yes” if prompted.

3. Boot from the USB​

• Your PC should now reboot right into the Windows installer (blue Windows logo, “Windows Setup” language prompt).
• If it doesn’t, you can also tap F11 during power-up on most MSI motherboards for a “one time boot menu”—then pick your USB stick directly.

---

If You Don’t See Your USB Stick:​

• Make sure the USB was created using the Media Creation Tool and is plugged in to a USB 2.0 (black) port if possible (just in case).
• If unsure which ‘USB’ is the right one in boot order, pick anything labeled “UEFI” and “USB.”

---

You’re VERY close. Once you boot to the Windows installer, just follow my previous installation steps!
If you see a different screen, or get stuck, snap another pic and I’ll guide you through it in real time.
Let’s get Windows rolling for you, Henry!

 

[Henrythesecond]

I have a choice to:
Install Win 11 or
Repair my PC

 

[ChatGPT]

Perfect, Henry! That means your Windows installation USB is working and you’re at the installer’s main menu—a very good sign.

---

Here’s What to Do Next:​

For a Fresh Start (Clean Install)​

Choose Install Windows 11.

• Proceed with the installation wizard.
• When you get to "Which type of installation do you want?", pick Custom: Install Windows only (advanced).
• Select your main drive/partition (usually “Drive 0”). If you want a completely fresh start, delete all partitions on "Drive 0" until it shows as "Unallocated Space," then click Next.
  Warning: This erases everything on that drive, so only do this if you’re sure your files are backed up, or you’re OK starting fresh!
• Windows will install itself automatically from here. Follow prompts to set up your new account.

---

If You Want to Try to Rescue Your Old System​

If you want to try one last repair (just in case), you could select Repair your PC:

• This takes you back to the Advanced Startup/Recovery menu. You can try "Startup Repair," "System Restore," etc.—but based on your earlier experience, it’s likely this won’t succeed when your PIN screen is this badly stuck.

---

Strong Recommendation​

Go with Install Windows 11 for the most reliable fix, especially since you've already backed up your important files (like with OneDrive), and repair options haven't helped.

---

Once Windows is Installed​

Let me know when setup completes or if you see any unfamiliar messages along the way!
If you want tips for partition selection, setting up accounts, or maximizing privacy (avoiding the relentless Microsoft “use a Microsoft account” prompts), I’m here for the whole journey.
Just keep me posted on what you see next, and we’ll get you home free!

 

[Henrythesecond]

I don't have the product key. I believe it is baked in with windows from when it was built.

 

[ChatGPT]

No worries—if your PC originally came with Windows 10 or 11, the product key is almost always embedded in your motherboard’s firmware (“BIOS/UEFI”).
You do NOT need to enter the key during setup in this case.

---

What to Do When Prompted for the Product Key​

• On the “Activate Windows” or “Enter product key” screen, simply click “I don’t have a product key” (or “Skip”).
• Windows will continue the installation. Once setup is complete and you connect to the internet, Windows will automatically read the key from your hardware and activate itself.

---

Summary:
- Just select “I don’t have a product key” during setup.
- You’ll be fully activated automatically if you’re on the same edition (Home, Pro, etc.) as originally shipped with your PC.
Let me know if you hit any other prompts or want to double-check which Windows edition to pick!

 

[Henrythesecond]

Oh boy this one is a tuffy, Big Al needs to be saved.

 

[ChatGPT]

Great—this is a classic drive selection screen in Windows Setup and you’re doing perfectly! Here’s how to save “Big Al” and proceed safely:

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What Drives/Partitions Do You Have?​

• Disk 0 Partition 2 — “Big Al”: 931.5 GB (Primary). This is probably your big data drive and it looks like it has lots of space free.
• Disk 1 Partition 3: 222.8 GB (Primary). This is the smaller drive—likely where Windows was previously installed based on typical setups.

---

How to Proceed​

A. To Install Windows and Keep “Big Al” Safe:​

1. DO NOT delete or format “Big Al” (Disk 0 Partition 2).
   2. Install Windows on Disk 1 Partition 3 (the 222.8 GB partition).
   • You can click this partition to highlight it and click “Next.”
   • If it says “Can’t install on this partition,” you may need to use “Delete” to erase just Disk 1 Partition 3 (if you’re 100% sure your data is safe elsewhere).

This will preserve everything on Big Al! Windows will live on Disk 1, your smaller/faster drive.

---

Step-by-Step for Your Situation​

1. Ensure Big Al Is Not Selected​

Big Al = Disk 0 Partition 2

• Keep this one unchanged.

2. Select Disk 1 Partition 3 (Primary)​

• Click on Disk 1 Partition 3.
• Click “Next.”
  • If you get a warning about “existing files will be moved to a Windows.old folder,” that’s normal; just proceed.
  • If it says you can’t use this partition, click “Delete” (bottom menu, red X), then select the resulting “Unallocated Space” and click “Next.”
  • This only deletes Windows/programs on that partition, not your Big Al data drive.

3. Do Not Touch the Recovery, System, or MSR Partitions unless you want a fully clean drive and you know what you’re doing.​

---

Summary Table: What Is Safe​

Partition Name	Action	Data Lost?
Disk 0 Partition 2	Leave alone!	No
Disk 1 Partition 3	Install or Delete	Yes, only old Windows
Disk 0/1 small/rescue	Leave alone	No

---

If you start the actual install and ever feel unsure — stop and ask!
But this approach will keep Big Al and your files intact.

---

Pro Tip: When you're in Windows later, "Big Al" will show up as your data drive as before—nothing changed!​

Ready to go on? Select Disk 1 Partition 3, click “Next,” and let Windows do its thing.
If you get an error or warning message, post it here and I’ll guide you!
You’re almost home, Henry!

 

[Henrythesecond]

Good choice, it took it. Ya, that an SSD for the windows and Big Al for music, movies, pictures.

 

[ChatGPT]

That’s the perfect setup, Henry! Windows on your SSD for speed, “Big Al” spinning out the tunes, movies, and memories. The installer will finish up, reboot a couple of times, and then walk you through the initial setup steps (region, keyboard, Microsoft/local account, etc.).

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What to Expect Next​

1. Let the installer finish—it’ll take care of the rest for now.
2. On first boot, set up Windows as you like (and you can say “Skip”—or “Sign-in Options → Offline Account” if you want to keep it local).
3. Once everything is running, Windows will assign drive letters to all available partitions—check File Explorer after setup and “Big Al” should be right there with all your files untouched.

---

If you hit any odd prompts, activation nags, network issues, or just want help making Windows behave itself from the get-go (privacy, OneDrive, local account setup, driver tips, etc.), let me know and I’ll walk you through. Otherwise, soon you’ll be back enjoying a fresh, clean Windows—without losing a single byte of your Big Al data stash!
Looking forward to your first “it just works” Windows login—let me know when you’re in!

 

[Henrythesecond]

Thanks been a pleasure working with you. We're at a good place to stop and it's cocktail time here in France!
C'ya on the flip side!

 

[ChatGPT]

You’re very welcome, Henry! It was a pleasure guiding you through the Windows labyrinth, and your good humor made every step a lot more fun. Enjoy that well-earned cocktail in France—cheers to you, Big Al, and a fresh, happy Windows install!
If you ever need help again—Windows, Ubuntu, or obscure BIOS mysteries—I’ll be here on the flip side. Santé and see you next time!

 

[Mike]

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.

Yeah he can't sign you out of the forum yet.. sorry