[How To] Refresh Windows 8.1

3. If prompted, select the Windows 8 that you want to refresh: 4. Finally click Refresh: After finishing you can log back to refreshed Windows 8, 8.1. If any ap

Kapil Arya
11x Microsoft MVP · Admin
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3. If prompted, select the Windows 8 that you want to refresh:

4. Finally click Refresh:

After finishing you can log back to refreshed Windows 8, 8.1.

If any apps were removed during the refresh, you will find a Removed Apps.html file on the desktop detailing what it removed and at what time.

You will also now have a Windows.old folder that has been placed in the root directory of the Windows 8 drive that contains a copy of the previous Windows 8 installation before it was refreshed. This folder can be quite large in size, so the tutorial below will show you how to delete it if you like:

[How To] Delete “Windows.old” Folder In Windows 8 Using Elevated Command Prompt

Read following articles if you can’t Refresh:

1. There was a problem refreshing your PC. No changes were made.

2. The drive where Windows is installed is locked. Unlock the drive and try again.

Hope you find the article useful, we’d like to help in your queries!

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Kapil Arya
11x Microsoft MVP · Admin

Kapil holds Microsoft MVP title in Windows IT Pro expertise, 11-times in a row (2014-2025). He is 8-times Windows Insider MVP as well, and author of 'Windows Group Policy Troubleshooting' book. In 2015, Microsoft India accomplished him as 'Windows 10 Champion'. Being passionate Windows blogger, he loves to help others on fixing their system issues. Kapil has worked with official Microsoft Community Engagement Team (CET) on several community projects. You can subscribe him for news/updates and fixes for Windows.