[Fix] Can’t Repair install Windows 10 20H2
The newest version of Windows 10, called Windows 10 20H2 or the Windows 10 October 2020 update was released some weeks ago. Initially available to a small set of users, the response so far has been good and there are no major problems reported with the same, except for a couple of those. This is likely because Windows 10 version 2004 and Windows 10 20H2 share the same codebase. The difference is the enablement package. This article discusses a known issue – one cannot do a repair install on Windows 10 20H2.
How to fix Repair install not working on Windows 10 20H2
When a user tries to Reinstalls Windows 10 20H2 using the ISO file keeping all the files and applications, better known as repair install, Setup would show Keep apps, files and Settings greyed out. At the bottom, the message would show the following:
Your files, apps and Settings can’t be kept because your current version of Windows might be installed in an unsupported directory or you are trying to install an older version of Windows.
Initially, on hitting the issue, I thought this is because the 20H2 version is Build 19042, while the Setup states version 19041. Later on, my MVP colleague shared with me a solution, which likely indicates there is a bug with Windows 10 20H2. The solution is as follows:
- In the search, type Regedit and press Enter. Press yes if prompted.
- Go to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\EditionVersion key.
- Take ownership of the Editionversion Registry key. This is a slightly complicated process – entering the username in the Object types should replace the owner.
- On the right side, you need to change a couple of values, given below. Right-click the value and choose change.
- “EditionBuildNumber”=dword:00004a62 ==> Change this key to the 4a61 instead of 4a62.
- “EditionBuildQfe”=dword:0000023c ==> Change the value of 23c to 1fc
The final values should look like the following. 19041.508 is the Build number.
Restart your PC and run the Media Creation tool again.
Important: The fix is only applicable to Windows 10 version 20H2 Build 19042. Doing this on other releases may lead to PC in an unbootable state.
Conclusion
While it is pretty sure it is a bug, Microsoft is expected to fix this soon. If you are hitting the issue, consider upvoting the Feedback items here and here and add your comments.
Credits here (mydigitallife.net)