Windows 10 Cloud Download or Local Reinstall: What's the Difference?

When it comes to reinstalling your operating system, you may come across two options: Cloud download and local reinstall. Many users are left wondering what these options entail and whether they produce the same result. In this article, we'll delve into the differences between cloud download and local reinstall and explore how they can help you achieve a like-new Windows 10 or 11 system.

Both cloud download and local reinstall will replace your system files with fresh ones, effectively giving you a brand new installation of Windows. To access these options, head to Settings > System > Recovery > Reset PC on Windows 11 or Settings > Update & Security > Recovery > Reset this PC on Windows 10.

When you click Get started under Reset this PC, the installer will automatically detect whether you're running a 32-bit or 64-bit version of Microsoft 365 or Office 2019. It will then match your OneNote installation to the correct version. This ensures that your notes and data are preserved during the reinstall process.

To initiate the cloud download or local reinstall process, follow these steps:

1. Type 'Reset this PC' in the Windows search bar and select Open.

2. Click Get started under Reset this PC section.

3. Select the appropriate settings based on your request, then click Confirm.

4. When finished downloading, double-click the downloaded file to begin Setup.

The cloud download option involves downloading a fresh copy of Windows from Microsoft's servers and installing it on your device. This process can take some time depending on your internet speed and the size of the download. On the other hand, local reinstall involves reinstalling Windows from a physical installation media such as a USB drive or DVD.

It's worth noting that both options will erase all files, apps, and settings on your device, so be sure to back up any important data before proceeding.

In addition to cloud download and local reinstall, you may also encounter issues with the OneNote desktop app. As of March 2020, the OneNote desktop app is once again installed alongside the Word, PowerPoint, and Excel desktop apps in Office 2019 installations. However, if you previously installed Office 2019 on a PC running any edition of Windows 10, OneNote may be missing from the list of installed desktop applications.

To install or reinstall the OneNote desktop app on Windows (formerly called 'OneNote 2016'), follow these steps:

1. Go to Settings > Update & Security > Recovery > Reset this PC.

2. Click Get started under Reset this PC section.

3. Select the appropriate settings based on your request, then click Confirm.

4. When finished downloading, double-click the downloaded file to begin Setup.

In conclusion, cloud download and local reinstall are two effective ways to achieve a like-new Windows 10 or 11 system. Both options will replace your system files with fresh ones, ensuring that your device is running smoothly and efficiently. By understanding the differences between these two options, you can make an informed decision about which method best suits your needs.

Windows 10 cloud download or local reinstall