Solved Need guidance on an In-Place Upgrade to repair missing components on 25H2 Build 26200.8457

Hi, I'm new here and looking for some advice. My Win11 Dell AIO recently started behaving poorly and I first noticed it couldn't find any wi-fi networks. Using an ethernet connection I asked CoPilot for help and it identified that a number of core components were missing from my system (including no calculator, screen grabber etc..). CoPilot suggested I ask this forum the following....

My system is experiencing major core component loss (FaceDriver, Windows Hello, Location services, and Network List Service are completely gone). I am currently on 25H2 Build 26200.8457. Copilot recommended an in-place repair install using an ISO. Since the May 2026 update is live, can I use the standard Media Creation Tool to do this repair while keeping my files and apps? Can someone please help guide me through this or any other route to restore full Windows services whilst keeping all my settings and files (I don't want to do a clean install)?

Thanks

Yes you can use Windows 11 media creation tool to perform in-place upgrade.

You can also perform in-place upgrade of Windows 11. In-place upgrade is to use to replace the current operating system files on your computer. Unlike a clean installation of Windows, you can start a Windows in-place upgrade when your OS is still running. And an in-place upgrade can keep your files, settings, & apps during the upgrade process. You can perform a Windows 11 in-place upgrade is to use the Windows 11 Media Creation Tool. Make sure to select Upgrade this PC now and click Next. Follow the on-screen guide to perform a Windows 11 in-place upgrade.

Thanks, and very speedy! I'll have a read through this and have a go at the in-place upgrade.

Glebeuser said:

Thanks, and very speedy! I'll have a read through this and have a go at the in-place upgrade.

Click to expand...

You are very welcome!

Make sure to install wireless card device driver.

OK, so I read through that and ran the "Fix problems using Windows update" and it now looks like I'm back to a fully working system again with wi-fi, facial rec, calculator, snipping tool and probably loads of other things I hadn't yet realised were missing. Thanks again for your help!

Great happy for you thanks for letting us know!