Alternatively called reload, to reinstall is to replace currently-installed software with a newer version. This step is commonly performed when a program has worked in the past, but now is experiencing issues that cannot be resolved.

How to reinstall

To reinstall a program or operating system, install the program the same way you did in the past. If prompted about the program or directory already existing choose continue to overwrite.

If a reinstall does not work, it is we suggest you uninstall the program, and then install the program again. If you are ever concerned about losing your data, back it up before uninstalling or reinstalling a program.

Should I use reinstall or re-install in my writing?

Both versions of the word are correct. Some style guides may choose to use “re-install” with the hyphen and others choose to use no hyphen. However, once you’ve decided the version you want to use it’s important that you use the same version in all your writing. Computer Hope has chosen to use “reinstall” with no hyphen in all its writing.

Clean install, FNR, Install, Operating system terms, OSRI, Uninstall

  • How to install software.
  • How to uninstall software in Windows.
  • How to erase my hard drive and start over?