Guides / Host Refresh Wizard

Host Refresh Wizard

Update a lite Windows install or restore removed components without a full reinstall.

The Host Refresh wizard lives on the Start page toolbar under Tools. Use it to update a lite Windows install each month without losing applications and settings, or to restore components you removed earlier.

Host Refresh Wizard

Installing updates on a lite installation can fail due to missing update dependencies. Host Refresh re-applies the full image on top of the live install, bringing back any stripped components and carrying your files and settings forward.

Return components: because the refresh lays down a full image over the live install, any components you removed in the original preset come back. This is the easiest way to un-do component removal without a clean reinstall.

How to Use

  1. Start the Host Refresh wizard from Tools
  2. Select the full Windows 10/11 image (download from Microsoft if needed)
  3. Extract the ISO to a folder and select it with Add, or drop it to the Source page before starting
  4. Previous preset is optional - keep "Prompt for adjustments" enabled to change the image before applying
  5. Press OK

What Happens Next

After pressing OK, it looks like you loaded the image normally with all options presented. However, in the background the tool has:

  • Protected needed components for the refresh
  • Disabled the Unattended page (not necessary)
  • Prepared to start setup.exe after you're done with changes

This is the time to add cumulative updates, load other presets, or make any changes you'd like.

One-Click Refresh

If you have your preset ready, select it on the wizard page and disable "Prompt for adjustment". A single click gets you all the way through.

Starting the Refresh

When ready, go to the Apply page and press Continue. Processing takes some time, then the refresh starts.

Note: Sometimes Windows refresh takes a while to start and appears to sit doing nothing. It will continue after some time.

Manual Method (Without the Wizard)

The wizard automates what is otherwise a manual in-place upgrade. If you prefer to run it yourself, or need to script it, the same result can be achieved by driving Windows setup directly. This works on Windows 10 and 11.

Prepare the ISO

You have two options:

  • Load your previous preset to remove components and add new updates (recommended)
  • Use a full ISO, install it, update via Windows Update, then load your preset Live (C:\Windows)

Procedure

  1. If removing components and integrating updates, enable the "Manual Setup" compatibility option in Components (protects the setup.exe needed on the ISO)
  2. Do not use Unattended mode. Leave it at Default and delete autounattend.xml from the ISO root
  3. Start setup from your currently installed Windows (do not boot from the ISO) by running the ISO's setup.exe from File Explorer
  4. When asked about downloading updates, choose "Not right now" (unless using a full ISO with no updates integrated)
  5. Accept the license
  6. Important: When asked, choose to keep files. Do not proceed unless you see and enable "Keep personal files and apps"
  7. Proceed with install

Post-Upgrade Notes

  • Static IP addresses might be reset. Reconfigure them in adapter properties
  • For complex network issues after the upgrade, try resetting the stack: netcfg -d (removes network components so Windows re-enumerates them on reboot)

Rinse and repeat for future cumulative updates.

Troubleshooting

If you encounter errors after the refresh has started, check Microsoft's documentation on resolving Windows upgrade errors for known issues and solutions.

ISO Support & Image EditsDownload Windows Updates