Microsoft will be adding a new featture towards Windows Defender called Refresh on Demand. The function will allow you tor ecover from a slow or crashing setup by reinstalling the base Windows and removing apps in order to retain OS functionality.

Microsoft received reports of crashing or slow computers using Windows 10 and decided to add a brute force fix the problem.

Windows Defender obviously is the default antivirus application of Windows 10. Refresh on Demand is already added into the Windows 10 Insider build. Once you make use of the function only your personal files and the more important Windows settings are kept as they are. APps like Microsoft Office etc including preinstalled by the computer manufacturer, would be removed.

Microsoft will warn users about the they have to install these apps again after ‘Refresh on Demand’ has finished. The software giant also recommends users to check whether they have the required reinstallation media, product keys, licenses and login information. The ‘Refresh on Demand’ feature can be enabled in the new Windows Defender by clicking on the Device performance & health icon and then clicking Refresh Windows. A wizard will then start.

For the users who have already installed the new build 15002, you can find Refresh Windows in Windows Defender > Device performance & health > Refresh Windows.

If you operate one of the existing stable builds for Windows 10, you can find an almost identical feature in Settings app > Update & security > Recovery > Reset this PC > Keep my files.

• Using this option will remove all apps that do not come standard with Windows, including other Microsoft apps such as Office. It will also remove Windows Desktop apps installed by your PC’s manufacturer such as your manufacturer’s apps, pre-installed third-party anti-virus software, and support apps. You will not be able to recover removed apps and will need to manually reinstall them later if you want to keep using them
• Before proceeding, please confirm that you have access to all the reinstallation media (such as CDs), product keys, license or login information, or other materials needed to re-install and re-activate the apps you want to keep using.
• You may lose your digital licenses, digital content associated with applications, or other digital entitlements for applications which may impact your ability to use apps you paid for or app-related content you paid for.

Microsoft has a help page on the new function here.

Microsoft to add Refresh on Demand to Windows Defender