Cloud Download vs Local Reinstall: What's the Difference?

If you come across any issues with your Windows PC, then the most common solution to fix this issue that you will get suggested is to reset the Windows OS.

There are two ways to do that, i.e., Cloud download and Local reinstall. In this guide, we will share with you all the details between Cloud download vs Local reinstall. Let us check out the guide.

The differences: Cloud download vs Local reinstall

Let us first understand the differences between Cloud download vs Local reinstall and then go onto the details.

Cloud download

When you choose to install the Windows OS via Cloud download, you are basically downloading the files from the official Microsoft servers.

Cloud storage allows the user to securely save their files over the cloud and download them whenever needed. So, this could be handy when you are running out of space. All you need to have is an internet connection.

However, do note that when you do Cloud download, the size of the file that you are downloading may vary and can go up to several gigabytes.

Here, you need to ensure that your internet connection is strong, and you have a data pack supporting the file size that you are downloading.

Moreover, when we talk about installing Windows OS, Cloud download can be a good option in case the PC system files go corrupt, and you have to freshly install them from the cloud.

Local reinstall

When you choose the Local reinstall option, you are essentially using the local files stored in your PC for the purpose.

In the case of Windows reset, you are using the files stored on your PC for the reset process. Windows has to make a bit more work when you select Local reinstall.

Notably, the Windows OS will have to locate the files from the PC and then reassemble them to install a fresh Windows system.

According to Microsoft’s official, the Local reinstall process will take more than 45 minutes to build a new copy of Windows from the existing installation.

This method comes in handy when you are running on a limited data plan or where internet connectivity is unavailable. Moreover, it will keep the latest Windows update that you have installed preserved even after the reset.

Where do I get the Cloud download and Local reinstall options?

1. Press the Win + I keys to open the Settings menu.
2. Click on the Windows Update on the left pane.
3. Select Advanced options on the right.
4. Click on Recovery.
5. Select the Reset PC option.
6. Choose between the Keep my files and Remove everything options.
7. On the next page, you will see the Cloud download and Local reinstall options.

Do note that the options of Cloud download and Local reinstall are only available on Windows 10 20H1 and later versions. You won’t find them in previous versions.

Read more about this topic

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Pros and Cons: Cloud download vs Local reinstall

Let us now understand the pros and cons of Cloud download vs Local reinstall in some points to give you some better clarity on which option to choose between the two.

Cloud download

Pros

• Cloud download saves you space on your PC as you don’t have to store the necessary files on your computer. The space can be used for other important things.
• You can access the files stored in cloud storage whenever you need them and from wherever you are. All you need to have is a strong internet connection.
• You do not need to worry about losing important files from your PC. In case, the files are lost or accidentally deleted from your PC, they are always available in the cloud storage for you to re-download them.

Cons

• If the files stored in the cloud storage are of huge size, then you need to have a strong internet connection to download them without interruptions.
• You should have an internet plan that suits you to use the cloud download as the files could be in multiple gigabytes.
• Some people do not understand the process of cloud download. So, it could be a hindrance.

Local reinstall

Pros

• Local reinstall uses the files stored on your PC, rearranges them, and allows you to perform the Windows reset process.
• All of your customizations and other personal settings are stored within the local files so that when you reset your PC, all of the personal features are restored.
• You do not need to rely on having an internet connection to perform the reset.

Cons

• Local files take up the storage space on your PC. So, you might have to make use of external hard drives to store other files.
• If you don’t have a backup of the data, then you could lose the files.
• If there are any issues with the stored local files, then the entire reinstallation process can break and could be difficult to fix.

Which one to choose? Cloud download vs Local reinstall

For a typical PC, going ahead with either Cloud download or Local reinstall will work. However, there are certain situations where you might have to specifically choose from each other.

• If you have access to a strong internet connection, then the cloud download option could come in handy.
• In case of a slow connection or limited data availability, you can go for the Local reinstall option.
• Many a time, the Local reinstall option could fail as chances are some files are corrupt or missing. In this case, you have to go for the Cloud download.
• Also, for Local reinstall to work, you should make sure that you have a backup created on your PC. As this will help you get back the local files. We have a guide that explains how you can create a backup of the system image files on your PC.

So, basically, the choice between Cloud download vs Local reinstall totally depends on you. Whichever scenario suits you better, you can go for that option.

Moreover, if the Local reinstall doesn’t work, then you should not worry, as your system won’t continue the installation with corrupt system files. If the reset process is completed, then there were no issues with the files.

That is it from us in this guide. You should check out our guide that explains 2 easy steps to reinstall Windows 11 on your PC.

To safeguard your PC, you should always keep at least Windows Security enabled on it. We have a guide that explains how you can reinstall Windows Security, in case you come across an issue with it.

Feel free to drop a comment below and let us know if you learnt something about Cloud download vs Local reinstall in this guide.