I think Windows Media Creation Tool damaged my Acer PC. I am using an Aspire TC-885

asqfee
asqfee Member Posts: 3 New User

I am using an Aspire TC-885 from 2018 that came installed with Windows 10.

I have done a couple of factory resets, and even upgraded to Windows 11 through Windows Update, and there have been no issues.

One day, I decided to downgrade to Windows 10 using Windows Media Creation Tool. I realize now that I should not have done that.

I didn't use a USB or disc, I just used the tool to install Windows 10.

I fear that using this, I removed the Acer factory installed Windows 10, and used the generic Windows install instead. I noticed that my Bluetooth driver was missing and I have been having performance issues in games. I decided to upgrade back to Windows 11, and this did not fix it. The default Acer apps were also missing, such as Acer Care Center, Acer Jumpstart, and Acer Collection.

After upgrading to Windows 11 from the non-acer Windows 10, the apps are still missing, and I am still having performance issues.

Is there any way I can return my PC to a state it was like fresh from the Acer factory, with all the pre-installed drivers and apps?

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/create-installation-media-for-windows-99a58364-8c02-206f-aa6f-40c3b507420d

I used Alt + F10 in the Acer splash screen during start up and reset my PC, but that did not bring back the drivers.

The image attached is what all my programs looked like before downgrading to Windows 10 from media creation tool. Usually those apps automatically install after a full reset or when I upgraded to Windows 11, but all of those apps are missing now and do not automatically install when I factory reset.

This is what my disk management menu looks like

[Edited the thread to add model number to the title]

Best Answer

  • billsey
    billsey ACE Posts: 33,745 Trailblazer
    Answer ✓

    The drivers don't need to be installed from the Acer support site, since Windows will do them for you using Windows Update and Acer doesn't have W11 versions. On the Acer support site you can use the Applications section to get Acer's apps like Care Center and Quick Access. To get the rest of the preinstalled apps you have to have the full recovery media, which might be available in the Acer store or by contacting Acer support. Note that there is a cost for the media, since it includes a new license for Windows. Also note that Acer doesn't support Windows 11 on your system, even though Microsoft does, so there might be some device that doesn't work right…

    Click on "Like" if you find my answer useful or click on "Yes" if it answers your question.

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