Windows IoT Enterprise Recovery Options
Different methods of recovering a Windows IoT Enterprise operating system
Windows Recovery Environment
Overview
Our systems with Windows 11 and 10 IoT include a recovery option that restores the device to its original factory state using the Windows Component Store. This includes drivers vital to the functionality of the system.
This recovery option works well when windows can still start up or reach recovery mode, and needs system files repaired.
This recovery option won't work for cases when the OS is completely missing, since the process depends on the Windows Component Store files which are stored on the OS.
Launching Windows Recovery Environment
Below are several methods to enter the Windows Recovery Environment:
Follow official Microsoft documentation for accessing the Windows Recovery menu.
While inside the OS, press and hold the Shift key while you select Power > Restart.
In a Windows terminal window, type `shutdown /r /o /t 00` or `reagentc /boottore` .
If you are unable to access your OS, turn the system on and then force a shutdown by holding the power button as soon as you see the Windows logo or spinning dots. Repeating this process 2-3 times triggers the Automatic Repair feature and will boot into the Advanced Startup menu.
Step-By-Step Recovery
Follow these steps once inside the Windows Recovery Environment.
Choose the troubleshoot option.
Select "Reset this PC".
Select "Local reinstall". This is the option that uses the Windows Component Store files to restore the system.
Select either option based on your preference:
Keep my files: This option reinstalls the Windows operating system and all of the original drivers and software that were configured in our facility. It removes applications you have installed (like Microsoft Office, web browsers, etc.) and resets most settings, but it preserves your personal files, such as those on your Desktop and in your Documents, Downloads, and Pictures folders.
Remove everything: This option performs a complete factory reset. It erases all of your personal files, applications, and settings before reinstalling a fresh copy of the original system.
Select "Reset".
Reinstall the Operating System Using Rufus and a USB Drive
Windows 10 IoT can be reinstalled using a USB flash drive. This guide will walk you through creating the flash drive and performing the installation.
Prerequisites
An 16GB or larger flash drive (USB 3.0 model recommended for speed)
A PC running Windows 10
A copy of the OnLogic ISO file (contact tech support to obtain, only available to existing customers)
Rufus, downloadable from here.
An active internet connection to the system getting Windows 10 IoT reinstalled (needed for OS activation)
Create Flash Drive
Download the ISO file and Rufus tool, linked above.
Install Rufus to your local computer
Insert your flash drive and run Rufus
Click Select and choose the ISO file you just downloaded.
Most systems will use the “GPT” Partition Scheme. Some older units will need “MBR” for older (Legacy bootable) systems.
Click START
Click OK. This will erase your flash drive and turn it into an IoT installer.
Wait for Rufus to complete.
Safely eject the flash drive and unplug it from the PC.
Installing Windows
Connect your newly created flash drive to the OnLogic PC and boot to it.
Press F2 or Delete to access the BIOS. Under the Boot tab, make it the first boot device.
Exact boot instructions vary by model. If you need assistance, contact [email protected].
When the flash drive boots, you will be presented with this screen. Select Next.
Click Install now
Accept the license agreement and click Next
Choose the option for Custom installation
*** If installing Windows 11 IoT instead of Windows 10, this window will appear. Select “Windows 11 IoT Enterprise LTSC” to proceed***
Delete all partitions from the drive you will be installing Windows 10, typically Drive 0.\
Note: If you have multiple drives in your system, you only need to delete the partitions on the primary SSD (i.e. the one Windows is installed to). Typically this is Drive 0.
Double check that you are deleting the correct partitions and click OK.
With all partitions deleted, the Window should look like this. Click Next. New partitions will be created automatically.
Take a break while the installation proceeds
First Boot & Setup
Depending on the boot settings, the system may boot to the flash drive again. If that happens, click the X to reboot and immediately remove the flash drive.
Select “I don’t have a product key”. Windows will activate automatically using the embedded key, after the OS installation is complete.
You may log in with your Microsoft account if desired.
In many business use cases, that is not desired. You can create a normal account with the “Domain join instead” button.
Enter a username and click next. Set a password if desired.
Unless you signed in with a Microsoft account, click NO on this screen.
The options on the next screen primarily affect apps from the Microsoft Store. Disabling all options will minimize intrusions if those apps are not used. This can be changed later.
This loading screen will appear for a few minutes while the user settings are applied.
When completed, you will go straight to the Windows 10 desktop.
Your installation is complete!
If you are missing any drivers, start by running Windows Update. It tends to find most of them. Otherwise, use the search box at the top of this page to find the “Technical Resources” page for your model. It will have a link to the drivers.
Activating Windows
Windows will automatically activate when connected to the Internet. This normally happens after a few minutes in the background, but to force immediate activation, open CMD and type “slmgr /ato“
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