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
- Start the Host Refresh wizard from Tools
- Select the full Windows 10/11 image (download from Microsoft if needed)
- The wizard lists ISO images alongside extracted folders - pick an ISO and it is extracted for you, or select an already extracted folder with Add
- Previous preset is optional - keep "Prompt for adjustments" enabled to change the image before applying
- 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.
Driving the Refresh Yourself
The wizard sets all of this up for you, and is the supported path. If you need to script the refresh instead, build the media in NTLite as usual - previous preset loaded, updates integrated - and note the three settings the wizard would otherwise handle:
- Enable the "Manual Setup" compatibility option in Components, which protects the
setup.exethe refresh runs from - Leave Unattended at Default and delete
autounattend.xmlfrom the ISO root - an answer file turns the refresh into a clean install - Run the ISO's
setup.exefrom File Explorer on the installed Windows, never booted from the ISO, and select "Keep personal files and apps" when offered
If that option is missing: stop rather than continue. Setup only offers to keep files and apps when the media matches the installed edition, language and architecture - proceeding without it wipes the 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.