how to reinstall ubuntu without losing data?

What you will read?

1 Step 1: Backup Just in Case
2 Step 2: Create a Live USB
3 Step 3: Boot Into Live USB and Start Installation
4 Step 4: Select Your Root Partition
5 Step 5: Continue Installation
6 Step 6: Post-Install Tweaks

To reinstall Ubuntu without wiping your personal files, the trick is choosing the right options during installation. Here’s exactly how to do it step by step.

Step 1: Backup Just in Case

Even though this method won’t erase your data, things can go wrong. Connect an external drive and back up your /home directory and any important config files like .bashrc, .ssh/, or .config/.

rsync -a --progress /home/yourusername/ /media/yourdrive/home-backup/

Or simply copy everything manually if you’re more comfortable with a file manager.

Step 2: Create a Live USB

Download the latest Ubuntu ISO from the official site and flash it using:

sudo dd if=ubuntu-24.04-desktop-amd64.iso of=/dev/sdX bs=4M status=progress

Replace /dev/sdX with your actual USB device. You can find it with:

Step 3: Boot Into Live USB and Start Installation

Insert the USB, boot into it, and choose “Try Ubuntu”.

Then double-click Install Ubuntu.

When you reach the “Installation type” screen, this is where the magic happens.

Choose:
“Something else”

You’ll see a list of your current partitions.

Step 4: Select Your Root Partition

Look for your existing Ubuntu root partition. It’s usually ext4 and mounted at /.

Select it, then click Change.

Keep the Mount Point as /
DO NOT format the partition — make sure the checkbox “Format” is unchecked
Click OK

Next, select your existing EFI partition (if applicable) and set its mount point to /boot/efi. Again, do not format it.

Set the swap partition if you have one.

Step 5: Continue Installation

Pick your timezone, keyboard layout, and username.

Ubuntu will detect that there’s already a system and will install a fresh OS without deleting your personal files.

Your /home folder will stay intact.

Step 6: Post-Install Tweaks

Once you reboot, your data should be untouched — but apps and custom settings might be gone.

You can restore config files like this:

cp /media/yourdrive/home-backup/.bashrc ~/
cp -r /media/yourdrive/home-backup/.config/* ~/.config/

If you had snaps or flatpaks installed, reinstall them manually:

sudo snap install your-app
flatpak install flathub your-app

Also don’t forget:

sudo apt update && sudo apt install [your-packages]

That’s it. You’ve reinstalled Ubuntu without losing your files.