SOP of Refreshing Windows 8.1 for Asus Zenbook UX303L

  1. Before Windows Refresh, use SyncBack to back up files to Buffalo external HDD.
  2. Run Windows Refresh , USB thumb drive “Windows Recovery” is required in order to refresh.
  3. After Windows Refresh is completed, remove Metro Apps using PowerShell command (https://news.softpedia.com/news/How-to-Remove-All-Pre-Installed-Windows-8-Metro-Apps-328110.shtml) : 
    • Get-AppxPackage -AllUsers | Remove-AppxPackage
    • Get-AppXProvisionedPackage -online | Remove-AppxProvisionedPackage –online
  4. Run Windows Update to update all updates.
    • optional — install “KB 3138615” first if Windows Update stuck
  5. Reinstall drivers and anti-virus software:-
    • Windows Classic Shell;
    • Intel via Intel-Driver-Support-Assistant;
    • NVIDIA via GeForce Experience;
    • Asustek;
    • Webroot
  6. Optional:-
    • create a recovery media (Windows installer) using USB thumb drive;
    • create a password reset key using USB thumb drive;
    • create a back-up of Windows Activation Key.
  7. Run System Image to create a system image of newly refreshed Windows with drivers and anti-virus installed.
  8. Restore files using SyncBack from Buffalo external HDD to “Documents”
  9. Reinstall software as per “Remove Applications.html”