# reinstall

/ˌɹiɪnˈstɑɫ/ (US) · /ɹˌiːɪnstˈɔːl/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/reinstall
Updated: 2026-05-28

## Definition

to install a program or operating system again on a computer. You usually do this to fix problems or after you have uninstalled it.

For teachers: to install a software application or operating system again on a computing device. Often used in the context of troubleshooting or system recovery.

## Examples

- I need to reinstall the software because it stopped working.
- After the hard drive failed, the technician had to reinstall the entire operating system and all the necessary drivers.
- To resolve the persistent kernel panic, the administrator decided to reinstall the operating system from a clean image rather than attempting a patch-based recovery.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.