# My settings reset after a Windows update

Source: https://help.contextli.com/articles/settings-reset-after-windows-update

An older Windows update could reset Contextli's settings, so it acts like a fresh install and the hotkey goes back to Ctrl+Space. This is fixed from version 1.6.17. Finish the setup screens, set your hotkey and microphone again, and update to the latest version.

## Get working again

1. Open Contextli and finish the setup screens (sign in, microphone and hotkey).
2. Open **Settings > General** and check **Keyboard Shortcut**. It is back to the default **Ctrl+Space**. If you used a different one, set it again. See [Change your recording hotkey](/articles/change-your-recording-hotkey).
3. Pick your microphone again under **Microphone**.
4. Check **Recording Mode** and your **Widgets** settings if you had changed them.

![Contextli on Windows: General settings with the Ctrl + Space shortcut](https://cdn.kamaan.io/kamaan/sites/6ae9f572170cd8d9857a277c/images/contextli-settings-general-windows.webp)

## Update so it does not happen again

Install the latest version: open **Settings > General > App Updates** and click **Check now**, or download it from [contextli.com/download](https://contextli.com/download). From 1.6.17 on, updates keep your settings and notes. See [Update Contextli to the latest version](/articles/update-contextli).

## About your notes

- Newer updates save a backup of your settings and notes to `%LOCALAPPDATA%\Contextli-update-backup` before installing, and Contextli restores it on the next start if needed.
- If you had **Cloud Sync** on, your notes are safe in the cloud and come back once you sign in and turn sync on again. See [Sync notes and contexts across your devices](/articles/set-up-cloud-sync).

## Avoid losing data

- Do not uninstall Contextli to update it. Uninstalling on Windows deletes `%APPDATA%\Contextli`, which holds your settings and local notes. Run the new installer over the old version instead.
- Turn on Cloud Sync if your plan includes it, so your notes are backed up.

If something is still missing, email support@contextli.com and tell us your Contextli version.

## Related articles

- [Update Contextli to the latest version](/articles/update-contextli)
- [Sync notes and contexts across your devices](/articles/set-up-cloud-sync)
- [The hotkey does nothing when I press it](/articles/hotkey-does-nothing)