On Windows 11, if you have had the same setup for a long time or you're experiencing issues like slow performance, battery drain, system crashes, or stubborn malware, the "Reset this PC" feature offers a quick way to fix most problems. This recovery feature allows you to reinstall Windows 11 using a clean system image, either by keeping your files or removing everything to start fresh.
You can choose to restore the system to its factory settings while retaining your personal files and settings, or wipe everything to resolve persistent issues. The feature also gives you the flexibility to use a clean operating system image instead of a manufacturer’s recovery image, helping you avoid preinstalled bloatware and custom configurations.
In this how-to guide, I will walk you through three methods to reset Windows 11 to its factory settings, keeping your files or erasing everything.
How to factory reset Windows 11 preserving files
To reset a Windows 11 laptop or desktop to its factory default settings without losing your files, use these steps:
- Open Settings.
- Click on System.
- Click the Recovery page on the right side.
- Click the Reset PC button for the "Reset this PC" feature under the "Recovery options" section.
- Click the "Keep my files" option.
- Select the reset method:
- Cloud download: Gets a fresh copy of the installation files from the Microsoft servers and reinstalls Windows 11. However, this option won't restore the tools, apps, custom drivers, and configuration that may have come with the original image provided by the manufacturer.
- Local reinstall: Uses the files locally available to reset the computer. This process will restore the factory drivers, settings, and tools if this is a branded device (such as Dell, ASUS, Lenovo, etc.).
- Review the apps to reinstall after the reset to factory settings.
- Click the Next button.
- Click the Reset button.
Once you complete the steps, the laptop or desktop computer will reset to the factory settings, preserving your files.
After factory reset
After the reset, it's a good idea to check for updates to ensure the setup does not miss any security patches or drivers. Also, you may need to reinstall any of your previous applications as necessary.
Check for updates
To install updates for Windows 11, use these steps:
- Open Settings.
- Click on Windows Update.
- Click the "Check for updates" button.
Once you complete the steps, Windows Update will download the latest patches and driver updates (if available).
Check for missing drivers
To check for missing drivers after completing the reset of Windows 11, use these steps:
- Open Start.
- Search for Device Manager and click the top result to open the app.
- Confirm that there's no branch called "Other devices," which usually lists devices without drivers.
If you have one or more devices missing, check the computer manufacturer's support website to download and install the latest drivers available.
The last thing left to do is reinstall any previously installed app on your computer (if applicable).
How to factory reset Windows 11 using remove everything option
To use the reset feature removing everything on a computer that you use for working at home or gaming, use these steps:
- Open Settings.
- Click on System.
- Click the Recovery page on the right side.
- Click the Reset PC button for the "Reset this PC" feature under the "Recovery options" section.
- Click the Remove everything option.
- Select the Cloud download or Local reinstall, depending on how you want to reset the system.
- (Optional) Click the Change settings option.
- Turn on the "Data erasure toggle" switch.
- Quick note: Only use this option to prepare the computer to get rid of it. Otherwise, the default reset settings are recommended if you are trying to refresh the installation.
- Turn on the Data drives toggle switch to erase the Windows 11 installation drive and any other storage drive connected to your computer (if applicable).
- Click the Confirm button.
- Review the apps to reinstall after the reset to factory settings.
- Click the Next button.
- Click the Reset button.
After you complete the steps, the process will erase the drives, depending on your configuration, and install a clean copy of the operating system.
After factory reset
If you plan to sell or get rid of the computer, you don't need to do anything else. However, if you plan to start over with the computer, there are some extra steps, including checking for updates and missing drivers, and reinstalling your apps and restoring your files from backup.
Checking for updates
To install updates for Windows 11, use these steps:
- Open Settings.
- Click on Windows Update.
- Click the "Check for updates" button.
Once you complete the steps, Windows Update will download and install any missing updates and drivers (if available).
Check for missing drivers
To check for missing drivers after the "Reset this PC," use these steps:
- Open Start.
- Search for Device Manager and click the top result to open the app.
- Confirm that there's no branch called "Other devices," which usually lists devices without drivers.
If you have components without drivers, check the computer manufacturer support website to download and install the latest drivers available.
Restore files from backup
If you have a backup of your files, now is the time to restore them. The recovery process will be different depending on the file backup method.
For instance, if you use OneDrive, the files may already be syncing on your device. However, if not, you may need to reconfigure the app one more time.
If you backed up your files manually to an external drive, connect the portable drive and use these steps:
- Open File Explorer.
- Click on This PC from the left pane.
- Double-click the storage with the file backup under the "Devices and drives" section.
- Select the files and folders.
- Click the Copy button.
- Open the destination folder.
- Click the Paste button from the command bar.
Once you complete the steps, you may need to repeat the steps to restore additional files. If you are missing one or more apps, now is the time to install them.
More resources
For more helpful articles, coverage, and answers to common questions about Windows 10 and Windows 11, visit the following resources:
