A Factory Reset, also known as the Reset this PC, is a built-in recovery feature in Windows 11 that allows you to reinstall the operating system, either by keeping your files or by removing everything. If your Windows 11 PC is running slow, crashing, or behaving oddly, and typical troubleshooting hasn’t helped, resetting Windows 11 can give it a fresh start. Whether you want to keep your personal files or wipe everything for a fresh start, here is how to factory reset Windows 11 without losing data.
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What Does a Factory Reset in Windows 11 Mean?
“Reset this PC” or “Reset Windows 11” means restoring your PC to its original or default state by reinstalling Windows. It’s a built-in recovery feature designed to fix serious problems, remove unwanted apps or malware, or simply give you a fresh start. It’s a useful tool when your system becomes slow, unstable, or infected with malware, or if you simply want to start over without manually reinstalling Windows.
This process is also called Reset This PC, and it’s useful when:
- Your system is running slow or crashing frequently.
- You’re experiencing malware or software corruption.
- You’re preparing to sell or give away your PC.
- System errors persist after updates or repairs.
Before You Begin: Backup Is Still Recommended:
Although the reset process offers a “Keep my files” option, it’s always a good idea to create a backup in case something goes wrong.
- Use OneDrive or an external drive to back up personal files.
- Consider creating a System Image Backup for full recovery if needed.
- Backup app settings and product keys for premium software.
Once you’ve secured your data, you’re ready to reset your Windows 11 system.
Reset Windows 11 via Settings (Reset this PC)
The easiest way to reset Windows 11 is through the Reset this PC feature in Settings. This method allows you to keep your files or remove everything.
- Click the Start button and select Settings (gear icon) or press Windows + I.
- Navigate to System > Recovery.
- Under Recovery options, find Reset this PC and click the Reset PC button.
You’ll now see a blue prompt with two main choices:
- Keep My files – This removes apps and settings but keeps your files like documents, photos, and music
- Remove everything – This deletes all your files, apps, and settings for a completely clean system.
Note: Choose “Keep my files” to retain your personal data.
Next, you’ll have to choose how Windows reinstalls the OS:
- Cloud download – Downloads a fresh copy of Windows 11 from Microsoft servers (requires internet for around 4 GB download).
- Local reinstall – Uses existing files on your system to reinstall Windows. (faster, no internet needed).
Note: Cloud download is recommended if your system is corrupted or unstable. Local reinstall is faster and doesn’t require the internet.
- Select between cloud download or local reinstall, then review what will be removed and click Next. And finally, click Reset to begin the process.
Your PC will restart and begin the reset. The process may take 20–60 minutes, depending on your system configuration.
What Happens During Reset?
- Windows 11 will remove all installed apps (except system apps).
- Personal files in folders like Documents, Pictures, and Desktop will remain intact.
- Settings will be restored to default.
- You’ll need to reinstall apps like Chrome, Office, or Adobe manually after the reset.
Use Recovery Environment (If Windows Doesn’t Boot)
If, for some reason, the operating system fails to start or encounters issues that prevent it from booting normally, you can reset Windows 11 from the recovery environment. It’s also applicable if you are looking for reset Windows 11 without password.
WinRE provides a range of tools to troubleshoot and fix problems, including resetting the computer to its factory default state.
- Boot your PC and force shut down 2–3 times to enter Windows Recovery (WinRE). Alternatively, use a Windows 11 bootable USB to access recovery options.
- Select Troubleshoot > Reset this PC.
- Choose Keep my files and follow the same steps (choose between keep my file or Remove everything, then Cloud download or Local reinstall) and follow on-screen instructions.
Reinstall using the Windows 11 update
Microsoft recently introduced a new feature to reinstall Windows 11 via Windows Update, preserving files, settings, and apps. You can get this option from settings -> System -> Recovery -> Fix problems using Windows Update -> Reinstall now. This will download and install a repair version of the last successful operating system update.
This process essentially refreshes the system files without wiping your data.
Things to do After resetting Windows 11
- Run Windows Update – Make sure your system is fully updated post-reset.
- Update Drivers – Use Device Manager or your device manufacturer’s support page.
- Enable File History or OneDrive – To automatically back up files going forward.
- Install Antivirus – Windows Defender is built-in, but you can install a third-party antivirus if needed.
- Reconfigure Settings – Set up power, display, and privacy settings to your preferences.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does “Keep my files” preserve everything?
Only personal files like those in the Documents, Downloads, and Pictures folders are preserved. All installed programs and most settings will be removed.
Will I lose my Microsoft Office or activation keys?
Office apps will be removed, but if they were linked to your Microsoft account, you can reinstall and reactivate easily. Keep a copy of activation keys just in case.
Can I undo the reset?
No. Once the reset is done, there’s no way to go back unless you created a system image backup beforehand.
Can I reset Windows 11 without a password?
Yes, use Advanced Startup from the login screen to reset without logging in.
How long does a Windows 11 reset take?
Typically 30–60 minutes, depending on your PC and reset method.
