Search results for

All search results
Best daily deals

Affiliate links on Android Authority may earn us a commission. Learn more.

How to factory reset your Windows 11 without reinstalling

No need to download ISOs, create bootable USB drives, or even lose your files.
By

Published onFebruary 18, 2022

Upgrading to a new Windows version is not always the smoothest transition. So if you’re facing any issues with Windows 11 and want to factory reset it, the solution may be simpler than you think. You don’t need a reinstall to reset Windows 11, and you can even keep your files if you choose. Let us take you through all the ways to reset your Windows 11.

Read more: The complete guide to install Windows 11

QUICK ANSWER 

To reset Windows, you can head over to Windows settings -> System -> Recovery, and click the Reset PC button under Recovery options. Pick your preferred options in the setup that follows to reset your Windows 11.


JUMP TO KEY SECTIONS

How to reset your Windows 11

Open Windows Settings. Make sure System is selected in the left navigation pane. If it isn’t, click System.

Windows 11 settings recovery
Palash Volvoikar / Android Authority

In the System settings pane on the right, click Recovery. Locate the Reset this PC option under the Recovery options section. Click the Reset PC button located to the right.

Windows 11 recovery reset pc
Palash Volvoikar / Android Authority

A new window will pop up. Click Remove everything to proceed.

Windows 11 reset this pc dialog
Palash Volvoikar / Android Authority

In the next step, the window will ask How would you like to reinstall Windows? Click Local reinstall.

Windows 11 reset this pc how to reinstall dialog
Palash Volvoikar / Android Authority

You will get a confirmation screen labeled Additional settings with your preferences listed. Click Next.

Windows 11 reset this pc additional settings dialog
Palash Volvoikar / Android Authority

On the screen that reads Ready to reset this PC, click Reset to confirm.

Windows 11 ready to reset this pc dialog
Palash Volvoikar / Android Authority

After some time, the system will reset itself and restart with the Windows 11 setup process.

Read more: Read more: How to uninstall apps on Windows 11

Reset without deleting your files

Open Windows Settings. Select System in the left navigation pane, then Recovery in the right pane.

Windows 11 settings recovery
Palash Volvoikar / Android Authority

Under Recovery options, there will be a Reset this PC option. Click the Reset PC button on the right.

Windows 11 recovery reset pc
Palash Volvoikar / Android Authority

In the new window that pops up, click Keep my files to proceed.

Windows 11 reset this pc dialog
Palash Volvoikar / Android Authority

The following window will be labeled How would you like to reinstall Windows? Click Local reinstall.

Windows 11 reset this pc how to reinstall dialog
Palash Volvoikar / Android Authority

On the Additional settings screen, click Next.

Windows 11 reset pc with files additional settings dialog
Palash Volvoikar / Android Authority

The final screen will say Ready to reset this PC. Click Reset to confirm.

Windows 11 ready to reset with files dialog
Palash Volvoikar / Android Authority

The system will restart with the Windows 11 setup process.

Read more: How to uninstall apps on Windows 11

How to factory reset Windows 11 to a fresh install status

If you want to reset the PC to a completely fresh install status, you can download the files new from Microsoft.

Open Windows Settings–>System. Click Recovery in the right pane under System settings.

Windows 11 settings recovery
Palash Volvoikar / Android Authority

Click the Reset PC button in the Reset this PC section under Recovery options.

Windows 11 recovery reset pc
Palash Volvoikar / Android Authority

A new window will pop up. Click the Remove everything option.

Windows 11 reset this pc dialog
Palash Volvoikar / Android Authority

In the next step, the window will ask How would you like to reinstall Windows? Click Cloud download.

Windows 11 reset this pc how to reinstall dialog
Palash Volvoikar / Android Authority

You will get a confirmation screen labeled Additional settings with your preferences listed. Click Next.

Windows 11 reset this pc additional settings cloud dialog
Palash Volvoikar / Android Authority

On the final screen labeled Ready to reset this PC, click Reset.

Windows 11 ready to reset cloud dialog
Palash Volvoikar / Android Authority

The system will reset itself after some time. Follow the Windows 11 setup process that shows up after the restart.


Read more: How to install Windows 11 on unsupported hardware

FAQs

Does resetting Windows reset the registry?

Yes, resetting Windows also resets the registry to default.

Do I need to reinstall drivers after resetting Windows 11?

Windows has many drivers built-in, and automatically downloads and installs most drivers if it doesn’t have them. However, you may need to download some drivers, especially if you do a fresh install.

Do I need the Windows key to reset Windows 11?

You don’t need the Windows key to reset Windows 11. Windows remembers the activation status of the device.

You might like