Quick Answer
- Go to Settings > System > Recovery and click Reset PC.
- Choose Keep my files (removes apps and settings) or Remove everything (wipes the PC).
- Choose Cloud download (fresh copy from Microsoft) or Local reinstall (uses files on your PC).
- Back up your data first and plug in your laptop charger. The reset can take 30 minutes to a few hours.
- If Windows will not start, hold Shift while clicking Restart to reach the reset option.
When should you factory reset Windows 11?
A reset is a good fix when:
- Your PC is very slow and normal cleanup did not help.
- Windows has repeated errors or crashes after a bad update. See Windows 11 update issues.
- Malware or unwanted software keeps coming back.
- You are selling or giving away the PC.
Try simple fixes first, such as restarting and clearing space. A reset removes your apps and settings, so it is a last step, not the first.
Before you reset: do these 5 things
- Back up your files. Copy documents, photos, and downloads to an external drive or cloud storage. Do this even if you plan to choose “Keep my files”.
- Note your apps and licenses. Apps will be removed, so save product keys and logins.
- Check your Microsoft account. Make sure you know your account email and password.
- Find your BitLocker or device encryption key, if your PC uses it. You may need it during or after the reset.
- Plug in the charger on a laptop. A reset that loses power can cause problems.
How to factory reset Windows 11 from Settings
- Press Windows + I to open Settings.
- Click System.
- Scroll down and click Recovery.
- Next to Reset this PC, click Reset PC.
- Choose one option:
- Keep my files: removes apps and settings but keeps your personal files.
- Remove everything: removes apps, settings, and files.
- Choose how to reinstall Windows:
- Cloud download: downloads a fresh copy of Windows from Microsoft. It needs internet and uses data, but it is cleaner.
- Local reinstall: rebuilds Windows from files already on your PC. It does not need internet.
- Review the summary and click Next, then Reset.
- Wait. The PC will restart several times. Do not turn it off.
Keep my files vs Remove everything
| Option | Personal files | Apps and settings | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Keep my files | Kept | Removed | Fixing a slow or buggy PC |
| Remove everything | Removed | Removed | Selling, gifting, or a full clean start |
If you choose Remove everything, you may also see a setting called Clean data. Turning it on takes longer but makes your old files much harder to recover. Use it when you plan to give the PC to someone else.
Cloud download vs Local reinstall
| Option | Needs internet | Speed | Good when |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cloud download | Yes | Depends on your connection | Local files may be damaged |
| Local reinstall | No | Usually faster | Your system files are healthy |
If one fails, try the other.
How to reset Windows 11 if it will not boot
If Windows does not start normally:
- Turn the PC on. When Windows tries to load, press and hold the power button to shut it off. Repeat this two or three times.
- Windows should open the Recovery screen.
- Click See advanced repair options.
- Click Troubleshoot, then Reset this PC.
- Follow the same options as above.
If you can still reach the sign-in screen, hold Shift, click the Power button, and choose Restart. This also opens the recovery menu.
What happens after the reset?
- Windows will ask you to set up your region, network, and account again.
- You will need to reinstall your apps.
- Windows Update will download the latest updates, which can take a while.
- Your computer will go back to a clean state, so the first setup may take 20 to 30 minutes.
Next steps that help: install drivers if something looks wrong, restore your backed up files, and check your system requirements if you plan to run heavy software. If you want to set up the desktop again, see how to move the taskbar in Windows 11.
Common problems and fixes
- Reset stuck at a percentage: wait at least a few hours before you stop it. It can pause for a long time on slower drives.
- “There was a problem resetting your PC”: try the other option (Cloud download or Local reinstall), or run the reset from the recovery screen.
- Reset fails again and again: you may need to reinstall Windows from a USB installer made on another PC.
- Forgot your PIN or password: use the recovery screen and choose the reset option. Know that “Remove everything” will erase your files.
FAQs
How do I factory reset Windows 11?
Open Settings > System > Recovery and click Reset PC. Then pick Keep my files or Remove everything.
Will a factory reset delete my files?
“Keep my files” keeps your personal files but removes apps and settings. “Remove everything” deletes all of it.
How long does a Windows 11 reset take?
It often takes from 30 minutes to a few hours, depending on your drive and the option you choose.
Can I factory reset Windows 11 without a password?
Yes, from the recovery screen if Windows cannot start. If you can reach the sign-in screen, hold Shift and click Restart to open it. Everything will be erased in that case.
Does a reset remove Windows 11?
No. Windows stays installed. The reset only reinstalls a fresh copy.
Do I lose my Windows license?
No. Windows 11 is usually tied to your PC hardware or your Microsoft account, so it activates again by itself after a reset.
Is a reset the same as a clean install?
Not exactly. A reset uses the built-in tool. A clean install uses a USB installer and starts completely from scratch.
