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On Windows 11, if you had the same setup for a long time or are experiencing problems with your laptop or desktop computer, the "Reset this PC" feature can help to revert the system to the factory default settings to fix the most common problems and improve overall performance. The "Reset this PC" feature allows you to reinstall Windows 11 with multiple options to start from scratch with a clean copy. For instance, you have an option to restore the factory settings keeping your settings and files, and there is another option to remove everything to resolve problems, such as issues starting up or shutting down, excessive memory usage, performance running apps, battery draining quickly, or removing tough malware. The feature even offers an option to use the original image instead of a custom manufacturer recovery image that may contain unwanted bloatware and configurations. This guide will walk you through three different methods to reset Windows 11 to its factory settings by keeping your files or erasing everything. How to factory reset Windows 11 preserving filesTo reset a Windows 11 laptop or desktop to its factory default settings without losing your files, use these steps:
Once you complete the steps, the computer will reset to the factory settings preserving your files. After factory reset After the reset is complete, it's a good idea to check for updates to ensure that Windows 11 is not missing 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:
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:
If you have one or more devices with missing drivers, check the computer manufacturer 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 optionTo use the reset feature removing everything on a computer that you use for working at home or gaming, use these steps:
After you complete the steps, the process will erase the drives depending on your configuration and install a clean copy of Windows 11. After factory reset If you are selling the device, you don't need to do anything else. However, if you start over with the device, there are some extra steps, including checking for updates and missing drivers, and you want to reinstall your applications and restore your files from backup. Checking for updates To install updates for Windows 11, use these steps:
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:
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 example, if you use OneDrive, the files may already be syncing on the computer; however, if they are not, you may need to reconfigure the app again. If you backed up your files manually to an external drive, connect the portable drive, and use these steps:
Once you complete the steps, you may need to repeat the steps to restore additional files. If you are missing any applications, now is the time to install them. More resourcesFor more helpful articles, coverage, and answers to common questions about Windows 10 and Windows 11, visit the following resources:
Mauro Huculak is technical writer for WindowsCentral.com. His primary focus is to write comprehensive how-tos to help users get the most out of Windows 10 and its many related technologies. He has an IT background with professional certifications from Microsoft, Cisco, and CompTIA, and he's a recognized member of the Microsoft MVP community. How do I reset Windows 11 and delete everything?To start the factory reset process in Windows 11, click Start > Settings > System > Recovery (Figure 1). Then, select Reset PC.
How do I reset and reinstall Windows 11?Reset your PC. Select Start > Settings > System > Recovery . Open Recovery settings.. Next to Reset this PC , select Reset PC. Then choose from the options and/or settings in the table below.. How do I delete everything off my laptop Windows 11?Windows 11 operating system
Type and search [Reset this PC] in the Windows search bar①, then click [Open]②. Click [Reset PC]③ in Reset this PC field. Select [Remove everything]④. Select [Local reinstall]⑤.
How do I delete everything and reinstall Windows?Select the Settings option. On the left side of the screen, select Remove everything and reinstall Windows. On the Reset your PC screen, click Next. On the Do you want to fully clean your drive screen, select Just remove my files to do a quick deletion or select Fully clean the drive to have all files erased.
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