How to reset Windows 11

Restoring the Windows 11 factory settings is an in­ter­est­ing al­ter­na­tive to a new in­stal­la­tion or a new device because you can keep your files during the reset. Nev­er­the­less, a reset is only advised once you’ve exhausted all other options for fixing system problems. Before you reset the operating system, use the Windows 11 trou­bleshoot­ing tools to check network adapters, Internet con­nec­tion, power supply, or printers. You can access the cor­re­spond­ing menu as follows:

1. Open the settings by clicking the button of the same name in the Start menu or by using the key com­bi­na­tion [Windows] + [i].
2. Press the “Trou­bleshoot” entry.
3. Select the “Other trou­bleshoot­ers” option.
4. Run the various trou­bleshoot­ing tools.

Similar to trou­bleshoot­ing, you can access the Windows settings by selecting the button of the same name in the Start menu or using the key com­bi­na­tion [Windows] + [i]. If you selected the “System” entry from the left-hand menu, you will find the “Recovery” menu item required for resetting Windows 11 in the list, among other things:

You can now reset Windows 11. You’ve also got the option to jump to the trou­bleshoot­er (in case you have not run it pre­vi­ous­ly) or access advanced startup, which is useful for starting Windows 11 in safe mode.

To continue or initiate the reset, press the “Reset PC” button.

In the next step, you can select from two options to handle your files, apps, and system settings. If you want to retain personal data on your device after resetting Windows 11, select the “Keep my files” button. If you no longer require your files, app settings, or other settings, select “Remove every­thing” instead.

As mentioned, restoring the Windows 11 factory settings requires a new in­stal­la­tion of the Microsoft operating system. The in­stal­la­tion files required for this purpose are available from Windows 11 either locally from the system files or via cloud download (files can be larger than four gigabytes). Decide on a mode of in­stal­la­tion – “Local reinstall” or “Cloud download”.

In the sub­se­quent dialog, click “Next” to confirm the source of in­stal­la­tion or press “Change settings” to adjust your selection. The operating system then presents a summary of the actions that will happen during reset.

Press “Reset” to begin the process and restore Windows 11 factory settings.