# How to reset Windows 11 If the operating system **crashes regularly**, applications fail to open, or your PC **runs slowly**, repairing or even selling a device may seem like the only solution. But before you ship off your devices, it’s usually best to try resetting Windows 11 and restoring the Windows 11 factory settings. We will guide you through the reset process step by step. ## What you should do before resetting 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. [![Image: Windows 11: Menu “Other troubleshooters”](https://www.ionos.com/digitalguide/fileadmin/_processed_/7/5/csm_win11_reset01_en_73989c2425.webp "Windows 11: Menu “Other troubleshooters”")](https://www.ionos.com/digitalguide/fileadmin/DigitalGuide/Screenshots_2022/win11_reset01_en.png) Windows 11: Menu “Other troubleshooters” If your troubleshooting efforts are unsuccessful, you can reset Windows 11 as a last resort. Before doing so, however, you should always create a [backup of Windows 11](https://www.ionos.com/digitalguide/server/configuration/windows-11-backup/ "Windows 11 Backup") or your personal files. This way you can minimize the risk of data loss and are prepared in case something goes wrong when resetting the system. ## Windows 11 reset: step-by-step tutorial Unlike [resetting Windows 10](https://www.ionos.com/digitalguide/server/configuration/resetting-windows-10/ "Resetting Windows 10"), restoring the factory settings in Windows 11 requires **reinstallation of the system software**. During the process, you can choose to keep your personal files and whether you prefer a local reinstallation or downloading from the cloud. Below we’ve summarized the most important steps for a Windows 11 reset. ### Step 1: Access the “Recovery” menu 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: [![Image: Windows 11 settings: “Recovery”](https://www.ionos.com/digitalguide/fileadmin/_processed_/3/5/csm_win11_reset02_en_1126d01362.webp "Windows 11 settings: “Recovery”")](https://www.ionos.com/digitalguide/fileadmin/DigitalGuide/Screenshots_2022/win11_reset02_en.png) Windows 11 settings: “Recovery” ### Step 2: Begin Windows reset 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](https://www.ionos.com/digitalguide/server/configuration/windows-11-safe-mode/ "Windows 11 Safe Mode"). To continue or initiate the reset, press the “**Reset PC**” button. [![Image: Windows 11 menu “Recovery”](https://www.ionos.com/digitalguide/fileadmin/_processed_/e/2/csm_win11_reset03_en_d7c907b1db.webp "Windows 11 menu “Recovery”")](https://www.ionos.com/digitalguide/fileadmin/DigitalGuide/Screenshots_2022/win11_reset03_en.png) Windows 11 menu “Recovery” ### Step 3: Define handling of own files 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. [![Image: Windows 11: Assistant “Reset this PC”](https://www.ionos.com/digitalguide/fileadmin/_processed_/2/3/csm_win11_reset04_en_039f5060c8.webp "Windows 11: Assistant “Reset this PC”")](https://www.ionos.com/digitalguide/fileadmin/DigitalGuide/Screenshots_2022/win11_reset04_en.png) Windows 11: Assistant “Reset this PC” ### Step 4: Specify installation source 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**”. [![Image: Reset Windows 11: select installation source](https://www.ionos.com/digitalguide/fileadmin/_processed_/6/3/csm_win11_reset05_en_15de067c05.webp "Reset Windows 11: select installation source")](https://www.ionos.com/digitalguide/fileadmin/DigitalGuide/Screenshots_2022/win11_reset05_en.png) Reset Windows 11: select installation source ### Step 5: Reset Windows 11 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. [![Image: Windows 11 Reset: summary of action](https://www.ionos.com/digitalguide/fileadmin/_processed_/c/e/csm_win11_reset06_en_6075fe7397.webp "Windows 11 Reset: summary of action")](https://www.ionos.com/digitalguide/fileadmin/DigitalGuide/Screenshots_2022/win11_reset06_en.png) Windows 11 Reset: summary of action This is a markdown version of: [https://www.ionos.com/digitalguide/server/configuration/reset-windows-11/](https://www.ionos.com/digitalguide/server/configuration/reset-windows-11/) for AI/LLM consumption.