How to Factory Reset Your Windows 11 PC: A Comprehensive Guide
If you're looking to start fresh with your Windows 11 PC, you might be wondering about the various ways to perform a factory reset. This guide will walk you through two straightforward methods to reset your Windows 11 installation to its original state, ensuring you either keep your files or prepare for a clean slate.
Method 1: Factory Reset via Recovery Settings
Resetting your Windows 11 PC using Recovery Settings is a quick and easy process. Follow these steps to walk through the reset process:
Click on the Settings app. You can reach it from the Start menu or by searching for it in Windows. Scroll down toward the bottom of the Settings menu and click on Update Security. From the left-hand menu, select Recovery. Under the Advanced startup section, click on Restart now. Your PC will restart, and you’ll see a menu with three options: Restart, Safe Mode, and Advanced options. Select Advanced options. Click on Startup Settings, then click on Restart. Your PC will restart once again, and this time you’ll see a new screen with various startup options. Press the Shift key and then click on Restart. After the restart, click on the Reset this PC option. Choose between 'Keep my files' or 'Remove everything'. If you want to retain your files, select the first option. If you want a clean start, choose the second option. Select how you want to reinstall Windows 11. You can download Windows from the internet or use a recovery copy already on your device. Approve the settings and click Reset this PC.Once the reset procedure is complete, your PC will start from the setup screen. You will have to choose some preferences and then log in with your Microsoft account. After logging in, you'll be back on the desktop and ready to use your PC again.
Method 2: Factory Reset from the Sign-in Screen
For those who do not want to log in or enter a password on the lock screen, there’s an alternative method to reset your Windows 11 PC using options on the Sign-in screen. Follow these steps to factory reset your Windows 11 or 10 computers:
When at the sign-in screen, press the Shift key and then click on Restart. Press the Shift key until your Windows PC displays more options on the screen. Now click on Settings Troubleshoot. Within the Troubleshoot menu, select the Reset this PC option. Choose between 'Keep my files' or 'Remove everything'. The first option retains your files, while the second option clears everything. Select 'Use cloud download or Local reinstall' to reinstall Windows. Choose 'Local reinstall' if you want to use this device for Windows installation, or you can download it. Click on Reset and wait for your Windows 11 computer to reset your PC. This process will remove all apps and data, wipe out installed apps, and install a new Windows operating system.Once the reset is complete, you will be prompted to log in to your Windows 11 PC. Follow the on-screen instructions to set up your PC according to your preferences.
What to Consider Before Resetting
Before proceeding with a factory reset, it’s important to back up your files and applications. If you choose to remove everything, you will lose all your data, including files, images, videos, Wi-Fi passwords, and more. The Keep my files option is recommended unless you are planning to give your PC away or sell it.
For more information on how to recover lost files after a factory reset, we recommend checking out 4DDiG Data Recovery, one of the best software solutions for file recovery.