Zemew

How to Reset Windows 11

A simple step-by-step guide to reset your PC.

How to Reset Windows 11 tutorial guide

Reset Windows 11 guide sections

When a reset helps

Resetting Windows 11 reinstalls the operating system and can fix a PC that feels messy or unstable. It is built into Windows, so you do not need to manually reinstall from scratch.

  • Your PC is running slow and cleanup did not help
  • Settings or apps feel broken and hard to fix one by one
  • You cleaned up malware after scans and want a cleaner system
  • You are preparing to sell or give away the PC
  • You want a fresh start without manually reinstalling Windows

Back up first

Before resetting, back up important files, browser bookmarks, passwords, game saves, documents, photos, and anything stored in Downloads, Desktop, and Documents.

A reset can remove apps and may delete files depending on the option you choose.

How to reset Windows 11

These steps use the built-in Recovery tool in Settings.

  1. Open Settings.

  2. Go to System.

  3. Click Recovery.

  4. Under Recovery options, click Reset PC.

  5. Choose either Keep my files or Remove everything.

  6. Choose Cloud download or Local reinstall.

  7. Review the summary.

  8. Click Reset.

  9. Let the PC restart and finish the process. This can take a while. Keep the PC plugged in and do not turn it off.

Reset options explained

Windows will ask you to make a few choices. Here is what they mean in plain language.

Keep my files

Keeps your personal files but removes apps and resets settings. Good if you want a cleaner system but still keep documents, photos, and other files on the PC.

Remove everything

Deletes files, apps, and settings. Best before selling or giving away the PC. Make sure your backups are done first.

Cloud download

Downloads a fresh copy of Windows from Microsoft. Better if system files may be broken or the PC has been unstable.

Local reinstall

Uses files already on the PC. Faster, but may fail if Windows is damaged.

What to do after reset

Once Windows is back up, a few quick setup steps will get the PC usable again.

  • Run Windows Update and install available updates
  • Install drivers if needed, especially for Wi-Fi, graphics, and chipset
  • Reinstall apps you still want
  • Sign into your Microsoft account if you use one
  • Restore files from your backup
  • Set up your browser and password manager again
  • Install antivirus or security tools if you want extra protection

Troubleshooting

If something goes wrong during or after the reset, start here.

  • Reset gets stuck: Leave it plugged in and wait. Large resets can take a long time. If it sits on one screen for many hours, search for help using the exact message shown or try booting from a Windows 11 USB installer.
  • Not enough disk space: Free up space on the drive Windows is installed on, then try again. Cloud download needs extra room for the download.
  • Missing Wi-Fi after reset: Connect with Ethernet if possible, run Windows Update, then install the Wi-Fi driver from your PC maker's support site.
  • BitLocker recovery key prompt: You need the recovery key saved in your Microsoft account or wherever you stored it when BitLocker was turned on.
  • PC still has problems after reset: The issue may be hardware-related, or Windows may be too damaged for a normal reset. A clean install from USB is the next step.

Last resort

If the reset fails or the PC still acts broken afterward, make a Windows 11 USB installer and do a clean install.