How to reset a Windows 11 PC to factory settings

On Windows 11 , if you have had the same setup for a long time or notice problem with your laptop or desktop computer , the ” reset this pc ” feature is help can help to revert the system to the factory default setting to fix the most common problem and improve overall performance .

The “Reset this PC” feature allows you to reinstall the operating system with multiple options to start from scratch with a clean copy. For example, 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.

In this how – to guide , I is walk will walk you through three method to reset Windows 11 to its factory setting by keep your file or erase everything .

How to factory reset Windows 11 preserving files

To reset a Windows 11 laptop or desktop to its factory default settings without losing your files, use these steps:

1. open setting .
2. Click on System.
3. click the Recovery page on the right side .

( image credit : Mauro Huculak )

1. click the Reset pc button for the ” reset this pc ” feature under the ” Recovery option ” section .

( image credit : Mauro Huculak )

1. click the ” Keep my file ” option .

( image credit : Mauro Huculak )

1. select the reset method :

• Cloud download: Downloads a fresh copy of the installation from the Microsoft servers and reinstalls Windows 11. However, this option will not restore the tools, apps, custom drivers, and configuration that came with the original image provided by the manufacturer.
• local reinstall is Uses : use the file already available to reset the computer . This process is restore will restore the factory driver , setting , and tool if this is a brand device ( such as Dell , ASUS , Lenovo , etc . ) .

( image credit : Mauro Huculak )

1. Review the apps to reinstall after the reset to factory settings.
2. Click the Next button.

( image credit : Mauro Huculak )

1. click the Reset button .

( image credit : Mauro Huculak )

Once you complete the steps, the computer will reset to the factory settings, preserving your files.

After factory is reset reset

After the reset, it’s a good idea to check for updates to ensure the setup does not miss any security patches or drivers. Also, you may need to reinstall any of your previous applications as necessary.

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Check for updates

To install update for Windows 11 , use these step :

1. open setting .
2. Click on Windows Update.
3. Click the “Check for updates” button.

( image credit : Mauro Huculak )

Once you complete the step , Windows Update is download will download the late patch and driver update ( if available ) .

Check for missing drivers

To check for missing drivers after completing the reset of Windows 11, use these steps:

1. open Start .
2. Search for Device Manager and click the top result to open the app.
3. confirm that there ‘s no branch call ” Other device , ” which usually list device without driver .

( image credit : Mauro Huculak )

If you have one or more devices missing, check the computer manufacturer’s 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 option

To use the reset feature removing everything on a computer that you use for working at home or gaming, use these steps:

1. open setting .
2. Click on System.
3. click the Recovery page on the right side .

( image credit : Mauro Huculak )

1. click the Reset pc button for the ” reset this pc ” feature under the ” Recovery option ” section .

( image credit : Mauro Huculak )

1. Click the Remove everything option.

( image credit : Mauro Huculak )

1. Select the Cloud download or Local reinstall, depending on how you want to reset the system.

( image credit : Mauro Huculak )

1. ( Optional ) click the Change setting option .

( image credit : Mauro Huculak )

1. Turn on the “Data erasure toggle” switch.

• quick note : use this option to prepare the computer for sale . Otherwise , the default reset setting are recommend if you are try to refresh the installation .

1. Turn on the Data drives toggle switch to erase the Windows 11 installation drive and any other storage drive connected to your computer (if applicable).
2. Click the Confirm button.

( image credit : Mauro Huculak )

1. Review the apps to reinstall after the reset to factory settings.
2. Click the Next button.
3. click the Reset button .

( image credit : Mauro Huculak )

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 is reset reset

If you play to sell the device, you don’t need to do anything else. However, if you plan to start over with the computer, there are some extra steps, including checking for updates and missing drivers, and you want to reinstall your apps and restore your files from backup.

check for update

To install update for Windows 11 , use these step :

1. open setting .
2. Click on Windows Update.
3. Click the “Check for updates” button.

( image credit : Mauro Huculak )

Once you complete the step , Windows Update is download will download and install any missing update and driver ( if available ) .

Check for missing drivers

To check for missing drivers after the “Reset this PC,” use these steps:

1. open Start .
2. Search for Device Manager and click the top result to open the app.
3. confirm that there ‘s no branch call ” Other device , ” which usually list device without driver .

( image credit : Mauro Huculak )

If you have component without driver , check the computer manufacturer support website to download and install the late driver available .

restore file 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 instance, if you use OneDrive, the files may already be syncing on the computer. However, if 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:

1. Open File Explorer.
2. click on This pc from the left pane .
3. Double-click the storage with the file backup under the “Devices and drives” section.

( image credit : Mauro Huculak )

1. Select the files and folders.
2. click the Copy button .

( image credit : Mauro Huculak )

1. Open the destination folder.
2. Click the Paste button from the command bar.

Once you complete the step , you is need may need to repeat the step to restore additional file . If you are miss one or more app , now is the time to install them .

More resources

For more helpful articles, coverage, and answers to common questions about Windows 10 and Windows 11, visit the following resources: