How to reset Windows 11
Resetting Windows 11 can help if your PC is running poorly, has software problems, or you want to start over. Windows gives you a built-in reset tool that lets you keep your personal files or remove everything for a clean reinstall. This guide shows you how to choose the right reset option and complete it safely.
Step-by-step fix
- 1
Back up important files
If you plan to remove everything, copy photos, documents, downloads, and anything else you want to keep to an external drive or cloud storage first. Even if you choose Keep my files, it is still a good idea to back up important data in case something goes wrong.
- 2
Open recovery settings
Click Start, then open Settings. Go to System and select Recovery. This is where Windows 11 keeps the reset options.
- 3
Start the reset process
Under Recovery options, find Reset this PC and click Reset PC. Windows will ask whether you want to keep your files or remove everything.
- 4
Choose what to keep
Select Keep my files if you want Windows to reinstall while preserving your personal files. Select Remove everything if you want a full wipe of apps, settings, and files. If you are giving away or selling the PC, Remove everything is the better choice.
- 5
Pick a reinstall option
Windows may offer Cloud download or Local reinstall. Choose Cloud download if you have a stable internet connection and want Windows to download a fresh copy. Choose Local reinstall if you prefer to use files already on the PC.
- 6
Review additional settings
Before you continue, review the summary. If you chose Remove everything, you may see extra options such as cleaning the drive or deleting files from all drives. Cleaning the drive takes longer, but it is a better choice when you want to make recovery harder.
- 7
Confirm and reset
Click Next or Reset to begin. Your PC may restart several times, and the process can take a while. Keep it plugged in and do not turn it off until Windows finishes.
- 8
Set up Windows again
After the reset, follow the on-screen setup steps to choose your region, account, privacy settings, and network. If you kept your files, they should still be in your user folders. You may still need to reinstall apps and sign back in to your accounts.
Frequently asked questions
Will resetting Windows 11 delete my files?
It depends on the option you choose. Keep my files preserves personal files but removes apps and most settings. Remove everything deletes files, apps, and settings from the selected drive or drives.
How long does it take to reset Windows 11?
Most resets take about 20 minutes to 1 hour, but it can take longer on slower PCs or if you choose to clean the drive. Cloud download may also take extra time because it depends on your internet speed.
What is the difference between Cloud download and Local reinstall?
Cloud download gets a fresh copy of Windows from Microsoft, which can help if your local system files are damaged. Local reinstall uses the files already on your PC, which can be faster and does not need much internet.
Can I stop a Windows 11 reset once it starts?
It is best not to interrupt the reset once it begins. Stopping it partway through can leave Windows in an unusable state. If you changed your mind, do so before you confirm the reset.
Need more help?
Run a free diagnostic scan to identify and fix issues automatically.
Download Quickfix AI