How to factory reset Windows 11 removing everything

• To factory reset Windows 11, open Settings > System > Recovery, click the “Reset PC” button, and select the “Remove everything” option.
• Select the “Local reinstall” or “Cloud download” options, and click the “Next” and “Reset” buttons.

UPDATED 1/31/2025: If you’re considering resetting your Windows 11 PC, perhaps to decommission it, resolve persistent issues, enhance performance, or address battery and app problems, the “Reset this PC” feature offers a straightforward solution. This tool reinstalls Windows 11, thoroughly erasing all your settings, files, and applications, leaving you with a fresh system.

What is a factory reset?

On Windows 11, “factory reset” refers to the “Reset this PC” feature. This tool allows you to restore your computer to its factory default settings. You can choose between using local files or downloading a fresh copy of the operating system from the cloud. This process removes all personal data, settings, and installed applications, providing a clean slate.

Does factory reset remove viruses?

Yes, a factory reset will remove viruses. It erases all data on your device and restores it to its original settings, eliminating viruses along with your files and other software.

When should I use the factory reset option?

A factory reset can resolve issues such as malware, privacy concerns, program bugs, and performance problems. If your device is running slower than usual, consider this option, especially after trying other troubleshooting steps.

What happens if I get an error trying to reset the PC?

If you receive the “There was a problem resetting your PC” message along with the “No changes were made” message or encounter another error, the next best option is to perform a clean install of Windows 11.

How do I reset the PC without losing my files?

If you want to reset the system to factory defaults but keep your files, you can use the “Keep my files” option. Alternatively, you can reinstall the operating system with the “Windows Update” option, which keeps your files, settings, and apps.

In this guide, I will teach you the steps to use the “Reset this PC” feature to reinstall Windows 11 without keeping your files after an upgrade if the device is having problems or you are dealing with apps or system configuration issues.

Factory reset Windows 11 with local reinstall

To factory reset Windows 11, erasing everything on the hard drive, use these steps:

1. Open Settings on Windows 11.

2. Click on System.

3. Click the Recovery page.

4. Click the Reset PC button in the “Reset this PC” setting under the “Recovery options” section.

5. Click the Remove Everything option.

   

6. Select the “Local reinstall” option to use the local image to reinstall Windows 11, removing everything on the computer.

   

7. Click the Next button.

8. Click the Reset button.

   

Once you complete the steps, the feature will reset Windows 11 using the locally available image, erasing everything on the hard drive, including files, settings, and apps.

Factory reset Windows 11 with cloud download

To reset your Windows 11 computer with the “Cloud Download” option without keeping your files, use these steps:

1. Open Settings.

2. Click on System.

3. Click the Recovery page.

4. Click the Reset PC button in the “Reset this PC” setting under the “Recovery options” section.

   

5. Click the “Remove everything” option.

   

6. Select the “Cloud download” option to download a fresh copy of Windows 11.

   

7. (Optional) Click the Change settings option if you plan to give away or sell the device.

   

8. Turn on the Clean data toggle switch to securely erase all the drives. (This could take a long time.)

   

9. Click the Confirm button.

10. Click the Next button.

11. Click the Reset button.

    

After you complete the steps, a fresh image of the same version of Windows 11 installed on your computer will download and be used to reset the device, removing everything on the hard drive.

Factory reset Windows 11 from boot (BIOS)

To reset Windows 11 from boot using local reinstall or cloud download, use these steps:

1. Start computer.

2. Immediately after the Power-On Self-Test (POST), press the Power button again to shut down.

3. Repeat steps 1 and 2 twice, and in the third restart, the operating system should enter the Windows Recovery Environment (Windows RE).

   Quick note: Windows 11 includes multiple ways to open the Advanced startup settings. If you cannot access the recovery environment, try these other options.

4. Click the Advanced options button.

5. Click on Troubleshoot.

   

6. Click the “Reset this PC” option.

   

7. Select the “Remove everything” option to wipe out the hard drive and reinstall a fresh copy of Windows 11.

   

8. Click the “Just remove my files” option if you plan to keep the device. Or select the “Fully clean the drive” option if you plan to get rid of the device.

   

9. Select the “Cloud download” option to re-download Windows 11 instead of using the available image. (If you prefer to use the local image, select the “Local reinstall” option.)

   

10. Click the Reset button.

Once you complete the steps, the feature will reset the computer to default settings by removing everything and reinstalling a fresh copy of Windows 11. If you select the “Cloud download” option, the system will download the image that has the same version of Windows 11 already installed on the computer. This isn’t an option to upgrade to a newer version.

Did the reset option work for you? Let me know your experience in the comments below.

Update January 21, 2025: This guide has been updated to ensure accuracy and reflect changes to the process.