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How to factory reset your Windows 11 without reinstalling
July 04, 2025
Upgrading to a new Windows version is not always the smoothest transition. So if you’re facing any issues with Windows 11 and want to factory reset it, the solution may be simpler than you think. You don’t need a reinstall to reset Windows 11, and you can even keep your files if you choose. Let us take you through all the ways to reset your Windows 11.
Read more:The complete guide to install Windows 11
QUICK ANSWER
To reset Windows, you can head over toWindows settings -> System -> Recovery, and click theReset PCbutton underRecoveryoptions. Pick your preferred options in the setup that follows to reset your Windows 11.
JUMP TO KEY SECTIONS
How to reset your Windows 11
OpenWindows Settings. Make sureSystemis selected in the left navigation pane. If it isn’t, clickSystem.
In the System settings pane on the right, clickRecovery. Locate theReset this PCoption under theRecovery optionssection. Click theReset PCbutton located to the right.
A new window will pop up. ClickRemove everythingto proceed.
In the next step, the window will askHow would you like to reinstall Windows?ClickLocal reinstall.
You will get a confirmation screen labeledAdditional settingswith your preferences listed. ClickNext.
On the screen that readsReady to reset this PC, clickResetto confirm.
After some time, the system will reset itself and restart with the Windows 11 setup process.
Read more:Read more: How to uninstall apps on Windows 11
Reset without deleting your files
OpenWindows Settings. SelectSystemin the left navigation pane, thenRecoveryin the right pane.
UnderRecovery options, there will be aReset this PCoption. Click theReset PCbutton on the right.
In the new window that pops up, clickKeep my filesto proceed.
The following window will be labeledHow would you like to reinstall Windows?ClickLocal reinstall.
On theAdditional settingsscreen, clickNext.
The final screen will sayReady to reset this PC. ClickResetto confirm.
The system will restart with the Windows 11 setup process.
Read more:How to uninstall apps on Windows 11
How to factory reset Windows 11 to a fresh install status
If you want to reset the PC to a completely fresh install status, you’re able to download the files new from Microsoft.
OpenWindows Settings–>System. ClickRecoveryin the right pane underSystem settings.
Click theReset PCbutton in theReset this PCsection underRecovery options.
A new window will pop up. Click theRemove everythingoption.
In the next step, the window will askHow would you like to reinstall Windows?ClickCloud download.
On the final screen labeledReady to reset this PC, clickReset.
The system will reset itself after some time. Follow the Windows 11 setup process that shows up after the restart.
Read more:How to install Windows 11 on unsupported hardware
Does resetting Windows reset the registry?
Yes, resetting Windows also resets the registry to default.
Do I need to reinstall drivers after resetting Windows 11?
Windows has many drivers built-in, and automatically downloads and installs most drivers if it doesn’t have them. However, you may need to download some drivers, especially if you do a fresh install.
Do I need the Windows key to reset Windows 11?
You don’t need the Windows key to reset Windows 11. Windows remembers the activation status of the device.
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