Resetting Windows 11 (Factory Reset)

Sometimes, your Windows 11 PC can start to feel slow, glitchy, or cluttered with unnecessary files and apps. Whether you're dealing with performance issues, preparing your computer for sale, or just want a fresh start, resetting your Windows 11 system can help. In this blog post, we’ll walk you through the process of resetting your PC, explain the different options available, and provide tips on what to expect during the reset.

Why Reset Your Windows 11 PC?

There are several reasons why you might want to reset your Windows 11 PC:

• Improving performance: Over time, your PC may slow down due to accumulated files, apps, and settings. A reset can restore it to its optimal state.

• Fixing problems: If you're encountering persistent software bugs, crashes, or system errors, a reset can often resolve these issues.

• Clearing personal data: If you're planning to sell or give away your computer, resetting it will ensure your personal information is wiped clean.

What Does Resetting Windows 11 Do?

When you reset your PC, Windows 11 offers two primary options:

1. Keep my files: This option removes apps and settings but keeps your personal files (such as documents, photos, etc.).

2. Remove everything: This option wipes everything off your system, including apps, settings, and personal files. It’s like starting fresh with a brand-new PC.

Step-by-Step Guide to Resetting Windows 11

1. Open the Settings Menu

   • Press Windows + I to open Settings. Alternatively, you can click the Start menu (Windows icon on the taskbar) and select Settings from the list of apps.

2. Go to System > Recovery

   • In the Settings window, look for the System section on the left-hand sidebar and click on it.

   • Scroll down in the System section and click on Recovery.

     

3. Start the Reset Process

   • In the Recovery section, you'll see an option called Reset this PC. This is where you can start the reset process.

   • Click on the Reset PC button next to "Reset this PC."

4. Choose Reset Option: Keep or Remove Files

   • You'll be prompted with two options:

     • Keep my files – This option will remove all installed apps and settings but keep your personal files (such as documents, pictures, etc.).

     • Remove everything – This option will erase everything, including your apps, settings, and personal files. It's a complete wipe of your system.

     Which Option Should You Choose?

     • If you're just trying to troubleshoot or refresh your system and you want to keep your personal files (but not apps or settings), select Keep my files.

     • If you want to perform a full factory reset (removing all data and starting fresh), select Remove everything.

     For a full clean reset, we’ll go with Remove everything. Let's proceed with that option for this guide.

     

5. Choose to Remove Files and Clean the Drive

   • After selecting Remove everything, you’ll be prompted to decide whether you want to just remove your files or clean the drive as well:

     • Just remove my files – This is a quicker option. It deletes your files but doesn't completely erase the data on the drive, which means the data could still be recoverable with specialized software.

     • Remove files and clean the drive – This option is more thorough and ensures your data is erased in a way that makes it harder to recover. It will take longer, but it’s a better choice if you’re planning to sell or give away your PC.

     If you're doing a complete reset for privacy or security reasons, I recommend choosing Remove files and clean the drive.

6. Confirm Your Selections

   • After selecting whether to clean the drive or just remove files, you'll see a summary of your choices. It will tell you that your files will be deleted (if you chose "remove everything") and that the process will take some time.

   • Click Reset to confirm your decision.

7. Let the Reset Process Begin

   • Once you confirm the reset, your computer will restart. It will then begin the process of resetting itself, which can take a while depending on the option you chose and the speed of your system.

   • During the reset, your computer will restart multiple times, and you will see progress bars indicating that files are being prepared and deleted.

8. Wait for the Process to Complete

   • The reset process could take anywhere from 20 minutes to an hour or more, depending on your system’s hardware and the option you selected (cleaning the drive will take longer).

   • It's important not to interrupt the process. Allow Windows to complete the reset without turning off your PC or disconnecting it from the power source.

9. Complete the Initial Setup (OOBE - Out of Box Experience)

   • After the reset completes, your PC will restart and boot into a fresh installation of Windows 11.

   • The Out of Box Experience (OOBE) will guide you through setting up Windows 11 as if it were a brand-new PC.

   • During this setup, you will be asked to:

     • Select your Region (Country or Region).

     • Choose your Language and Keyboard layout.

     • Sign in with your Microsoft account (or create a new one). If your device was already activated with Windows 11, the license will be automatically detected.

     • Set up Wi-Fi (if needed).

     • Configure Privacy Settings (e.g., location, diagnostics, etc.).

     • Choose whether to enable Cortana or not.

   After completing the setup, you’ll have a fresh Windows 11 environment.

Important Notes

1. Backup Your Files: Before starting the reset process, ensure you back up all of your important data (documents, photos, videos, etc.) if you selected "Remove everything." Resetting will erase all data.

2. Apps and Programs: When you reset your PC with the Keep my files option, Windows will preserve your personal files, but all installed programs (apps, third-party software) will be removed. You'll need to reinstall any programs you use after the reset.

3. Drivers: After the reset, your PC may need to install device drivers, especially if you've opted for the "Remove everything" option. Windows 11 will typically handle most drivers automatically, but in some cases, you might need to manually install drivers (graphics, network, etc.) from your device manufacturer's website.

Troubleshooting:

If You Can't Access Settings: If you're unable to access the Settings menu, you can reset your PC using Advanced Startup Options:

• Restart your PC and press the Shift key while clicking on Restart from the Start menu. This will take you to the Advanced Startup screen.

• From there, select Troubleshoot > Reset this PC, and follow the steps outlined above.