PC Slower Than It Used to Be?
A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11Crashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?
Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minuteTo reset a Windows 11 PC, open Start > Settings > System > Recovery > Reset PC > Reset PC, choose whether to keep personal files or remove everything, then choose a cloud download or local reinstall. Back up important files first and have your BitLocker recovery key ready if the device is encrypted.
Before you reset: protect your files and recovery key
A reset reinstalls Windows, but it does not preserve every app and setting. Back up important personal files to a separate destination before proceeding. Windows Backup can save supported files, settings, and other items with a Microsoft account; check that the backup includes what you need. See Microsoft’s Windows Backup guidance.
A Recovery Drive is for system recovery, not personal-file backup. Microsoft says, “The Recovery Drive doesn’t include your personal files.” Microsoft Support: Recovery Drive.
If device encryption or BitLocker is enabled, locate the BitLocker recovery key before you enter recovery. You may be asked for it during the reset process.
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Choose the reset options that fit your situation
| Option | Personal files | Apps and settings | When it fits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Keep my files | Retained | Installed apps and settings are removed | You want Windows reinstalled but want to keep personal files. |
| Remove everything | Removed | Removed | You want a more complete fresh start or are preparing to transfer ownership. |
For either reset type, Windows may offer Cloud download or Local reinstall. Cloud download fetches a fresh copy of Windows and can help if local installation files are damaged or missing; it requires a practical internet connection. Local reinstall uses files already on the PC, which can be preferable when internet access is slow or unavailable, but may not include the latest updates.
With Remove everything, you may also see a clean-data option. It takes longer and makes removed files harder to recover, which can be useful when passing the PC to another person. It is not a standards-compliant secure erase: Microsoft states, “The data erasure functionality is targeted at consumers and does not meet government and industry data erasure standards.” Microsoft Support: Reset your PC.
Reset Windows 11 from Settings
- Open Start > Settings > System > Recovery.
- Under Recovery options, select Reset PC, then select Reset PC again.
- Choose Keep my files or Remove everything.
- Choose Cloud download or Local reinstall.
- Review the options shown. If available, check choices such as clean data or restoring preinstalled apps, and confirm what will be removed before starting.
- Select the on-screen confirmation to begin, then keep the PC powered while Windows completes the reset.
Labels and screens can vary by device and Windows build. Read the final summary carefully: once the reset starts, the selected removal options determine what remains.
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If Windows will not start, use Windows Recovery Environment
When you cannot reach Settings, open Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) and choose Troubleshoot > Reset this PC. Follow the prompts to select the reset and installation options. If prompted, enter the BitLocker recovery key. Microsoft describes recovery routes and their trade-offs in Recovery options in Windows.
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Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →If WinRE is unavailable, a previously created recovery drive or Windows installation media may be needed. A recovery drive is optional for a reset started from Settings, but it can provide a bootable recovery route. Creating one erases data already on its USB drive. Windows installation media is another recovery option; Microsoft’s instructions specify a USB drive of at least 8 GB. Neither USB should be treated as a personal-file backup. See Microsoft’s Recovery Drive instructions and installation-media instructions.
What to expect while the reset runs
The display may remain black for an extended period. Microsoft says an occasional black screen can last upwards of 15 minutes and warns that manually restarting the PC could cause the reset to fail. Keep the device connected to power and allow the process to finish rather than interrupting it. See Microsoft’s reset guidance.
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Consider less disruptive recovery options first
If Windows still starts and the issue is limited, a reset may be more disruptive than necessary. Microsoft’s recovery options guide recommends considering alternatives such as:
- Run the troubleshooter that matches the problem.
- Use the Windows Update reinstall option, where supported, to reinstall Windows while preserving files, apps, and settings.
- Uninstall a recent update if the problem began after installing it.
- Use System Restore to roll back system changes while preserving personal files.
For a work- or school-managed PC, check with your organization’s IT team before resetting; its policies or recovery procedures may affect the available choices.
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