Windows 11 has no single command to restore every feature to its defaults; the right method depends on what changed. You can reset an individual app or network configuration, repair system files, use System Restore to undo recent changes, or reset Windows itself—with different effects on your apps and files.
Choose the right Windows 11 recovery option
| What you want to fix | Use this option | What it changes |
|---|---|---|
| One app or program | Repair or Reset | Repairs an app, or resets its data and settings when the option is available. |
| Network problems | Network reset | Removes network adapters and their settings, then reinstalls adapters after a restart. |
| Corrupted Windows files | DISM, then SFC | Checks and repairs the Windows image and protected system files. |
| Recent system changes | System Restore | Returns system files, registry settings, and installed programs to a selected restore point; personal files are not affected. |
| Windows installation problems | Fix problems using Windows Update | Reinstalls the current Windows version while preserving apps, documents, and settings. |
| A broad reset of Windows | Reset this PC | Reinstalls Windows; the chosen option determines whether personal files are kept or removed. |
Back up important files before a major recovery operation. If device encryption is enabled, make sure you can access your BitLocker recovery key before using recovery options.
Repair or reset an individual app
Try repairing the app first. Reset is a stronger step and is not available for every app; depending on the app, it may remove its local data and settings.
- Open Start > Settings > Apps > Installed apps.
- Find the app, select its More icon, then select Advanced options if it appears.
- Select Repair. If Repair is unavailable or does not solve the problem, select Reset if that option is available.
For a traditional desktop program, open Control Panel > Programs > Programs and Features, right-click the program, and select Repair. If Repair is unavailable, select Change if offered.
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Reset Windows 11 network settings
Use Network reset as a last troubleshooting step, not as a first attempt. It removes installed network adapters and their settings; after restarting, Windows reinstalls the adapters with default settings. You may need to reinstall or reconfigure VPN clients, Hyper-V virtual switches, or other network-virtualization software. A known network can also change to the Public profile, which can make the PC undiscoverable to other devices.
- Open Start > Settings > Network & internet > Advanced network settings > Network reset.
- Select Reset now, then select Yes to confirm.
- After the PC restarts, reconnect to your network and restore any VPN, virtual-switch, or network-profile settings you need.
For a command-line network repair instead, open Command Prompt as an administrator: select Search, type command prompt, select Run as administrator, and approve the prompt. Run these commands in order:
- netsh winsock reset
- netsh int ip reset
- ipconfig /release
- ipconfig /renew
- ipconfig /flushdns
These commands reset Winsock and TCP/IP, release and renew the IP address, and flush the DNS resolver cache. They are not equivalent to Network reset and do not remove and reinstall every network adapter.
Repair Windows system files
If Windows components may be corrupted, run DISM first and System File Checker (SFC) second. Open Command Prompt as an administrator, then enter each command and wait for it to finish before running the next:
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- Run DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth.
- After DISM completes, run sfc /scannow.
- Wait for SFC verification to reach 100% before closing Command Prompt.
DISM may report that the restore operation or operation completed successfully. For disk errors, you can also run chkdsk /f C: from an administrator Command Prompt. Windows may ask to restart before the disk repair runs.
Use System Restore to undo recent changes
System Restore returns system files, registry settings, and installed programs to the state recorded in a selected restore point; it does not affect personal files. It is not a factory reset, and it can only be used if a restore point exists.
- Open Control Panel, select Recovery, then select Open System Restore. Alternatively, press Windows logo key + R, enter rstrui.exe, and press Enter.
- In Restore system files and settings, select Next, then choose a restore point. Select Show more restore points if needed. You can optionally select Scan for affected programs.
- Select Next, review the selection, then select Finish. Windows restarts automatically to apply the restore point.
From Windows Recovery Environment, the System Restore path is Troubleshoot > Advanced options > System Restore. An encrypted device may require its BitLocker recovery key.
Reinstall Windows while keeping apps and settings
If you need to repair the Windows installation but do not want to reset apps and settings, check for Fix problems using Windows Update under Settings > System > Recovery. Microsoft describes this option as reinstalling the current Windows version while preserving apps, documents, and settings. It is different from Reset this PC.
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Reset Windows 11 with Reset this PC
Reset this PC reinstalls Windows; it is not a settings-only reset. Back up important files first. Under Settings > System > Recovery, select Reset PC under Recovery options, then choose what to keep and how to reinstall Windows.
| Choice | Effect |
|---|---|
| Keep my files | Keeps personal files but removes apps and settings. |
| Remove everything | Removes personal files, apps, and settings. |
| Cloud download | Downloads a fresh copy of Windows from Microsoft; useful if local Windows files are corrupted or missing. |
| Local reinstall | Uses Windows installation files already on the PC; it may be faster but may not include the latest updates. |
Restore preinstalled apps applies manufacturer customizations when enabled. Clean data is intended for preparing a drive for disposal or resale, but Microsoft says this consumer-oriented erasure does not meet government or industry data-erasure standards.
During a reset, the screen may remain black for an extended time, occasionally more than 15 minutes. Do not manually restart the PC while the reset is in progress; doing so can cause it to fail. You can also start in Windows Recovery Environment and select Troubleshoot > Reset this PC. An encrypted device may require the BitLocker recovery key.
Change the default console host
If you want Command Prompt or PowerShell to open in the Windows Console Host instead of Windows Terminal, change the console-host setting. This affects the host application; it does not reset Command Prompt or PowerShell profiles, aliases, scripts, or application-specific settings.
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- Open Start > Settings > System > Advanced.
- Under Terminal, select Windows Console Host.
Alternatively, open Windows Terminal, select its Startup tab, then set Default terminal application to Windows Console Host. Windows Terminal became the default host for Command Prompt, Windows PowerShell, and other console applications in Windows 11 22H2 after the October 2022 update.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Frequently asked questions
Does Windows 11 have one option to restore all features to defaults?
No. Windows 11 uses separate options for apps, network settings, system-file repair, restore points, and reinstalling or resetting Windows. Choose the option that addresses the specific problem.
Does Reset this PC keep my installed programs?
No. Keep my files keeps personal files but removes apps and settings. Remove everything also removes personal files.
Does System Restore delete personal files?
System Restore does not affect personal files. It returns system files, registry settings, and installed programs to a selected restore point, if one exists.
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Is Network reset the same as resetting the IP address?
No. Network reset removes installed network adapters and their settings, then reinstalls the adapters after a restart. It may also require VPN or virtual-switch reconfiguration and change a known network profile to Public.
What should I run first, DISM or SFC?
Run DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth first, then run sfc /scannow. Wait for SFC verification to reach 100% before closing Command Prompt.
For more Windows 11 help, visit our Windows 11 How-to Guides.
Sources: Microsoft recovery options in Windows; Repair apps and programs in Windows; Fix Wi-Fi connection issues in Windows; Troubleshoot problems updating Windows; System Restore; Backup, restore, and recovery in Windows; Reset your PC; Command Prompt and Windows PowerShell.
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