How to reset a Windows 11 PC to factory settings

How-to
By Mauro Huculak
last updated

If your computer is slow or acting up, you can reset it to the default factory settings, and here's how on Windows 11.

Windows 11 reset to factory settings
Windows 11 reset to factory settings (Image credit: Mauro Huculak)
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On Windows 11, if you have had the same setup for a long time or notice problems with your laptop or desktop computer, the "Reset this PC" feature can help to revert the system to the factory default settings to fix the most common problems and improve overall performance.

The "Reset this PC" feature allows you to reinstall the operating system with multiple options to start from scratch with a clean copy. For example, you have an option to restore the factory settings, keeping your settings and files, and there is another option to remove everything to resolve problems, such as issues starting up or shutting down, excessive memory usage, performance running apps, battery draining quickly, or removing tough malware.

The feature even offers an option to use the original image instead of a custom manufacturer recovery image that may contain unwanted bloatware and configurations.

In this how-to guide, I will walk you through three methods to reset Windows 11 to its factory settings by keeping your files or erasing everything.

How to factory reset Windows 11 preserving files

To reset a Windows 11 laptop or desktop to its factory default settings without losing your files, use these steps:

  1. Open Settings.
  2. Click on System.
  3. Click the Recovery page on the right side.

(Image credit: Mauro Huculak)
  1. Click the Reset PC button for the "Reset this PC" feature under the "Recovery options" section.

(Image credit: Mauro Huculak)
  1. Click the "Keep my files" option.

(Image credit: Mauro Huculak)
  1. Select the reset method:
  • Cloud download: Downloads a fresh copy of the installation from the Microsoft servers and reinstalls Windows 11. However, this option will not restore the tools, apps, custom drivers, and configuration that came with the original image provided by the manufacturer.
  • Local reinstall: Uses the files already available to reset the computer. This process will restore the factory drivers, settings, and tools if this is a branded device (such as Dell, ASUS, Lenovo, etc.).

(Image credit: Mauro Huculak)
  1. Review the apps to reinstall after the reset to factory settings.
  2. Click the Next button.

(Image credit: Mauro Huculak)
  1. Click the Reset button.

(Image credit: Mauro Huculak)

Once you complete the steps, the computer will reset to the factory settings, preserving your files.

After factory reset

After the reset, it's a good idea to check for updates to ensure the setup does not miss any security patches or drivers. Also, you may need to reinstall any of your previous applications as necessary.

Check for updates

To install updates for Windows 11, use these steps:

  1. Open Settings.
  2. Click on Windows Update.
  3. Click the "Check for updates" button.

(Image credit: Mauro Huculak)

Once you complete the steps, Windows Update will download the latest patches and driver updates (if available).

Check for missing drivers

To check for missing drivers after completing the reset of Windows 11, use these steps:

  1. Open Start.
  2. Search for Device Manager and click the top result to open the app.
  3. Confirm that there's no branch called "Other devices," which usually lists devices without drivers.

(Image credit: Mauro Huculak)

If you have one or more devices missing, check the computer manufacturer's support website to download and install the latest drivers available.

The last thing left to do is reinstall any previously installed app on your computer (if applicable).

How to factory reset Windows 11 using remove everything option

To use the reset feature removing everything on a computer that you use for working at home or gaming, use these steps:

  1. Open Settings.
  2. Click on System.
  3. Click the Recovery page on the right side.

(Image credit: Mauro Huculak)
  1. Click the Reset PC button for the "Reset this PC" feature under the "Recovery options" section.

(Image credit: Mauro Huculak)
  1. Click the Remove everything option.

(Image credit: Mauro Huculak)
  1. Select the Cloud download or Local reinstall, depending on how you want to reset the system.

(Image credit: Mauro Huculak)
  1. (Optional) Click the Change settings option.

(Image credit: Mauro Huculak)
  1. Turn on the "Data erasure toggle" switch.
  • Quick note: Use this option to prepare the computer for sale. Otherwise, the default reset settings are recommended if you are trying to refresh the installation.
  1. Turn on the Data drives toggle switch to erase the Windows 11 installation drive and any other storage drive connected to your computer (if applicable).
  2. Click the Confirm button.

(Image credit: Mauro Huculak)
  1. Review the apps to reinstall after the reset to factory settings.
  2. Click the Next button.
  3. Click the Reset button.

(Image credit: Mauro Huculak)

After you complete the steps, the process will erase the drives, depending on your configuration, and install a clean copy of Windows 11.

After factory reset

If you play to sell the device, you don't need to do anything else. However, if you plan to start over with the computer, there are some extra steps, including checking for updates and missing drivers, and you want to reinstall your apps and restore your files from backup.

Checking for updates

To install updates for Windows 11, use these steps:

  1. Open Settings.
  2. Click on Windows Update.
  3. Click the "Check for updates" button.

(Image credit: Mauro Huculak)

Once you complete the steps, Windows Update will download and install any missing updates and drivers (if available).

Check for missing drivers

To check for missing drivers after the "Reset this PC," use these steps:

  1. Open Start.
  2. Search for Device Manager and click the top result to open the app.
  3. Confirm that there's no branch called "Other devices," which usually lists devices without drivers.

(Image credit: Mauro Huculak)

If you have components without drivers, check the computer manufacturer support website to download and install the latest drivers available.

Restore files from backup

If you have a backup of your files, now is the time to restore them. The recovery process will be different depending on the file backup method.

For instance, if you use OneDrive, the files may already be syncing on the computer. However, if not, you may need to reconfigure the app again.

If you backed up your files manually to an external drive, connect the portable drive and use these steps:

  1. Open File Explorer.
  2. Click on This PC from the left pane.
  3. Double-click the storage with the file backup under the "Devices and drives" section.

(Image credit: Mauro Huculak)
  1. Select the files and folders.
  2. Click the Copy button.

(Image credit: Mauro Huculak)
  1. Open the destination folder.
  2. Click the Paste button from the command bar.

Once you complete the steps, you may need to repeat the steps to restore additional files. If you are missing one or more apps, now is the time to install them.

More resources

For more helpful articles, coverage, and answers to common questions about Windows 10 and Windows 11, visit the following resources:

Mauro Huculak
Mauro Huculak

Mauro Huculak is technical writer for WindowsCentral.com. His primary focus is to write comprehensive how-tos to help users get the most out of Windows 10 and its many related technologies. He has an IT background with professional certifications from Microsoft, Cisco, and CompTIA, and he's a recognized member of the Microsoft MVP community.