How to Reset Your PC in Windows 11

Resetting your PC in Windows 11 can help resolve various issues, such as performance problems, software glitches, and malware infections. This process reinstalls Windows 11, giving you a fresh start while allowing you to keep or remove your personal files. This guide will walk you through the steps to reset your PC in Windows 11.

Introduction

Over time, your PC may experience performance degradation, software errors, or other issues that can affect its functionality. Resetting your PC can be a practical solution to restore it to its original state, providing a clean slate and potentially resolving persistent problems. Windows 11 offers a straightforward method to reset your PC, either by keeping your files or removing everything. Follow this guide to learn how to reset your PC in Windows 11.

Step 1: Open Settings

1. Click on the Start menu (Windows icon) at the bottom-left corner of your screen.
2. Click on the Settings icon (gear icon). Alternatively, press Win + I to open the Settings app directly.

Step 2: Navigate to Recovery Options

1. In the Settings app, click on System in the left-hand sidebar.
2. Scroll down and click on Recovery.

Step 3: Start the Reset Process

1. In the Recovery settings, you will see the Reset this PC section.
2. Click on the Reset PC button.

Step 4: Choose Reset Option

1. A new window will appear with two options: Keep my files and Remove everything.

   • Keep my files: This option will reinstall Windows 11 but keep your personal files intact. However, it will remove installed apps and settings.
   • Remove everything: This option will remove all your personal files, apps, and settings, giving you a completely fresh start.

2. Select the option that best suits your needs.

Step 5: Choose Reinstallation Method

1. You will be prompted to choose how you want to reinstall Windows:

   • Cloud download: This option downloads the latest version of Windows 11 from Microsoft's servers. It requires an internet connection.
   • Local reinstall: This option uses the existing Windows files on your PC to reinstall the operating system.

2. Select the reinstallation method you prefer.

Step 6: Additional Settings

1. Click on Change settings to customize additional reset options:

   • Clean data: This option performs a more thorough reset by removing all files and data, making it harder to recover deleted files.
   • Download Windows: This option allows you to choose between cloud download or local reinstall if you want to change your previous selection.

2. Adjust the settings as needed and click Confirm.

Step 7: Review and Start the Reset

1. Review the summary of your selected reset options.
2. Click Next to proceed.
3. Windows will provide a final warning that the reset process will remove apps and settings. Click Reset to start the process.

Step 8: Wait for the Reset to Complete

1. Your PC will restart and begin the reset process. This may take some time, depending on your system and the options you selected.
2. Once the reset is complete, follow the on-screen instructions to set up Windows 11.

Additional Tips

• Backup Important Files: Before resetting your PC, ensure that you have backed up any important files to an external drive or cloud storage.
• Reinstall Apps: After the reset, you will need to reinstall your apps. Make a list of essential apps and have your installation media or download links ready.
• Windows Updates: After resetting your PC, check for Windows updates to ensure you have the latest security patches and features.

Conclusion

You have successfully learned how to reset your PC in Windows 11. Resetting your PC can help resolve various issues and improve performance, providing a clean slate for your system. Whether you choose to keep your files or remove everything, this process ensures that your PC runs smoothly and efficiently.