How to Factory Reset Windows 11 From Settings, Boot, or When Locked Out

Key Takeaways:

• Resetting Windows 11 can resolve system issues like slow performance or malware infections for a fresh start.
• You can choose to keep personal files or remove everything during the reset process.
• Back up important files, note app licenses, and connect to power and the internet before resetting.
• To reset Windows 11, go to Settings → System → Recovery → Reset this PC, then choose “Keep my files” or “Remove everything” and follow the instructions.
• After resetting, complete the initial setup, run Windows Update, install necessary drivers, and restore your files.

Resetting Windows 11 is one of the most effective ways to fix persistent system problems, from slow performance and frequent crashes to malware infections and software conflicts. Instead of spending hours troubleshooting individual issues, a reset allows you to restore your system to a clean, stable state. If your PC is slow, full of errors, infected with malware, or you want to sell it, resetting Windows 11 can give you a fresh start. Windows 11 offers different reset options, including keeping your personal files or removing everything completely.

In this article, you’ll learn what “reset” and “factory reset” mean in Windows 11 and how to reset Windows 11 without losing data.

A reset gives your PC a fresh start and eliminates most software-related problems instantly.

What Does “Reset Windows 11” Actually Do?

Microsoft describes, the Reset this PC in Windows 11 reinstalls Windows and gives you a clean system. Depending on the option you choose, it can:

• Keep your personal files (Documents, Pictures, Desktop, etc.)
• Remove everything (apps, settings, and files) – this is closer to a factory reset

During the reset, Windows 11 will:

• Remove installed apps and drivers
• Reset system settings
• Reinstall a fresh copy of Windows

It’s one of the best ways to fix stubborn software problems without needing technical skills.

Important: A reset does not always fully wipe data for forensic recovery. If you’re selling or giving away your PC, always choose Remove everything and use the cloud download or full clean options where available.

Before You Reset Windows 11: Do This First

Before you start any Windows 11 reset, follow these steps:

1. Back up important files
   • Copy documents, photos, videos, and work files to:
     • An external hard drive/USB
     • OneDrive, Google Drive, or another cloud service
2. Note your app licenses and passwords
   • Save product keys (e.g., MS Office, paid software)
   • Make sure you know your Microsoft account email and password
3. Connect to power and internet
   • Plug in a laptop to avoid shutdown mid‑reset
   • Stable internet is recommended for Cloud download
4. Unplug unnecessary USB devices
   • Remove external drives and USB devices you don’t need during reset

Method 1: How to Reset Windows 11 Without Losing Data (Keep My Files)

If Windows still boots, and you just want to fix problems while keeping your personal files, use this method.

Steps: Reset Windows 11 Without Losing Data

• Open Settings: Click Start > Settings (gear icon), or press Windows key + I.
• Go to System > Recovery. Under Recovery options, find Reset this PC and click Reset PC
• Choose Keep my files
  • This option:
    • Keeps your personal files (in your user folders)
    • Removes apps, drivers, and settings

• Choose how to reinstall Windows
  • Cloud download
    • Downloads a fresh copy of Windows 11 from Microsoft
    • Needs a good internet connection
  • Local reinstall
    • Reinstalls Windows 11 from files already on your PC
    • Faster, no internet needed

• Review the reset summary
  • Click Next if everything looks correct

• Click Reset
  • Your PC will restart and begin the reset process
  • This can take 30 minutes to a few hours

After the reset, you’ll see the Windows 11 setup screens. Your files in your user folders should still be there, but apps will need to be reinstalled.

This may take around 15-30 minutes, depending on your system configuration, and your system may restart several times. Wait and let it complete (don’t interrupt the process, it may cause a serious issue).

Method 2: How to Factory Reset Windows 11 From Settings (Remove Everything)

Use this method if you:

• Plan to sell, donate, or give away your PC
• Want a completely fresh Windows 11 install
• Have serious system issues or malware

Steps: How to Factory Reset Windows 11 from Settings

1. Open Settings, Press Windows key + I.
2. Go to System > Recovery
3. Under Reset this PC, click Reset PC
4. Choose Remove everything
   • This will:
     • Remove all personal files
     • Remove all apps and drivers
     • Reset all settings
5. Choose reinstall method
   • Cloud download – recommended for most users
     • Installs a completely fresh copy of Windows 11
   • Local reinstall – faster if your system files are healthy
6. Optional: Change additional settings (if offered)
   • On some devices you can:
     • Clean data (slower, better if selling PC)
     • Remove files only (faster, less secure)
7. Confirm and start
   • Click Next, then Reset

Your computer will restart and go through the factory reset process. When it’s done, you’ll see the out‑of‑box experience (OOBE) as if the PC is brand new.

Method 3: How to Reset Windows 11 From Boot (Advanced Startup)

Use this method if:

• Windows 11 won’t start properly
• You keep going into automatic repair
• Settings won’t open

Steps: Open Advanced Startup

If you can’t boot normally, try:

• Turn on your PC and as soon as Windows starts loading, hold the power button to force shutdown.
• Repeat this 2–3 times. Windows should show Automatic Repair and then Advanced options.

Or, if you can reach the sign‑in screen:

1. Click the Power icon (bottom right)
2. Hold Shift and click Restart

Steps: Reset Windows 11 from Boot

1. On the Choose an option screen, click Troubleshoot
2. Click Reset this PC
3. Choose Keep my files or Remove everything
4. Choose Cloud download or Local reinstall
5. Follow the on‑screen instructions and click Reset

Windows will reboot and start the reset process from the recovery environment.

Method 4: How to Reset Windows 11 When Locked Out

If you forgot your password or PIN but want to reset Windows 11 when locked out, you can still use the Advanced Startup menu.

Option 1: Using the Sign‑In Screen

1. On the lock/sign‑in screen, click the Power icon
2. Hold Shift and click Restart
3. Your PC will boot into Advanced startup
4. Go to Troubleshoot > Reset this PC
5. Choose Remove everything (usually best in this situation)
6. Choose Cloud download or Local reinstall
7. Click Reset

This will remove your data and apps, so make sure you’re okay with losing everything on the PC.

Option 2: Using a Windows 11 Installation USB

If the above doesn’t work, you can:

• Create a Windows 11 installation USB from another PC using the Media Creation Tool from Microsoft
• Plug the USB into the locked PC
• Boot from the USB (you may need to press F2, F12, ESC, or DEL to open the boot menu)
• On the Windows Setup screen, click Next > Repair your computer (bottom left)

• Go to Troubleshoot > Reset this PC
• Choose your reset options and start the reset

Method 5: How to Reset Windows 11 Using Command Prompt

Advanced users or technicians sometimes prefer to reset Windows 11 using Command Prompt from the recovery environment.

Warning: This is more technical. Use the Settings method if you’re not comfortable with commands.

Steps: Use Command Prompt to Reset Windows 11

1. Go to Advanced startup
   • From Windows: Settings > System > Recovery > Advanced startup > Restart now
   • Or from boot: use the force‑shutdown method or a Windows USB, then go to Repair your computer
2. Click Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Command Prompt
3. In Command Prompt, you can run reset commands, for example using systemreset:
   • To open the standard Reset this PC interface (if supported in that environment): systemreset
   • Or to open it directly in factory reset mode: systemreset -factoryreset
4. Follow the on‑screen instructions
   • Choose Keep my files or Remove everything
   • Choose Cloud download or Local reinstall

If systemreset doesn’t work in your environment, you may need to rely on the graphical Reset this PC option under Troubleshoot instead.

After You Reset Windows 11: Essential Setup Steps

Once you complete the Windows 11 reset, do these things to keep your PC fast and secure:

1. Complete the initial setup
   • Connect to Wi‑Fi
   • Sign in with your Microsoft account
2. Run Windows Update
   • Go to Settings > Windows Update
   • Click Check for updates and install all important updates
3. Install drivers (if needed)
   • Many drivers install automatically
   • You can also visit your PC or motherboard manufacturer’s website
4. Reinstall your apps
   • Browsers (Chrome, Edge, Firefox)
   • Office tools, antivirus, and other essentials
5. Restore your files from backup
   • Copy files back from external drives or cloud storage

Conclusion

Resetting Windows 11 is one of the most powerful ways to fix performance issues, system errors, and software conflicts.

Whether you choose to keep your files or remove everything, the key takeaway is simple:

👉 A reset gives your PC a fresh start and instantly eliminates most software-related problems.

If your system still has issues after resetting, it may indicate hardware problems or require a clean installation.

Frequently Asked Questions