Usually, when you're about to sell your device, you’ll need to factory reset it—which basically means bringing it back to the state it was in when it first came fresh out of the box. People do this for a bunch of reasons, but selling is one of the most common. You want the new owner to get a clean slate, like it’s brand new. Sometimes people also reset their device when it starts acting up or becomes laggy—like when nothing’s helping and you just need to start over. So, if your Windows 11 is slowing down and you’re thinking about a reset for whatever reason, this article will walk you through how to factory reset Windows 11 step by step.
How to Factory Reset Windows 11 via Settings
Ever so often, your system may slow down or be affected by malware, meaning it might be operating under less-than-ideal conditions, even though it still boots up properly. If your device functions well enough to allow access to Windows settings, you can quickly resolve these issues by performing a factory reset Windows 11 using the built-in Recovery option. To proceed with this method, simply follow these steps:
Step 1: The Recovery option is available within Windows settings, so press "Windows + I" to open Windows settings.
Step 2: In Windows settings, scroll down and click on the "Recovery" option.
Step 3: Under the Reset this PC section, click on the “Reset PC” button.
Step 4: A new window will open. Choose one of the two options:
Keep my files: Removes apps and settings, but keeps your personal files.
Remove everything: Removes all apps, settings, and personal files.
Tip: Ensure that you backup your important files before proceeding with either option to safeguard your work.
Step 5: On the next screen, choose where you want to reinstall Windows from.
Cloud download: Downloads and installs the latest version of Windows 11.
Local reinstall: Uses files already on your device to reinstall the current version.
Note: A cloud download resets your PC and reinstalls the latest version of Windows 11, while a local reinstall simply resets and reinstalls the current version of Windows 11.
Step 6: A summary of your reset options will be displayed, allowing you to cross-check your selections. Click "Next" to proceed.
Step 7: Microsoft will show you the final status before you click the "Reset" button to begin the process.
Tip: You can click on the "View apps that will be removed" option to see which apps will be uninstalled during the reset. Make a note of them if you plan to reinstall these apps later.
Step 8: Your reset will start and may take up to 20–30 minutes to complete or even longer, depending on your system.
Once the reset is complete, your system will restart, and Windows 11 will begin reinstalling according to your chosen settings. The process may take some time, but it's a great way to refresh your system if it's been bogged down by performance issues or malware.
This reset gives you a fresh start while still allowing you to keep your personal files if desired. Be sure to back up important files beforehand and, if needed, make a note of the apps that will be removed. I recommend using a cloud service like WPS Cloud for your backups to ensure your documents are safe before you proceed with the reset.
How to Factory Reset Windows 11 from Boot
Another effective approach comes into play when Windows 11 fails to load and you're unable to access your system. In such instances, resetting your PC from boot is the go-to method. This approach allows you to perform a clean Install Windows 11, wiping out any corrupted system files and restoring your system to a fresh state. This clean installation resolves boot-up issues and ensures your system is set up securely and reliably.
Step 1: The first step is to enter the Windows Recovery Environment. To do this, you can press the “F11” key or the manufacturer-specific key when you start your PC.
Step 2: Once you’re in the Windows Recovery Environment, click on the “Troubleshoot” option to access the reset settings.
Step 3: The “Reset this PC” option will be available in the Troubleshoot window. Click on it to proceed.
Step 4: On the next screen, you’ll be asked if you want to keep your personal files or remove everything. Choose your preferred option to continue.
Step 5: Next, select your reinstallation method: Local reinstall or Cloud download.
Note: Cloud download will update your Windows 11 to the latest version available and requires an internet connection for reinstallation.
Step 6: Now, review your reset settings and click on the “Reset” button to begin resetting your Windows 11.
This approach is highly useful when you've lost access to your system because Windows fails to load. At first, I found this method a bit confusing, as the way to enter the Windows Recovery Environment can differ depending on the manufacturer. However, once you're in the Recovery Environment, the process is straightforward and easy to follow. For some devices, you may need a USB recovery drive, so keep that in mind if you run into any issues.
How to Factory Reset Windows 11 Using Installation Media
In this next approach, I'll guide you step-by-step on how to factory reset Windows 11 without a password using Installation Media. This method allows you to install a fresh, clean copy of Windows 11 on your PC by completely erasing the hard drive and applying a new version of the operating system. This method is ideal for removing stubborn malware and restoring your system to optimal performance.
Step 1: First, let’s head over to the official Microsoft website. Scroll down to the “Create Windows 11 installation media” option and click on "Download Now." This will download the Media Creation Tool for Windows 11.
Step 2: Next, run the Media Creation Tool that we just downloaded to create the Windows 11 installation media. Double-click to open the Media Creation Tool.
Step 3: In the Media Creation Tool, you’ll need to accept the terms by clicking on “Accept”.
Step 4: On the next screen, select the language for your Windows 11 installation, and then click "Next".
Step 5: After that, select where you want to create your installation media and then click "Next".
Step 6: Once the installation media is created, restart your PC.
Step 7: When your PC restarts, make sure to boot from your USB media. To do this, typically press the “F2” key or the “Escape” key to bring up the boot options when your system is restarting.
Step 8: In the boot options, select the "USB1" option to reset your Windows using the Windows Media Creation Tool.
Step 9: Once you boot from your USB media, this will launch the setup process. Simply select your language and other preferences, then click "Next" to continue.
Step 10: On the next screen, click on the "Install Now" button.
Step 11: For a fresh installation, choose the "Custom" option to select the partitions for the installation.
Step 12: On the next screen, click on the "Delete" option to delete all the partitions and start with a fresh Windows 11 installation.
Step 13: Once all the partitions are removed, click the "Next" button to start reinstalling Windows 11 on your PC.
Reinstallation may take some time, and once completed, you'll be welcomed to a fresh new Windows 11 experience, where you'll need to go through the entire setup process again. Although this approach is a bit more lengthy, it allows you to clean up your system entirely and ensures your system is free from any malware.
WPS Office – Your Productivity Companion Post-Reset
If your device isn’t designed for heavy-duty software, there's no need to push it to its limits. Take Microsoft Office for example: it’s reliable but can be costly and resource-intensive. If your system is already underperforming or you’ve just completed a factory reset, opting for something lighter is a smarter choice. That’s where WPS Office comes in. While it’s often viewed as a lighter alternative to Microsoft Office, it proves to be just as capable.
Here’s why WPS Office stands out:
Compatibility: WPS Office works seamlessly with Windows 11, even after a system reset, ensuring no compatibility issues.
Cloud Sync: You can quickly restore all your documents via WPS Cloud after an OS reinstallation, making recovery effortless.
Free Alternative: With no subscription fees, WPS Office is a cost-effective solution for both students and professionals looking for reliable office software.
Familiar Interface: The easy transition from Microsoft Office is made even smoother with AI-powered tools and templates that enhance productivity.
I switched to WPS after resetting my laptop, and the one-click template library alone saved me so much time; it was a lifesaver. No stress, no redoing everything from scratch. If you’re someone who wants things to just work without draining your system, WPS Office is a choice worth considering.
FAQs
1. Will Factory Resetting Windows 11 Delete My Installed Apps?
Yes, if you do a full factory reset, it will delete your installed apps, files, and settings. But you can avoid this by choosing the right reset option. Here’s how to reset without losing your apps, files, and settings:
Step 1: Open the Settings app by either pressing the Windows key + I on your keyboard or clicking the Start menu and selecting Settings.
Step 2: Open “System” and navigate to “Recovery”.
Step 3: Under Recovery, select “Reset PC”.
Step 4: Choose “Keep my files” when asked.
Step 5: Follow the instructions shown on screen.
This method keeps your personal files and some pre-installed apps but may still remove apps you added yourself and any settings you changed.
2. How to Back Up Files Before Resetting?
Before resetting your device, it's important to back up your files. Here's a simple step-by-step guide on how to use WPS Cloud for backup:
Step 1: Install WPS Office and log into your account.
Step 2: Open WPS Office and go to "My Cloud".
Step 3: Save your files to WPS Cloud by choosing "Save" or uploading multiple files.
Step 4: Check that your files are uploaded to WPS Cloud.
Step 5: Reset your device.
Step 6: Reinstall WPS Office, log in, and download your files from WPS Cloud.
Reboot Windows with WPS by Your Side
Resetting your entire Windows setup means you’re basically wiping the slate clean, you’re starting everything from scratch. And yes, that also means you could lose valuable documents, files, or settings if you haven’t backed them up properly. So before you even think about hitting that reset button, make sure everything important is saved somewhere safe.
One thing that really comes in handy during all this is WPS Office. Not only is it light and super easy to reinstall post-reset, but thanks to WPS Cloud, you can get your documents back in seconds without any extra hassle. It saves you from the panic of thinking you lost everything, and once you're back up and running, you’ve still got all your spreadsheets, docs, and presentations exactly where you left them.
