You should take a few precautionary steps before the reset options you choose wipe your data.

Use this method if you’re able to boot into Windows without problems.

OpenStart>parameters>System>Recovery.

Windows 11 Settings screen with Recovery highlighted.

Under theRecovery optionsheading, selectReset PC.

Remove everything: This nuclear option removes everything, including your personal files and all installed apps.

Choosing either option takes you to a screen that gives you the choice over the reinstalling.

Windows 11 System setting in the Recovery pane with Reset PC highlighted.

This option will also give you a fresh image of Windows 11 if your local recovery image is damaged.

Additional settingssummarizes the reinstallation prefs chosen.

SelectChange settingsfor the option to delete all your files and clean the drive, too.

Choose an option in the Windows 11 Recovery to reset your PC

Cleaning the drive can take hours but is more secure as it overwrites the data on the disks.

The tweaks screen lets you choose between reinstalling both Windows and its stock apps.

TheDownload and reinstall Windowsoption is a clean install.

Reinstall with a Windows 11 download

SelectConfirmto go back to the Additional prefs screen.

SelectNext>Resetto begin the process.

A progress indicator will indicate that the process has begun.

Windows 11 reset to factory settings summary screen

Usually, you could expect anything between 15-45 minutes to elapse.

There are several ways toaccess Advanced Startup Options, but one method is through the sign-in screen.

From there on, the steps are the same as Reset this PC from configs.

Change settings highlighted in the Windows 11 reset to factory settings summary screen.

kick off the sign-in screen using the keyboard shortcutWin+L.

Then press the Shift key while selectingPowerbutton >Restart.

Select whether you want to keep your personal files or remove everything.

Reset this PC Change settings

Then, follow the same instructions as in the earlier section to complete the reset process.

you might also factory reset a Windows 11 computer with a bootable recovery drive.

Alwayscreate a Windows 11 bootable driveif you don’t have one.

The Confirm button highlighted in the Reset this PC screen.

you’re able to use this to boot into your PC and clean install Windows.

This choice won’t allow you to keep your personal files and folders.

FAQ

The same steps above will reset a laptop running Windows 11, regardless of manufacturer.

The Next button highlighted in the Windows 11 reset to factory settings summary screen.

Go toStart>controls>System>Recovery>Reset PC.

The Reset menu option highlighted in the Windows 11 Login Screen.