How To Reset Windows 11 To Factory Settings

Over time, your Windows 11 system may become cluttered with unnecessary files, apps, or settings that slow down performance. Resetting your computer to factory settings can help resolve performance issues, software glitches, or other system problems. A factory reset essentially restores your computer to its original, clean state by removing installed programs and custom settings, giving you a fresh start. Whether you're looking to improve system performance, resolve errors, or prepare your computer for resale, a reset is an effective solution.

In this detailed guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about resetting Windows 11 to factory settings, including:

1. Why Reset Windows 11 to Factory Settings?

2. Backup Your Data Before Resetting

3. Understanding the Reset Options in Windows 11

4. How to Reset Windows 11 Using Settings

5. Resetting Windows 11 Using Advanced Startup

6. Resetting via Installation Media

7. What Happens After the Reset?

8. Conclusion

 Why Reset Windows 11 to Factory Settings?

Resetting Windows 11 to factory settings can be necessary for various reasons:

1.Performance Issues: Over time, your system may slow down due to accumulated software, files, or corrupt system files. A reset removes everything and helps restore performance.

2.Malware or Security Problems: If your PC has been infected with malware or you’re experiencing serious security issues, resetting can eliminate these threats.

3.System Error: Unresolvable system errors or software conflicts might require a reset to fix.

4.Selling or Donating Your PC: If you plan to sell or donate your device, performing a factory reset ensures that all your personal data is wiped from the system.

5.Starting Fresh: A reset provides a clean slate, allowing you to start fresh without the clutter of old files or applications.

Before you proceed, it's crucial to understand the implications of resetting your PC, as it will remove most installed programs and files. Therefore, you should always back up your data before proceeding with a reset.

 Backup Your Data Before Resetting

Resetting your Windows 11 PC will remove all your installed applications and personal files, so it’s essential to back up your important data before proceeding. If you don’t back up your files, you may lose valuable data permanently.

How to Back Up Your Data:

1. OneDrive: Windows 11 comes with built-in OneDrive support, which allows you to back up your files to the cloud. Open OneDrive from the taskbar, sign in with your Microsoft account, and select the files and folders you want to back up.

2. External Drive: You can use an external hard drive or USB drive to manually back up your data. Connect the drive to your PC, open File Explorer, and drag and drop the files you want to save.

3. Third-Party Backup Software: There are several third-party backup tools that offer advanced options for safeguarding your files. Programs like Acronis True Image or Macrium Reflect allow you to create full system images before a reset.

Once your files are safely backed up, you can proceed with the factory reset.

 Understanding the Reset Options in Windows 11

Windows 11 offers two primary reset options, which allow you to either keep your files or remove everything:

1.Keep my files: This option reinstalls Windows 11 but keeps your personal files (such as documents, pictures, and music) intact. However, it will remove all your installed apps and reset system settings.

2.Remove everything: This option performs a complete factory reset. It removes all personal files, apps, and settings, leaving the computer in the state it was in when you first set it up.

Depending on your goal, you can choose the option that best fits your needs. If you're preparing your device for resale or want to thoroughly clean your system, the "Remove everything" option is more appropriate.

How to Reset Windows 11 Using Settings

The most straightforward way to reset your Windows 11 PC to factory settings is through the Settings app. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Open Settings: Click the Start button and select Settings, or press Windows + I on your keyboard.

2. Go to System: In the Settings window, click on System from the left-hand menu.

3. Select Recovery: Scroll down and click on Recovery.

4. Reset This PC: Under the Recovery options, you'll see the Reset this PC option. Click the Reset PC button.

5. Choose an Option: You’ll be given two choices:

• Keep my files: This option keeps your personal files but removes apps and settings.
• Remove everything: This removes all personal files, apps, and settings.

6. Select Reinstall Method: Next, choose how you want to reinstall Windows:

•  Cloud download: Downloads and reinstalls Windows 11 from the cloud. This requires an active internet connection.
• Local reinstall: Reinstalls Windows from files already on your computer. This option is faster if you don’t have a stable internet connection.

7. Final Confirmation: After selecting your preferred method, Windows will show a summary of your reset. Click Reset to confirm, and your computer will restart.

The process may take some time, depending on your selected options and the speed of your computer. Once completed, Windows will be reinstalled, and your system will be reset.

Resetting Windows 11 Using Advanced Startup

If your system isn’t booting properly, or you can’t access the Settings menu, you can reset your PC using the Advanced Startup options. This method allows you to reset your computer directly from the recovery environment.

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Open Advanced Startup: Hold down the Shift key while clicking Restart from the Start Menu. This will take you to the Advanced Startup screen.

2. Select Troubleshoot: From the Advanced Startup options, select Troubleshoot.

3. Reset This PC: Click on Reset this PC.

4. Choose Reset Options: As in the Settings method, you’ll be asked to choose between Keep my files* or Remove everything.

5. Reinstall Options: Select Cloud download or Local reinstall for the reinstall process.

6. Confirm and Reset: Confirm your reset choices, and Windows 11 will start the reset process.

This method is useful if your system encounters problems during boot or is otherwise unresponsive.

Resetting via Installation Media

If both the Settings app and Advanced Startup methods fail, or if your system is severely compromised, you can reset Windows 11 using installation media. This process involves creating a bootable USB drive or DVD with the Windows 11 installation files.

 Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Create Installation Media: 

• Download the Windows 11 Installation Media Too from Microsoft’s website.
• Use the tool to create a bootable USB drive or DVD with the Windows 11 installation files.

2. Boot from Installation Media: 

• Insert the bootable USB or DVD into your PC and restart it.
• Press the necessary key (usually F2, F12, Esc, or Del) to enter the BIOS and select your boot device.

3. Select Repair Your Computer: On the Windows Setup screen, select Repair your computer instead of Install.

4. Reset This PC: Follow the on-screen instructions to access Reset this PC, and then choose whether to keep your files or remove everything.

5. Reinstall Windows: Once you confirm your options, the reset process will begin, and Windows 11 will be reinstalled from the installation media.

What Happens After the Reset?

Once your PC finishes the reset process, Windows 11 will be reinstalled, and your system will start as if it were brand new. If you selected the Keep my files option, your personal files will still be present, but all apps and settings will be removed. If you chose Remove everything, your PC will be restored to factory settings with none of your personal files, apps, or settings remaining.

What You Should Do After a Reset

1. Restore Backed-Up Data: If you backed up your files before the reset, now is the time to restore them from OneDrive, an external drive, or any other backup method you used.

2. Reinstall Programs: You'll need to reinstall any programs that were removed during the reset process. Make sure to have your installation files and license keys handy.

3. Configure System Settings: Go through your system settings and personalize them to your preferences. This includes setting up Wi-Fi, installing drivers, and configuring display settings.

 Conclusion

Resetting Windows 11 to factory settings is an effective way to resolve performance issues, system errors, or to prepare your computer for resale. The process is straightforward, but it’s essential to back up your data before proceeding, as a reset will remove your apps and settings. With options like resetting through the Settings app, Advanced Startup, or installation media, you have flexibility in how you choose to reset your PC.

Whether you opt to Keep my files or Remove everything, a reset ensures that your system starts fresh, free of clutter or software issues.