How To Factory Reset On Windows 11

Factory Resetting your Operating System is the last resort to resolve severe system issues. You may need to reset your PC if you forget your login credentials.

A factory reset reverts your OS to the default state. It also removes all the unnecessary programs that affect system performance. So it’s a good idea to reset your PC regularly, especially if you install many applications.

In this guide, we have explained how you can reset Windows 11 along with the options you get.

How To Factory Reset Windows 11

It’s easy to factory reset Windows 11, and there are many ways of doing so. Pick one according to your preference. Also, make sure to keep a consistent power supply during the process. A power failure will stop the reset and roll back your system to the previous state.

Factory Reset Windows 11 From Settings

The usual way to factory reset your system is from Windows Settings app. Here’s how you can execute this method:

Press Win + I to open Settings and go to Recovery.
Click Reset PC besides Reset this PC.
You’ll get two choices: Keep my files and Remove everything.
The first one protects your user profile files while deleting everything else. And the second option removes even your user files.
Follow the on-screen instructions. The interface will also ask you to select between Local reinstall and Cloud download.
Local reinstall is faster, but Cloud download also includes the latest system updates. Pick one per your need.
On the final page, select Reset to start the factory reset.

Your PC will restart after a reset and prompt you to set the initial configuration.

Factory Reset Windows 11 From Windows Recovery Environment

Sometimes you may need to reset your system without logging in to your account. Fortunately, you can do so from the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE). Follow the steps below:

Go to Windows Recovery Environment. There are a few ways of doing so, such as:
- Press Shift while clicking Restart from the Start menu or on the login screen.
- Hard reset your PC three times by holding the Power button on your keyboard and booting it up again. The third boot will direct you to the Startup Repair screen. Click Advanced Options to access the WinRE.
Go to Troubleshoot > Reset this PC.
Follow the rest of the steps from the first method.

Factory Reset Windows 11 From Command Prompt

You can also use a simple command to perform a factory reset. It is a quick process, and you can use the command directly on Run or the Command Prompt. Here are the necessary steps to use the Command Prompt to factory reset Windows 11:

Open the Command Prompt. Enter cmd on Run (Win + R) to do so.
If you can’t log in to your account, load the WinRE and go to Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Command Prompt.
On the WinRE Command Prompt, enter cd C:\Windows\System32.
Then, on both CLIs, type systemreset -factoryreset and press Enter.

It will load the Reset this PC screen, and you can follow the remaining steps from the first method.

You can also factory reset your system while removing preinstalled apps as well. To do so, enter systemreset -cleanpc on the Command Prompt and follow the on-screen instructions.