How to factory reset a Windows 11 PC

2 min read · 7 steps · Updated 2 October 2026

Short answer

Back up your files, then open Settings, System, Recovery and click Reset PC. Choose Keep my files or Remove everything, pick Cloud download or Local reinstall and confirm. Keep the PC plugged in until it finishes.

A reset reinstalls Windows. It is the strongest fix for a PC that has become slow or unstable, and the right step before selling or giving the PC away.

These steps are for Windows 11. The pictures are simplified diagrams of the Settings window, not screenshots, so colours and spacing on your PC look a little different.

Step by step

  1. Back up what you need

    Copy documents, photos and anything else you want to keep to an external drive or to OneDrive. Do this even if you plan to keep your files.

  2. – ▢ ✕SettingsSystemBluetooth & devicesNetwork & internetPersonalisationAppsAccountsTime & languageWindows UpdateSystemDisplaySoundNotificationsStorageRecovery

    Open Settings, System, Recovery

    Press Windows + I, stay on System and click Recovery.

  3. – ▢ ✕SettingsSystemBluetooth & devicesNetwork & internetPersonalisationAppsAccountsTime & languageWindows UpdateRecoveryFix problems using Windows UpdateReset this PCAdvanced startup

    Click Reset PC

    It is under Recovery options, next to Reset this PC.

  4. Choose what to keep

    Keep my files reinstalls Windows and keeps your personal files, but removes your apps and settings. Remove everything deletes your files, apps and settings.

  5. Choose how to reinstall

    Cloud download fetches a fresh, up-to-date copy of Windows from Microsoft. Local reinstall uses the files already on the PC, which is quicker on a slow connection but may need more updates afterwards.

  6. Check the extra settings and confirm

    If you are giving the PC away, choose Remove everything and switch on Clean data, which erases the drive more thoroughly. Then click Reset.

  7. Leave it alone

    The PC restarts several times. Microsoft notes that the screen can stay black for a long time, up to 15 minutes or more. Do not switch it off, or the reset can fail.

Good to know

Keep a laptop on its charger for the whole reset.

If the drive is encrypted, have your BitLocker recovery key ready. You can find it in your Microsoft account online.

After Keep my files, your programs are gone and have to be installed again. Windows saves a list of the removed apps on the desktop.

Try milder fixes first if the PC is only slow: how to free up disk space on Windows 11.

In short: Back up, Settings, System, Recovery, Reset PC, choose what to keep, confirm.

Sources
  • Microsoft Support: Reset your PC

Rules and prices change. Check the official source before you act.