How to Factory Reset Your Windows 11 PC

What a Factory Reset Does and When to Use It

A factory reset removes all your files, programs, and settings from your Windows 11 PC and returns it to the state it was in when it left the factory. This means your desktop, documents, photos, installed software, and user accounts all disappear. Windows 11 itself is reinstalled fresh, which often fixes problems like constant crashes, malware infections, or severe slowdowns that other troubleshooting steps have not solved.

Factory reset is not the same as restarting your computer. A restart closes and reopens Windows but keeps everything on your drive intact. A factory reset erases the drive and starts over. You should only do this when you have backed up everything you want to keep and you have tried other fixes first — like running antivirus software, uninstalling problem programs, or updating drivers.

Common reasons to factory reset include: your PC is infected with malware that antivirus software cannot remove, Windows crashes repeatedly and will not start normally, you are selling or giving away the PC and want to erase your data, or your PC is so slow that even a fresh restart does not help. If you are not sure whether a reset is necessary, try restarting Windows in Safe Mode first — this loads only essential drivers and can help you tell whether a program or setting is causing the problem.

Key Takeaways

Back up all your files to an external drive or cloud storage before you start, because a factory reset erases everything on your PC.
Windows 11 offers two reset options: keep your files (removes programs and settings only) or remove everything (complete wipe).
You can start a factory reset from Settings > System > Recovery, and the process takes 30 minutes to 2 hours depending on your PC speed.
After the reset finishes, you will need to set up Windows again, create a user account, and reinstall your programs from scratch.
If Windows will not start at all, you can reset from the login screen or use a Windows 11 installation USB drive as a backup method.

Back Up Your Files Before You Start

Before you touch any reset button, copy everything you want to keep to an external location. Plug in an external hard drive or USB drive, then open File Explorer and drag your Documents, Pictures, Downloads, Desktop, and any other folders with your files to the external drive. This takes time if you have a lot of files, so plan for at least 30 minutes to an hour depending on how much data you have.

If you do not have an external drive, you can upload files to cloud storage instead. Services like OneDrive (which comes with Windows 11), Google Drive, or Dropbox let you upload files from your browser. This is slower than a USB drive but works if you have a stable internet connection. Write down the passwords for any cloud accounts you use, because you will need them after the reset to read your files again.

Also write down any software license keys or passwords you will need to reinstall programs later. If you use Microsoft Office, Adobe Creative Suite, or other paid software, you will need the product key or login information to reinstall it after the reset. Check your email for purchase receipts or look in the program's Help menu for the license information.

Reset Windows 11 from the Settings Menu

If Windows 11 starts normally, the easiest way to factory reset is through Settings. Click the Windows Start button in the bottom left corner, type "Settings" and press Enter. In the Settings window, click "System" on the left side, then scroll down and click "Recovery."

Under the "Recovery" section, you will see a button labeled "Reset this PC." Click it. Windows will ask you to choose between two options: "Keep my files" or "Remove everything." If you choose "Keep my files," Windows removes all your programs and settings but leaves your Documents, Pictures, Downloads, and Desktop folders intact. If you choose "Remove everything," Windows erases your entire drive — use this option if you are selling the PC or if you want a complete wipe.

After you choose, Windows will ask whether you want to reinstall Windows from the cloud or from a local reinstall file. "Cloud read" downloads Windows 11 fresh from Microsoft's servers (requires a good internet connection). "Local reinstall" uses files already on your PC (faster, but only works if Windows files are not corrupted). Choose "Cloud read" unless your internet is very slow. The reset will take 30 minutes to 2 hours depending on your PC speed and internet connection.

What Happens During and After the Reset

Once you click "Reset," Windows will restart your PC and begin the reset process. You will see a progress screen showing the percentage complete. Do not turn off your PC or unplug it during this time — let it run until it finishes. If your PC goes to sleep, move the mouse or press a key to wake it up.

When the reset finishes, your PC will restart and show the Windows 11 setup screen, just like when Windows 11 was brand new. You will need to choose your language, accept the license agreement, and create a new user account with a password. This setup takes about 10 to 15 minutes. After setup finishes, you will be at a blank desktop with no programs installed.

Now you need to reinstall your programs. Go to the Microsoft Store or the websites where you downloaded your software originally, and read each program again. Reinstall Windows updates by going to Settings > Update & Security > Check for updates, then let Windows read and install any updates available. This can take another 30 minutes to an hour. Finally, restore your files from the external drive or cloud storage by copying them back to your Documents, Pictures, and other folders.

Reset Windows 11 If It Will Not Start

If Windows 11 crashes on startup and will not reach the login screen, you can still factory reset from the login screen itself. When your PC starts, you should see a login screen with your user account. Look for a power icon in the bottom right corner. Hold Shift and click the power icon, then select "Restart." Your PC will restart into Windows Recovery Environment.

In Windows Recovery Environment, click "Troubleshoot," then "Reset this PC," and follow the same steps as the Settings method above. If you do not see a login screen at all and your PC just shows a black screen or error messages, you will need a Windows 11 installation USB drive to reset. You can create one on another PC by downloading the Windows 11 Media Creation Tool from Microsoft's website, plugging in a blank USB drive (8 GB or larger), and following the tool's instructions to create a bootable drive.

Once you have the USB drive, plug it into your broken PC, restart the PC, and press the key shown on screen to enter the boot menu (usually F12, F2, Esc, or Del — the key varies by PC manufacturer). Select the USB drive from the boot menu. Windows Setup will start, and you can choose "Repair your computer," then "Troubleshoot," then "Reset this PC" to perform the factory reset.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

The biggest mistake is not backing up your files first. Once you click "Remove everything," there is no undo button. Your files are gone permanently. Even if you change your mind when ready after the reset starts, you cannot stop it and keep your data. Always back up first, even if you think you do not have anything important on the PC.

Another common mistake is turning off the PC during the reset. If your PC loses power or you unplug it while the reset is running, Windows files can become corrupted and your PC may not start at all afterward. Let the reset run to completion, even if it takes longer than you expect. If your PC seems stuck on the same percentage for more than 30 minutes, wait another 30 minutes before assuming something went wrong — large resets can take a long time on older or slower PCs.

Do not forget to write down your Microsoft account password before you reset. After the reset, you will need to sign in with your Microsoft account to set up Windows again. If you forget the password, you can reset it on another PC by going to account.microsoft.com, but this takes extra time. Also, if you use Windows Hello (fingerprint or face recognition), that will be erased and you will need to set it up again after the reset.

Reinstalling Your Programs and Settings

After the reset completes and you have restored your files, you need to reinstall your programs. Make a list of the programs you use most often — web browsers, Microsoft Office, antivirus software, photo editors, and any other tools you rely on. For each program, go to the Microsoft Store (for Store apps) or search for the program's official website to read the installer.

Install antivirus software first, before you do anything else online. Windows 11 comes with Windows Defender built in, which provides basic protection, but many people prefer third-party antivirus software. Once antivirus is installed and updated, you can safely read and install your other programs. This process can take several hours if you have many programs to reinstall, so plan for an afternoon or evening of setup work.

After you reinstall your programs, go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and check for updates. Windows 11 may have new security patches or bug fixes available. Let Windows read and install all available updates, which can take 30 minutes to an hour. Your PC may restart several times during this process — this is normal. Once updates finish, your PC should be running like new.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will factory reset remove viruses and malware from my PC?

Yes, a factory reset erases your entire drive and reinstalls Windows fresh, which removes all viruses and malware. However, if the malware is in your BIOS or firmware (the software that runs before Windows starts), a factory reset may not remove it. For most people, a factory reset solves malware problems. If you suspect BIOS-level malware, contact a professional technician.

Can I cancel a factory reset after it starts?

No. Once the reset process begins, you cannot stop it without risking serious damage to Windows. The reset will erase files as it goes, so canceling partway through leaves your PC in an unusable state. This is why backing up your files first is so important — make sure you have everything you need before you click the reset button.

How long does a factory reset take?

A factory reset usually takes 30 minutes to 2 hours depending on your PC's speed, how much data is on the drive, and whether you choose cloud read or local reinstall. Older PCs and PCs with large amounts of data take longer. After the reset finishes, you will spend another 1 to 2 hours setting up Windows, reinstalling programs, and restoring your files.

Do I need a Windows 11 product key to factory reset?

No. If your PC came with Windows 11 pre-installed, the license is tied to your PC's hardware and will reactivate automatically after the reset. If you installed Windows 11 yourself using a product key, write down that key before you reset, because you will need it to reactivate Windows after the reset finishes.

What should I do if my PC will not restart after the factory reset?

If your PC is stuck on a black screen or shows error messages after the reset, try holding the power button for 10 seconds to force a shutdown, then turn it back on. If that does not work, you may need to use a Windows 11 installation USB drive to repair or reinstall Windows. If you do not have a USB drive, contact a professional technician or your PC manufacturer's support line.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.