Overview – Factory Reset Windows 11
Factory Resetting Windows is basically reformatting windows or uninstalling the troublesome version of windows as well as the third-party applications and replacing it with a fresh copy of Windows.
When you are overstressed and suffering from a lot of mental tension, then there is a possibility that you might get sick as your need brain detox, usually by sleeping. A similar situation is faced by windows PC when a lot of corrupted files, system changes, or malware stacks up in the system, the windows needs a Factory Reset.
Hopefully, you are able to co-relate.
By the end of this article, you’ll be able to reset laptop or computer to factory settings on Windows 11:
Should I Reset the PC?
Why you should not Reset PC
- Resetting Windows is time-consuming.
- 3rd Party Applications are removed.
- Repeated Resets may lead to Windows Infinite Reboot Loop.
Why you should Reset PC
- Severe Ransomware Attack on PC.
- The system is completely hacked.
- Too many corrupted Files accumulated on PC.
- Major speed issues even after trying various methods to fix Windows performance.
Important Tips
BACKUP DATA
It is necessary to backup data before performing a PC Reset as all the 3rd party apps will be deleted after resetting the PC. You can use the following sources to backup data:
- Flash drives to store Videos, Files, Applications Setup, and Other Documents.
- Google Photos to Backup Photos.
- OS Image.
CREATE RESTORE POINT
By mistake if your PC gets shut down while resetting the PC, there are high chances that the Windows might get corrupt, so to overcome the scenario, you need to create a restore point so you can restore the windows in the previous stable state through safe mode.
Read More: How to Create Restore Point in Windows 11.
PLUG-IN THE PC
Since resetting the PC takes a lot of time, it is better to plug in the charger even if your laptop has a long battery backup. In case you are using a computer, plug it in the UPS and make sure that the UPS can offer a backup for a long time.
LICENSE KEY
Each Windows user is given a special license key that can be used only once. It is mandatory to backup the windows license key before resetting the PC as the key is a data string that is given to an authorized buyer to activate the software. You can follow our Article to Backup License Key safely.
Read More: How To Check Your License Key in Windows 11.
Method #1: Using Windows Settings
If your PC is literally screwed up and not turning on the Windows Sign-In Screen, then I would recommend you to Reset Windows in Safe Mode.
Step #1: Open the Windows Settings from the Start menu.
Step #2: Select the “System” option from the left sidebar and click the “Recovery” option.
Step #3: Click the “Reset PC” button under the recovery options section
Step #4: The “Keep my Files” option will remove the installed apps and settings but keep your saved files. The “Remove everything” will remove all the saved files as well as the installed apps and settings. It will take longer but will be much deeper. Depending on your preference, select any one of the options.
Step #5: After selecting the desired option, you will find two more options. The “Cloud Download” option will download the fresh windows 10 version from the internet which will consume data. The “Local Reinstall” option will reinstall the same version of windows. If you are unsure, you can select the “Help me choose” option for more assistance.
Step #6: Click the “Next” button and press the “Reset” button and the process of resetting Windows will initiate.
Method #2: Using Media Creation Tool
If your PC is facing some technical issues and the method above doesn’t work, then you can Reset Windows by using the Microsoft Creation Tool, also called Microsoft Scrub Tool.
Step #1: Download Media Creation Tool from Microsoft’s official website (Create Windows 11 installation media).
Step #2: Read and Accept the Software License Terms.
Step #3: Check the “Use the recommended options for this PC” option and click the “Next” button.
Step #4: Choose the “USB Flash Drive” option and click the “Next” button.
Step #5: Connect your USB with at least 8GB of free space, select the USB drive in which you want to install the copy of Windows, and click the “Next” button.
Step #6: Wait until the fresh copy of Windows is installed. Once completed, simply use the device using UEFI or Legacy Boot with the USB drive to re-install Windows 11.
Install Windows 11 from USB Drive
Step #1: Download and Run Rufus software from the official website.
Step #2: Insert a pre-formatted USB Drive with a minimum of 8GB free storage.
Step #3: Choose the USB Drive from the dropdown menu.
Step #4: Set the file system as “NTFS”, and partition scheme as “MBR” from the dropdown menu.
Step #5: Click the “Select” button on the right side and choose the ISO file.
Step #6: Click the “Start” button and wait until the ISO file is completed burning into the USB drive.
Step #7: Keep the USB drive plugged in and restart the device.
Step #8: Before the Windows logo appears during the restart, keep holding the F8 or F12 key to enter the safe mode.
Step #9: Choose the USB drive in which Windows 11 ISO file is kept and configure the ISO file settings depending on your requirements.
Pros of Windows Reset
DEFAULT PREFERENCES
Once we reset the PC, the settings and registry preferences are reinstalled to their default values, like, when you buy a new PC. However, it will not reset bios settings to default and will not amend bios firmware as well.
MEMORY CONSUMPTION
Once we reset the windows PC, all the apps will be removed, thus freeing up the unnecessary RAM consumption.
FREE UP STORAGE
Once we reset the PC, all the apps and programs are removed, thus freeing up storage in the PC.
Cons of Windows Reset
APPS DELETION
No matter which option you choose, ‘Keep my files’ or ‘Remove everything’, all the apps and programs will be deleted permanently.
LICENSE KEY REINSTALLATION
It is common that people reset their PC and forget to back up or note the existing license key, and sometimes end up spending more money to purchase another license key.
FAQs Related to Windows Reset
When to use the Keep my files option while resetting the PC?
The Keep my files option is recommended if your PC is running slow due to Apps crashes, windows updates issues, bluescreen errors, or malware.
When to use the Remove Everything option while resetting the PC?
It is recommended to use the Remove everything option if you are selling or donating your PC. Also, if you have already done reset selecting the Keep my files option but the problem persists.
Does Windows Reset fix driver issues?
Yes, Resetting PC will reinstall the fresh version of windows along with the Windows Drivers. However, you may need to install some optional drivers manually.
Does resetting PC remove Windows Updates?
No, resetting the PC will only reinstall a fresh version of Windows. However, it will remove all the installed apps. The windows updates previously installed will be preserved and not discarded. Once the fresh version of Windows is re-installed, you’ll need to install some more updates depending on the version of Windows.
Next Steps
We’ve covered how to reset the PC operating on Windows 11.
Apart from the reasons stated above, avoid resetting your windows unless you’ve compelling reason to do so. Also, if you have a critical requirement and no other alternative, go ahead and do so, but make sure to proceed only after creating a backup otherwise you may end up losing your important files and documents.
Instead of resetting the device completely, you may try the following methods as they might help solve problems on your version of Windows:
Further, customize your Windows by following the related articles below.
Related Articles
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Improve your computer’s performance by disabling the visual effects and animations on Windows 11.
Pause Updates in Windows 11
Improve your device’s performance by stopping the Windows updates permanently or temporarily depending on your requirements.
Manage DHCP Server on Windows
Increase your internet connectivity depending on your geographical location by configuring the Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol settings.
