How Do I Clear My Computer Back To Factory Settings

On Windows eleven, if yous accept been using the aforementioned setup for a long fourth dimension or are experiencing issues with the reckoner, you lot can use the "Reset this PC" feature to revert the system to factory default settings to resolve most mutual bug and improve operation.

The "Reset this PC" feature has been available since Windows 10, and on Windows 11, it also allows yous to reinstall Windows with multiple options. For example, you have an option to restore the mill settings keeping your settings and files, and there is another option to remove everything to help resolve issues starting upwardly or shutting down, excessive memory usage, performance running apps, battery draining apace, or getting rid off a tough malware.

The feature even offers an option to use the original image instead of a custom manufacturer recovery epitome that may contain unwanted bloatware and configurations.

In this Windows 11 guide, we'll walk you through three different methods to reset your computer to its manufactory settings without your files or erasing everything.

How to factory reset Windows 11 preserving files
How to factory reset Windows 11 ereasing everything

How to mill reset Windows 11 preserving files

To reset a Windows xi laptop or desktop to its mill default settings without losing the files, use these steps:

Open Settings.
Click on System.
Click the Recovery page on the correct side.

Source: Windows Key
Under the "Recovery options" department, click the Reset PC push for the "Reset this PC" characteristic.

Source: Windows Primal
Click the Keep my files option.

Source: Windows Central
Select the selection to reset Windows 11:

Source: Windows Key
- Cloud download: Download a fresh copy of the installation from the cloud and reinstall Windows 11. Yet, this option will not restore the tools, apps, and configuration that came with the original image provided past the manufacturer.
- Local reinstall: Uses the files already available to reset the computer. If this is a branded device (such as Dell, Asus, Lenovo, etc.), this procedure will restore the factory drivers, settings, and tools.
Review the apps to reinstall afterwards the reset to factory settings.
Click the Side by side buttion.

Source: Windows Central
Click the Reset button.

Source: Windows Central

Once you complete the steps, the calculator will reset to the factory settings preserving your files.

After factory reset

Afterwards the reset is complete, bank check for updates to ensure that Windows 11 is not missing whatsoever security, patches, or drivers. Likewise, you may need to reinstall any of your previous applications as necessary.

Check for updates

To install updates for Windows xi, apply these steps:

Open Settings.
Click on Windows Update.
Click the Bank check for updates button.

Source: Windows Central

One time you complete the steps, Windows Update will download the latest patches and drivers updates (if bachelor).

Cheque for missing drivers

To bank check for missing drivers after the "Reset this PC," use these steps:

Open Start.
Search for Device Manager and click the top result to open up the app.
Confirm that there's no branch chosen "Other devices," which usually lists devices without drivers.

Source: Windows Central

If yous have one or more devices with missing drivers, cheque the calculator manufacturer support website to download and install the latest drivers available.

The final affair left to practice is to reinstall any app previously installed on your computer (if applicable).

How to factory reset Windows xi using remove everything option

To use the reset feature removing everything on a reckoner that you lot use for working at home or gaming, use these steps:

Open Settings.
Click on Arrangement.
Click the Recovery page on the right side.

Source: Windows Key
Nether the "Recovery options" department, click the Reset PC button for the "Reset this PC" characteristic.

Source: Windows Central
Click the Remove everything option.

Source: Windows Central
Select the Cloud download or Local reinstall, depending on how you desire to reset the system.

Source: Windows Central
(Optional) Click the Modify settings option.

Source: Windows Central
Turn on the Data erasure toggle switch.

Quick note: Use this option if you are preparing the computer for auction. Otherwise, if yous are trying to refresh the installation, the default reset settings are recommended.
(Optional) Plough on the Information drives toggle switch to erase the Windows 11 installation drive and any other storage drive connected to your reckoner.
Click the Ostend push.

Source: Windows Central
Review the apps to reinstall later the reset to manufactory settings.
Click the Next push button.
Click the Reset push button.

Source: Windows Fundamental

Afterward you consummate the steps, the process will erase the drives depending on your configuration and install a clean re-create of Windows 11.

After factory reset steps

If you are selling the device, y'all don't need to do anything else. However, in the instance that yous are starting over with the device, at that place are some extra steps, including checking for updates and missing drivers, and y'all want to reinstall your applications and restore your files from backup.

Checking for updates

To install updates for Windows eleven, use these steps:

Open Settings.
Click on Windows Update.
Click the Check for updates button.

Source: Windows Key

One time you complete the steps, Windows Update will download and install any missing updates and drivers (if bachelor).

Check for missing drivers

To check for missing drivers later the "Reset this PC," use these steps:

Open Kickoff.
Search for Device Managing director and click the elevation consequence to open the app.
Confirm that there's no branch chosen "Other devices," which normally lists devices without drivers.

Source: Windows Fundamental

If you lot have components without drivers, bank check the computer manufacturer support website to download and install the latest drivers available.

Restore files from backup

If you have a fill-in of your files, at present is fourth dimension to restore them. The recovery process will be different depending on the file fill-in method.

For example, if you lot use OneDrive, the files may already be syncing on the reckoner; yet, if they are not, you may need to reconfigure the app again.

If you backed upward your files manually to an external drive, connect the portable bulldoze, and use these steps:

Open File Explorer.
Click on This PC from the left pane.
Under the "Devices and drives" section, double-click the storage with the file backup.

Source: Windows Key
Select the files and folders.
Click the Copy push button.

Source: Windows Central
Open up the destination folder.
Click the Paste push button.

Source: Windows Central

Once you complete the steps, you may need to repeat the steps to restore boosted files. If yous are missing any application, at present is the time to install them.

More than Windows resources

For more helpful articles, coverage, and answers to common questions about Windows 11 and Windows 11, visit the following resources:

Windows eleven on Windows Central — All you lot need to know
Windows 11 assist, tips, and tricks
Windows 11 on Windows Fundamental — All you lot need to know

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