Many Windows problems can be solved by doing a factory reset. If your computer is much slower than it used to be, you have a malware infection that you can’t get rid of, or you want to sell it, a factory reset is the most convenient solution.
If you’re switching to a new device and plan to sell your old one, you should reset your Windows 11 laptop. Of course, you don’t want to hand a stranger a laptop with critical information and personal papers. So, before you spend money on technology, be sure you reformat your Windows 11 laptop.
There are several ways to factory reset a Windows laptop or desktop, depending on your configuration and installed version of Windows.
The instructions below are basically the same whether you’re still using Windows 10 or have updated to Windows 11. Depending on the options you select, this process may delete your files and existing settings, so make a backup beforehand.
1. Go to the Settings menu. To get there, click the gear symbol in the Start menu.
2. Click Update & Security
3. Select Recovery in the left pane.
4. Then click Get started under Reset this PC.
Navigate to Settings > System > Recovery on Windows 11. Next to the Reset this PC option, click Reset PC.
You may pick Keep my files on any OS to delete just downloaded programs and settings. This will save your personal files and is advised if you are attempting to undo an error.
If your drive has reached the end of its useful life or you want to dispose of the computer, pick Remove everything, which wipes the disk clean by eliminating downloaded software, settings, and personal information.
On current versions of Windows 11, you will then be prompted to select how you wish to reinstall Windows. There are two options: cloud download and local reinstallation.
Local reinstall builds a new copy of Windows from files on your present machine. While it eliminates the need to download things from the internet, it will not function if your Windows installation is damaged.
Instead, Cloud download will download a fresh copy of Windows 11 from Microsoft over the web. This reinstalls the current version of Windows 11, thus it will not upgrade you to a newer feature update.
Following that, you’ll see an Additional settings menu with a Current settings section that contains a summary of everything you’ve done thus far. You may also access more choices by clicking the Change preferences link.
If you previously selected Keep my files, the only choice under Change settings is a duplicate Download Windows? toggle for cloud or local reinstall. When you select Remove everything, you have additional options.
Enabling Clean data? will erase everything on the disk, reducing the possibility of someone retrieving it afterward. Although this process takes some time, it is recommended if you are getting rid of your computer. It is not required if you intend to maintain your computer.
Select Delete files from all disks. to remove everything from all disks attached to your computer External hard disks and recovery drives are included. Because you’re likely to have backups and other essential items on those drives, you shouldn’t use this unless you really want to permanently delete everything connected to your computer.
If you bought your PC off the shelf, you’ll notice a Restore preloaded app? slide here as well. When you disable this, Windows will not reinstall manufacturer bloatware and other preloaded software. If you installed Windows yourself, this option will not be available.
When you’re through reviewing the options, click Confirm. Ready to reset this PC is the final screen before you begin the factory reset.
There will be a list of activities that the process will take. If you wish to double-check which applications are affected by this procedure, click View apps that will be uninstalled.
Finally, click Reset to confirm the action, then wait for the procedure to finish. If you’re factory resetting a laptop, ensure sure it’s plugged in to avoid power outages. After that, you’ll need to go through the Windows 11 installation process.
You may only downgrade to Windows 10 within 10 days after installing it. For instance, if you updated to Windows 11 on June 1, 2022, you can roll back within 10 days.
When it comes to factory resetting a Windows PC, you have numerous alternatives. If you have Windows 8 or 10, the built-in factory reset options are quick and simple. Users of Windows 7 should obtain an image from Microsoft and do a clean installation that way.
Whether you need to completely reset your laptop before selling it or simply want to refresh your PC for a speed boost, one of these ways will get you back on track as soon as possible.
You might not even need to reboot Windows the next time. There are alternative ways to clean out your computer without reinstalling it.
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