DeviceHowTo
Windows 11⏱ 20 min

How to Factory Reset Device on Windows 11

Completely wipe and restore your device when major issues cannot be resolved.

Last verified: February 21, 2026

Windows Reset PC (Settings > System > Recovery) offers two modes: Keep my files, which reinstalls Windows while preserving personal documents, and Remove everything, which wipes the drive completely. The Remove everything path is the correct choice before selling or donating a device; Keep my files is more appropriate when troubleshooting a performance or stability issue you want to resolve without losing data. On Windows 11, there's also a Cloud Download option that redownloads the latest Windows version from Microsoft's servers during the reset process, which is cleaner than the local reinstall option if you suspect the local Windows installation files are corrupted.

Before you continue

Factory reset permanently deletes all local data. Verify your backup is complete and fully accessible before starting this process.

Quick Steps

Follow in order for the fastest result.

  1. 1Back up all important data first: photos to cloud, contacts synced, documents saved, and 2FA recovery codes noted.
  2. 2Go to Settings > System > Recovery > Reset this PC. Choose Remove everything for a complete clean wipe.
  3. 3Follow the first-run setup wizard to configure the device from scratch. Restore apps and data selectively.

Still Not Working?

Try these if the steps above didn't help.

Verify the Fix

Confirm everything is fully working before closing this guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will a factory reset fix all problems on my Windows 11?
A factory reset resolves software-level issues: persistent crashes, major slowdowns, corrupted OS files, malware, and failed update problems. It will not fix hardware faults (damaged screen, faulty battery, broken speakers). If the same problem returns immediately after a clean reset, the cause is hardware.
What do I lose when I factory reset my Windows 11?
You lose all locally stored data: apps, photos, messages, documents, settings, and saved Wi-Fi passwords. Data stored in cloud services (iCloud, Google Photos, Google Drive, OneDrive) is not lost — it syncs back after you sign in. Back up everything before starting.
How long does a factory reset take on Windows 11?
Windows Reset This PC takes 30 minutes to 2 hours depending on whether you choose Keep Files or Remove Everything, and the speed of your storage drive. Keep the device plugged in throughout.
Do I need to factory reset to sell my Windows 11?
Yes — you should always factory reset and sign out of all accounts before selling or giving away a device. On iPhone, also disable Find My under Settings > [Your Name] > Find My before erasing. On Android, disable Factory Reset Protection by removing your Google account first to prevent the buyer from being locked out.

Same task, different device

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