A factory reset reinstalls Windows 11 and clears out your apps and settings. Pick Keep my files to fix a PC you are keeping, or Remove everything when the PC is changing hands.
Before you start
Back up anything you cannot replace, even with Keep my files. A reset should not touch personal files, but a backup is the only guarantee.
Make sure you know your Microsoft account password, or that you can sign in another way. The PC asks for it during setup.
If the PC is encrypted with BitLocker, save the recovery key first. Find it at aka.ms/myrecoverykey from another device.
Plug a laptop into power. A reset that loses power midway can leave Windows unusable.
Reset from Settings
Open Settings. Press Windows key + I, or right-click Start and choose Settings.
Select System in the left pane, then scroll down and select Recovery.
Under Recovery options, select Reset PC next to Reset this PC.
Choose Keep my files to keep personal files and remove apps and settings, or Remove everything to remove files, apps, and settings.
Choose Cloud download to fetch a fresh copy of Windows, or Local reinstall to reuse the copy already on the PC. Cloud download needs a working internet connection.
Follow the prompts and select Reset. The PC restarts and the reset takes 20 minutes to over an hour.
A reset cannot be undone. Both options remove every app you installed, including browsers and Microsoft 365 apps, and both restore settings to defaults. Only the personal files differ.
If you cannot sign in
On the sign-in screen, hold Shift while selecting Power, then Restart.
On the blue Choose an option screen, select Troubleshoot, then Reset this PC.
Choose Keep my files or Remove everything, then follow the prompts.
After the reset finishes, the PC restarts into first-time setup. If that is a fresh start on a PC you are keeping, see how to set up a new laptop.
Common questions
Will a factory reset remove Windows? No. It reinstalls the same version of Windows 11, so you end up with a clean copy of the system, not an older one and not an empty drive.
How long does a factory reset take? Usually 20 minutes to over an hour, depending on the PC and whether you chose cloud download or local reinstall. Cloud download adds the download time.
Does Keep my files really keep my files? It keeps files in your user folders, such as Documents, Pictures, and Downloads, but it still removes all installed apps and resets settings. Back up first either way.