Factory resetting Windows means installing or loading a fresh copy of the operating system on your device. Performing a factory reset will fix complex software-related issues, remove stubborn malware, and other problems. It’s also recommended to factory reset a computer you intend to sell or gift to someone.
This tutorial will walk you through different ways to factory reset Windows 11 devices, even if they won’t boot correctly. The process isn’t too different from factory resetting Windows 10 devices. So, if you’ve ever reset a Windows 10 PC, you should have no problem performing a factory reset in Windows 11.
Reset Windows 11 from the Settings App
This is the easiest way to factory reset a Windows 11 device if you can access or sign in to the Windows interface.
- Stiskněte Klávesa Windows or Ikona nabídky Start a zvolte Nastavení.
Případně použijte Klávesa Windows + I shortcut to access the Settings menu.
- Přejděte na stránku Windows Update tab on the left sidebar and select Pokročilé volby.
- Poté vyberte možnost Obnova.
- Scroll to the “Recovery options” section and select Obnovit PC.
- vybrat Odstraňte vše if you want your personal files, settings, and third-party apps removed during the factory reset process. The Uchovávejte své soubory option will retain your personal files and remove third-party apps and settings.
- Poté vyberte Místní přeinstalování if you want to reinstall Windows from your device or choose Cloudové stahování to download and reinstall Windows 11 from Microsoft’s servers. Note that the “Cloud download” option requires an internet connection and could use over 4GB of data.
Měli byste si vybrat Cloudové stahování pokud vaše PC has some corrupt or missing system files. That’ll download a fresh copy of the affected files from Microsoft’s server and fix the malfunction.
Microsoft has a support document that can help you decide the best reset option to select if you’re unsure. Select Pomozte mi vybrat to access the document in your browser.
- Preview the factory reset settings and select další pokračovat. Vybrat Změnit nastavení if you want to make any modifications to the factory reset options.
- You’ll land on a confirmation page if you recently updated your PC to Windows11. Select další pokračovat.
Poznámka: You cannot factory reset Windows 11 while your PC is running on battery power. Otherwise, you’ll get a “Plug in your PC” error message.
The factory restoration process will resume when you connect your computer to a power outlet.
- Preview the reset options again and select resetovat to start the factory reset. Before you proceed, we recommend selecting Zobrazit aplikace, které budou odstraněny to have a cursory look at programs that will no longer be on your PC after the factory reset.
Your PC should boot into Windows 11 when it’s done resetting your settings or files. Again, note that the Cloudové stahování option takes longer minutes or hours than Místní přeinstalování. Keep your PC plugged into a power outlet and ensure you have a fast internet connection.
Reset Windows 11 Using a Bootable USB Drive
Use this method if your PC isn’t booting into Windows. First, you have to download the Windows 11 disk image (ISO) file to an external storage device from another computer. Before you proceed, make sure you have a high-speed internet connection.
Additionally, ensure there’s sufficient storage space on your PC or external drive–you’ll need at least 8GB of storage space to download the Windows 11 ISO file. Finally, and most importantly, confirm that the PC you want to factory reset meets the Požadavky na Windows 11.
Installing Windows 11 on a device that doesn’t meet the requirement may result in performance issues and hardware damage. Mind you, compatibility-related damages aren’t always covered under the manufacturer’s warranty. So, confirm that your PC can handle Windows 11 before creating the bootable USB drive.
- Přejděte na stránku software download page on the Microsoft website and scroll to the “Download Windows 11 Disk Image (ISO)” section. Hit the Vyberte Stáhnout rozbalovací nabídka vyberte Windows 11a vyberte položku Ke stažení .
That’ll redirect you to the “Select the product language” section where you’ll need to select your preferred Windows language.
- Vybrat Vyberte si jeden drop-down menu, select a language, and select Potvrdit zahájit stahování.
That’ll finally generate a Windows 11 download link for the selected language. Try again in 24 hours or use another computer if you’re getting an error message. Or, if the downloader fails to generate a link.
- Vybrat Stažení 64 bitů tlačítko pro zahájení stahování.
Poznámka: Windows 11 is only available for PCs with 64-bit processors, although 32-bit apps will work correctly on the operating system. So you might be unable to factory reset a 32-bit PC using a bootable USB drive.
Plug the USB drive into your PC when the download is complete. Afterward, proceed to step #4 to flash the ISO file to the USB drive using Rufus, a reliable third-party solution for creating USB installation drives.
- Download Rufus’ setup file from the developer website and run it on your PC. The tool should automatically detect your USB drive in the “Device” section. Select the vybrat pro pokračování.
- Head to the Windows 11 ISO location on your PC, select the file and select Otevřená.
- In the “Format Options” section, enter a preferred name for the bootable drive in the Svazku dialogové okno.
- vybrat Home to create the bootable drive.
- Note that the operation will erase all data on the USB drive. Select OK to continue. Otherwise, select Zrušit, back up all important data on the drive, and restart the process.
You’ll get a success message when the bootable drive is created. Rufus will also recommend disabling “Secure Boot” in your BIOS settings before using the bootable drive. Continue to the next step to learn how it’s done.
- Turn on the PC you want to reset and keep pressing F2 na přístup do systému BIOS. Note that the preset function key for accessing the BIOS on some PC is F10, F12, or F1. Contact your PC manufacturer or check the instruction manual if these function keys don’t get you into the BIOS.
- While in the BIOS, head to the Bezpečnost přejděte na kartu Secure Boot row and set it to invalidní.
- Confirm that “Secure Boot” is set to invalidní. lis F10 pro uložení změn a ukončení BIOSu.
Now you can factory reset the PC via the Windows Boot Manager via the bootable drive.
- Power off the PC, turn it back on, and keep pressing F12 until the Boot Manager window pops up on the screen.
- In the “Boot Option Menu,” select the USB drive as the boot device and press vstoupit.
That’ll load the Windows 11 setup file on the drive. Follow the prompt and continue with the installation.
- Nakonec vyberte možnost Instalovat nyní and follow the prompt to start the factory reset process.
We recommend having your PC plugged into a power source during the process. After resetting your PC, make sure you have the latest security patches, updates, and device drivers. Connect your PC to the internet, head to Nastavení > Windows Update, and install any available cumulative updates on the page.