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.
- 按 Windows键 or 开始菜单图标 并选择 个人设置.
或者,使用 Windows键 + I shortcut to access the Settings menu.
- 前往 Windows更新 tab on the left sidebar and select 高级选项.
- 接下来,选择 修复工具.
- Scroll to the “Recovery options” section and select 复位PC.
- 选择 删除一切 if you want your personal files, settings, and third-party apps removed during the factory reset process. The 保存我的文件 option will retain your personal files and remove third-party apps and settings.
- 之后,选择 本地重新安装 if you want to reinstall Windows from your device or choose 云下载 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.
你应该选择 云下载 如果你的 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 帮我选 to access the document in your browser.
- Preview the factory reset settings and select 下一页 继续。 选择 更改设置 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 下一页 继续。
请注意: 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 重设 to start the factory reset. Before you proceed, we recommend selecting View apps that will be removed 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 云下载 option takes longer minutes or hours than 本地重新安装. 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 Windows 11 要求.
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.
- 前往 software download page on the Microsoft website and scroll to the “Download Windows 11 Disk Image (ISO)” section. Hit the 选择下载 下拉,选择 窗户11,并选择 下载 按钮。
That’ll redirect you to the “Select the product language” section where you’ll need to select your preferred Windows language.
- 点击 选一个 drop-down menu, select a language, and select 确认 开始下载。
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.
- 点击 64位下载 按钮开始下载。
请注意: 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 选择 按钮继续。
- Head to the Windows 11 ISO location on your PC, select the file and select 可选.
- In the “Format Options” section, enter a preferred name for the bootable drive in the 卷标 对话框。
- 选择 Start 开始 to create the bootable drive.
- Note that the operation will erase all data on the USB drive. Select OK to continue. Otherwise, select 取消, 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 至 访问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 安保行业 选项卡,导航到 安全启动 row and set it to 残疾人.
- Confirm that “Secure Boot” is set to 残疾人。 按 F10 保存更改并退出 BIOS。
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 输入.
That’ll load the Windows 11 setup file on the drive. Follow the prompt and continue with the installation.
- 最后,选择 立即安装 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 个人设置 > Windows更新, and install any available cumulative updates on the page.