How to factory reset Windows 11 without losing files (2026)

• To reset Windows 11 to factory default settings while keeping your files, openSettings > Recovery, click “Reset PC,” select “Keep my files,” and choose “Local reinstall.”
• Or open Settings > Recovery, click “Reset PC,” select “Keep my files,” and “Cloud download.”
• Or Start Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE), then go to Troubleshoot > Reset this PC, and select “Keep my files” and “Local reinstall.”

UPDATED 12/30/2025: When your computer experiences performance issues, such as sluggishness, battery problems, or application errors, resetting Windows 11 to its factory default settings can effectively resolve these challenges. In this guide, I’ll outline the steps to complete this configuration.

Windows 11 includes the “Reset this PC” feature, which lets you reinstall the operating system while keeping your personal files. This process can use either a locally stored system image or download a fresh copy from the cloud. However, note that while your personal files remain intact, this reset will remove all installed apps and restore system settings to their original defaults, as these changes may be contributing to the issues you’re encountering.

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How to factory reset Windows 11 removing everything (2026)

How to reinstall Windows 11 without losing files

In this guide, I’ll walk you through using the “Reset this PC” feature to reinstall Windows 11 after an upgrade, especially if your device is experiencing issues with apps or system configuration.

• Reset Windows 11 keeping files using Local Reinstall
• Reset Windows 11 keeping files using Cloud Download
• Reset Windows 11 keeping files from WinRE
• FAQs about resetting Windows 11 to factory default settings

Reset Windows 11 keeping files using Local Reinstall

To reset Windows 11 without losing your files with the local reinstall option, follow these steps:

1. Open Settings on Windows 11.

2. Click on System.

3. Click the Recovery tab.

4. Click the Reset PC button in the “Reset this PC” setting under the “Recovery options” section.

   

5. Click the “Keep my files” option.

   

6. Select the “Local reinstall” option to reset the computer using the locally available Windows 11 image without losing your files.

   

7. Click the Next button.

8. Click the Reset button.

   

Once you complete the steps, the feature will reset Windows 11 to a locally available image, preserving all your files. However, this process will reset all the settings to their factory defaults and remove all the apps and programs installed in the current setup.

You cannot keep your apps because the point of resetting Windows 11 is to fix problems caused by the operating system or applications.

The process takes about 20 minutes because the system doesn’t need to download anything from the internet.

One thing to note. If you have a branded computer, the reset option will likely reinstall the manufacturer’s default image, including any custom configurations, drivers, and applications.

Reset Windows 11 keeping files using Cloud Download

To reset Windows 11 while keeping files using the “Cloud download” option, follow these steps:

1. Open Settings.

2. Click on System.

3. Click the Recovery tab.

4. Click the Reset PC button in the “Reset this PC” setting under the “Recovery options” section.

   

5. Click the “Keep my files” option.

   

6. Select the “Cloud download” option to download a fresh copy of Windows 11 instead of using the locally available image.

   

7. Click the Next button.

8. Click the Reset button.

   

After you complete the steps, a fresh Windows 11 image will download and be used to reset the device, preserving all your files. However, as with the local reinstall option, the settings will be reset, and apps will be removed during this process.

The process takes about 20 to 30 minutes, depending on your internet connection.

Also, note that while anyone can use the cloud download option, selecting it will remove the manufacturer-provided custom configurations, drivers, and applications. However, you can usually re-download drivers and apps from the manufacturer’s support website.

Reset Windows 11 keeping files from WinRE

To reset a computer using local reinstall or cloud download from Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE), follow these steps:

1. Power on the PC.

2. Immediately after the Power-On Self-Test (POST), press the Power button again to shut down.

3. Repeat steps 1 and 2 twice, and in the third restart, the OS should enter the Windows Recovery Environment.

   Quick note: Windows 11 includes multiple ways to open the Advanced startup settings. If you cannot access the recovery environment, try these other options.

4. Click the Advanced options button.

5. Click on Troubleshoot.

   

6. Click on the “Reset this PC” option.

   

7. Select the “Keep my files” option to reset Windows 11 without losing your files.

   

8. Select the “Cloud download” option to download a fresh copy of Windows 11 instead of using the locally available image. (If you prefer to use the locally available installation files, select the “Local reinstall” option.)

   

9. Click the Reset button.

Once you complete the steps, the feature will reset the computer to default settings by erasing and reinstalling a fresh copy of Windows 11 downloaded from the Microsoft servers.

The reset will take about 20 minutes to complete.

FAQs about resetting Windows 11 to factory default settings

Here’s a list of frequently asked questions (FAQs) and answers about resetting Windows 11 to its factory default settings.

What does “Reset this PC” with “Keep my files” do on Windows 11?

The “Reset this PC” feature reinstalls Windows 11 while preserving your personal files stored in user folders such as Documents, Pictures, and Desktop. However, the process removes all installed apps, resets system settings to their factory defaults, and reinstalls the operating system using either a local image or a cloud download.

Will resetting Windows 11 delete my personal files?

No, choosing the “Keep my files” option ensures your personal data remains intact. However, Microsoft still recommends backing up important files before proceeding, as unexpected issues such as storage errors or power loss can occur during the reset process.

Does resetting Windows 11 remove installed apps and programs?

Yes. Resetting Windows 11 removes all desktop applications, Microsoft Store apps, and third-party software. After the reset, you will need to reinstall apps manually. Windows provides a list of removed applications after the reset completes to help you restore your setup.

What is the difference between Local reinstall and Cloud download?

Local reinstall uses the Windows 11 image already stored on your device. It is faster and does not require an internet connection. While Cloud download retrieves a fresh copy of Windows 11 from Microsoft servers. This option is useful if system files are corrupted, but it requires an internet connection and takes slightly longer.

Both options keep your files but remove apps and reset settings.

Which reset option is better, Local reinstall or Cloud download?

A local reinstall is ideal when the system image is healthy, and you want a faster reset. Cloud download is recommended if Windows is unstable, system files are damaged, or you want the cleanest possible reinstall without relying on local files.

How long does it take to reset Windows 11 while keeping files?

A local reinstall typically takes about 20 minutes. A cloud download reset can take 20 to 30 minutes, depending on internet speed and hardware performance.

Can I reset Windows 11 if it won’t boot?

Yes. You can reset Windows 11 from the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE). From there, navigate to Troubleshoot > Reset this PC, select “Keep my files,” then choose either “Local reinstall” or “Cloud download.”

Does resetting Windows 11 fix performance problems?

In many cases, yes. Resetting Windows 11 can resolve sluggish performance, app crashes, driver conflicts, battery drain issues, and system instability caused by misconfigurations or corrupted system files.

Will resetting Windows 11 remove viruses?

Resetting Windows 11 can remove most malware, especially persistent software-based threats. However, deeply embedded malware or firmware-level infections may require additional security tools or a clean installation using bootable media.

Do I need an internet connection to reset Windows 11?

An internet connection is only required if you choose the Cloud download option. Local reinstall works completely offline.

What happens to manufacturer software on branded PCs?

If you use Local reinstall, Windows 11 may restore the manufacturer’s default image, including preinstalled drivers and bundled apps. Choosing Cloud download removes most manufacturer customizations, requiring you to reinstall drivers and utilities manually from the vendor’s support website.

Is resetting Windows 11 the same as a clean install?

No. Resetting Windows 11 keeps your personal files and automates the reinstall process. A clean install erases everything, including files, apps, and partitions, and requires installation media such as a USB drive.

Will resetting Windows 11 downgrade or change my version?

No. Resetting Windows 11 reinstalls the same edition and version currently installed on your device, such as Home or Pro, without downgrading or upgrading the operating system.

Update December 30, 2025: This guide has been updated to ensure accuracy and reflect changes to the process.