How to factory reset Windows 11 removing everything (2026)

To factory reset Windows 11, open Settings > System > Recovery, click the “Reset PC” button, and select the “Remove everything” option.
Select the “Local reinstall” or “Cloud download” options, and click the “Next” and “Reset” buttons.

UPDATED 12/31/2025: Resetting a Windows 11 PC can be an effective way to fix persistent system problems, improve performance, or prepare a device for a fresh start. Whether you are dealing with recurring errors, malware, app crashes, battery issues, or planning to hand off or sell your computer, Windows 11 includes a built-in recovery option designed to simplify the process.

The “Reset this PC” feature automatically reinstalls Windows 11, allowing you to remove apps, settings, and personal data, or keep your files while refreshing the operating system. You can choose to use local recovery files or download a clean copy of the operating system from Microsoft, eliminating the need for installation media in most scenarios.

In this guide, I will show you how to use the “Reset this PC” feature to reinstall Windows 11 without keeping your files after an upgrade, if the device is having problems or you are dealing with apps or system configuration issues.

Factory reset Windows 11 remove everything using local reinstall
Factory reset Windows 11 remove everything using cloud download
Factory reset Windows 11 remove everything from boot (BIOS)
FAQs about resetting Windows 11 without keeping files

Warning: This process will erase your personal files and everything on the computer. It’s important to back up your files to an external drive or cloud storage before proceeding. Also, don’t forget to restore them after the reset if you plan to keep your device.

Factory reset Windows 11 remove everything using local reinstall

To factory reset Windows 11, erasing everything on the hard drive, follow these steps:

Open Settings on Windows 11.
Click on System.
Click the Recovery page.
Click the Reset PC button in the “Reset this PC” setting under the “Recovery options” section.
Click the Remove Everything option.
Select the “Local reinstall” option to use the local image to reinstall Windows 11, removing everything on the computer.
Click the Next button.
Click the Reset button.

Once you complete the steps, the feature will reset Windows 11 using the locally available image, erasing everything on the hard drive, including files, settings, and apps.

Factory reset Windows 11 remove everything using cloud reinstall

To reset your Windows 11 computer with the “Cloud Download” option without keeping your files, follow these steps:

Open Settings.
Click on System.
Click the Recovery page.
Click the Reset PC button in the “Reset this PC” setting under the “Recovery options” section.
Click the “Remove everything” option.
Select the “Cloud download” option to download a fresh copy of Windows 11.
(Optional) Click the Change settings option if you plan to give away or sell the device.
Turn on the Clean data toggle switch to securely erase all the drives. (This could take a long time.)
Click the Confirm button.
Click the Next button.
Click the Reset button.

After you complete the steps, a fresh image of the same Windows 11 version installed on your computer will be downloaded and used to reset the device, removing everything on the hard drive.

Factory reset Windows 11 remove everything from boot (BIOS)

To reset Windows 11 from boot using local reinstall or cloud download, follow these steps:

Start the computer.
Immediately after the Power-On Self-Test (POST), press the Power button again to shut down.
Repeat steps 1 and 2 twice, and in the third restart, the operating system should enter the Windows Recovery Environment (Windows RE).

Quick note: Windows 11 includes multiple ways to open the Advanced startup settings. If you cannot access the recovery environment, try these other options.
Click the Advanced options button.
Click on Troubleshoot.
Click the “Reset this PC” option.
Select the “Remove everything” option to wipe out the hard drive and reinstall a fresh copy of Windows 11.
Click the “Just remove my files” option if you plan to keep the device. Or select the “Fully clean the drive” option if you plan to get rid of the device.
Select the “Cloud download” option to re-download Windows 11 instead of using the available image. (If you prefer to use the local image, select the “Local reinstall” option.)
Click the Reset button.

Once you complete the steps, the feature will reset the computer to its default settings by removing all data and reinstalling a fresh copy of Windows 11. If you select the “Cloud download” option, the system will download an image with the same version of Windows 11 as is already installed on the computer. This isn’t an option to upgrade to a newer version.

Regardless of the method or option you choose, after the reset process is complete, you will have to complete the initial setup (also known as the Out-of-box Experience (OOBE)) to select the system’s basic configuration and privacy settings and create a new account.

In addition, after installation, you will need to reapply your custom configurations, reinstall your applications, and restore your files from backups.

FAQs about resetting Windows 11 without keeping files

Here’s a list of frequently asked questions (FAQs) and answers about resetting your Windows 11 PC and cleaning all the data.

What does “Remove everything” do when resetting Windows 11?

The Remove everything option completely erases personal files, installed apps, system settings, and user accounts before reinstalling Windows 11. After the reset, the device returns to a clean, default state similar to a new PC, requiring full setup through the Out-of-Box Experience.

Is “Reset this PC” the same as a factory reset on Windows 11?

Yes. On Windows 11, a factory reset is performed using the Reset this PC feature. This built-in recovery tool reinstalls the operating system using either a local image or a cloud download, and removes apps, settings, and data if the “Remove everything” option is selected.

Does factory resetting Windows 11 remove viruses and malware?

A factory reset that removes everything eliminates most viruses and malware by deleting installed programs, user files, and system changes. In rare cases involving firmware-level threats, a clean installation using bootable media may still be recommended.

When is removing everything the best reset option?

Removing everything is recommended when dealing with persistent malware, recurring system errors, serious performance issues, corrupted system files, or before selling, donating, or recycling a computer. It is also useful when previous troubleshooting steps fail to resolve stability problems.

What is the difference between local reinstall and cloud download?

A local reinstall uses recovery files already stored on the device, while cloud download retrieves a fresh copy of Windows 11 from Microsoft’s servers. Both options remove everything when selected, but cloud download is more reliable if local recovery files are damaged or outdated.

Does cloud download install a newer version of Windows 11?

No. Cloud download reinstalls the same version of Windows 11 currently installed on the device. It does not upgrade the system to a newer feature update.

What should I do if Windows 11 cannot reset and shows an error?

If the reset fails with messages such as “There was a problem resetting your PC” or “No changes were made,” the recovery environment may be corrupted. In these cases, performing a clean installation of Windows 11 using installation media or Windows Recovery is the most reliable solution.

Can I factory reset Windows 11 if it will not boot?

Yes. Windows 11 can be reset from the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) when the system fails to start. From there, select “Reset this PC,” choose “Remove everything,” and reinstall Windows using either a local image or a cloud download.

Do I need to set up Windows 11 again after a factory reset?

Yes. After the reset is complete, Windows 11 requires you to complete the Out-of-Box Experience (OOBE) to configure language, region, privacy settings, network access, and create a new user account. Apps and files must be reinstalled or restored from backup.

Is backing up files necessary before removing everything?

Yes. A factory reset that removes everything permanently deletes files from the device. Important data should be backed up to external storage or cloud services before starting the reset process.

Update December 31, 2025: This guide has been updated to ensure accuracy and reflect changes to the process.