How to factory reset Windows 11 from boot if PC won’t boot

• To reset a Windows 11 device when it doesn’t boot, start the computer in WinRE, open Advanced options > Troubleshoot, click “Reset this PC,” choose “Keep my files,” click “Just remove my files,” choose “Cloud download,” and click “Reset.”

If Windows 11 is unstable, stuck in a boot loop, or simply refusing to load, performing a factory reset from boot is often the most effective way to restore the system to a working state. The good news is that you don’t need installation media or third-party tools. Everything you need is built into the operating system.

The operating system includes a built-in recovery feature called “Reset this PC,” available through the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE). While most users access this option from the “Recovery” page in the Settings app, WinRE allows you to start the same reset process even when the operating system will not boot normally.

The recovery experience is identical whether you are using a laptop or a desktop computer. Once inside WinRE, you can choose between two reinstall methods:

• Local reinstall uses the recovery image already stored on your device. This option is faster and does not require an internet connection.
• Cloud download retrieves a fresh copy of Windows 11 directly from Microsoft’s servers. This method is especially useful if system files are corrupted or the local image is damaged.

The reset process also gives you control over how your data is handled:

• Keep my files removes system changes, apps, and settings while preserving your personal files in your user folders.
• Remove everything to perform a full factory reset, deleting apps, settings, and personal data for a completely clean installation.

Using the built-in reset tools through WinRE is one of the safest and most reliable ways to reinstall Windows 11 when the system cannot start, making it a critical recovery method every user should understand.

In this guide, I’ll show you how to reset Windows 11 to factory settings from the boot process.

Windows 11 factory reset PC from boot (BIOS)

To factory reset Windows 11 from boot, follow these steps:

1. Power on the computer.

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, Windows 11 should enter WinRE.

   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 the “Reset this PC” option.

   

7. Select the option to reset Windows 11:

   • “Remove everything” – Wipes out the hard drive and reinstalls a fresh copy of the operating system.

   • “Keep my files” – This option reinstalls Windows 11, removes apps and settings, and preserves your files.

   

8. Choose the option to delete your data during the reset process:

   • “Just remove my files” – Use this option if you plan to keep the device.

   • “Fully clean the drive” – Use this option if you plan to permanently delete the device (it takes a long time).

   

9. Select the option to reinstall Windows 11:

   • “Cloud download” – Re-downloads Windows 11 instead of using the available image.

   • “Local reinstall” – Reinstalls the operating system using the local image (quicker).

   

10. Click the Reset button.

Once you complete the steps, the feature will reset the computer to default settings, fixing any problems that may have been preventing a successful startup.

If you’re having trouble with the reset feature, you should consider performing a clean installation of Windows 11.

Were you able to reset your computer? Let me know your experience in the comments below.

FAQs about resetting Windows 11 when it won’t boot

Here’s a list of frequently asked questions (FAQs) and answers about resetting Windows 11 when the computer won’t boot.

How do I reset Windows 11 if it won’t boot?

Start Windows 11 in the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE), select Advanced options > Troubleshoot, then click “Reset this PC.” Choose whether to keep your files or remove everything, select “Cloud download” or “Local reinstall,” and click “Reset” to begin the factory reset process.

How do I force Windows 11 into recovery mode from boot?

Force Windows 11 into recovery mode by interrupting the boot process three times. Power on the device, shut it down during startup, and repeat twice. On the third restart, the system automatically loads the Windows Recovery Environment with Advanced startup options.

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

The “Keep my files” option reinstalls Windows 11 while preserving personal files stored in your user folders. It removes installed apps, drivers, and system settings, making it ideal for fixing startup issues without deleting documents, pictures, or other personal data.

What is the difference between Cloud download and Local reinstall in Windows 11?

Cloud download installs a fresh copy of Windows 11 from Microsoft’s servers, while Local reinstall uses the recovery image already stored on your device. Cloud download is more reliable for corrupted systems, whereas Local reinstall is faster and does not require internet access.

Should I choose “Remove everything” or “Keep my files” when resetting Windows 11?

Choose “Keep my files” to repair Windows without deleting personal data. Select “Remove everything” for a full factory reset that erases apps, settings, and files. The second option is best when selling, giving away, or completely wiping a malfunctioning device.

What is Reset this PC in Windows 11?

“Reset this PC” is a built-in recovery feature in Windows 11 that reinstalls the operating system without external media. Accessible via WinRE or Settings, it lets you repair startup issues, remove apps, and, optionally, delete personal files during a controlled factory reset.

Will resetting Windows 11 fix a boot loop?

Yes, resetting Windows 11 often resolves boot loops caused by corrupted system files, failed updates, or driver conflicts. Using Reset this PC from the Windows Recovery Environment reinstalls core system components, restoring startup functionality in most software-related failure scenarios.

Do I need a product key to reset Windows 11 from boot?

No, you do not need a product key to reset Windows 11. If the device was previously activated, the system uses a digital license stored on Microsoft’s activation servers to automatically reactivate after the reset. As long as you reinstall the same edition, activation happens automatically once connected to the internet.

How long does a Windows 11 factory reset take?

A Windows 11 factory reset typically takes between 20 minutes and 2 hours. The duration depends on your hardware speed, whether you choose Local reinstall or Cloud download, and whether you select “Just remove my files” or “Fully clean the drive,” which significantly increases the time.

What should I do if Reset this PC fails in WinRE?

If Reset this PC fails, try running Startup Repair or System Restore from the Advanced options menu first. If the reset continues to fail, the most reliable solution is performing a clean installation of Windows 11 using a bootable USB created with Microsoft’s Media Creation Tool.

Update February 26, 2025: This guide has been updated to ensure accuracy and reflect changes to the process.