How to Reset Windows 11 to Factory Settings

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Learn how to reset Windows 11 to factory settings step by step. Follow our guide to resolve software problems and improve system performance.There are a number of reasons for rolling back Windows 11 to factory settings. You will learn about the methods of “resetting” the operating system from our material.

How to Reset Windows 11 to Factory Settings.

Resetting Windows 11 to factory settings may be necessary for several reasons:

  • The OS has started to work slowly or unstable due to accumulated software failures, errors or conflicts between installed applications;
  • Windows is infected with viruses and malware, the removal of which is impossible for one reason or another;
  • Selling a PC/laptop or transferring it to another user;
  • Other software problems that cannot be resolved otherwise.

Reset using “Options”

Resetting Windows 11 to factory settings using Settings can be done through the operating system’s built-in tools.

  • Click the Start button and select Settings (gear icon). Or press Win + I to open the Settings window;
  • In the left menu, select the “System” section, then scroll down and click on the “Recovery” item;
  • In the “Recovery” section, find the “Recovery options” section and click the “Reset this computer” button;
  • Choose one of two reset methods – keeping personal data and programs or completely wiping;
  • Choose one of two reinstallation methods – downloading data from the cloud or from a local disk;
  • Click the “Reset” button to start the process. The computer will reboot and the system recovery will begin;
  • The process can take from 20 minutes to several hours depending on the selected reset type and the characteristics of the PC/laptop.

Reset using console command.

You can reset Windows 11 to factory settings using a console command using the Command Prompt interface or PowerShell:

  • Press Win + S and type cmd or PowerShell;
  • In the search results, select Command Prompt or PowerShell, then click Run as administrator;
  • Start the reset process with the command:  systemreset –factoryreset;
  • After this, the system reset window will appear on the screen;
  • Next, the Windows 11 reset menu will open;
  • Follow the instructions similar to Reset using Settings.

Reset using Recovery Environment.

Resetting Windows 11 to factory settings via Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) can be useful in a situation where the system does not boot properly or you cannot access Settings. 

If the OS fails to boot, the system may automatically offer to boot into the recovery environment after several unsuccessful boot attempts.

You can enter the recovery environment manually as follows:

  • Press Win + I to open Settings;
  • Select System > Recovery;
  • Under Advanced Options, select Restart now. This will restart your computer and start the recovery environment;
  • If the system does not boot, you can force WinRE to activate by turning the computer off and on three times while Windows is starting;
  • Once you enter WinRE, a menu with several options will appear on the screen. Select Troubleshoot;
  • Then click on “Reset this PC”;
  • Select a reset option: “Keep my files” or “Remove everything”;
  • Then decide on the reinstallation method: “Download from the cloud” or “Local reinstallation”.

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