Resetting a Windows 11 PC is a relatively straightforward process and can be done in a few clicks. There's more than one way of doing that, and users can decide whether to keep their files or delete all data and start afresh. Users can do it from Settings, as well as through the Command Prompt, the Advanced Startup Menu, bootable installation media, Windows Advanced Recovery, and using an ISO. However, the first option is the easiest as it can be done in a few short clicks.
Windows 11 brings many new features, UI changes, and security enhancements that make it a worthy upgrade over Windows 10. However, it still suffers from many of the same problems as its predecessors, including the dreaded BSOD that is now the 'black' screen of death instead of blue. Users also often complain about several access errors, DLL errors, and registry errors like earlier versions. However, resetting the PC to its factory settings generally solves most problems.
As mentioned already, the easiest way to reset Windows 11 is through the Settings menu. To do that, open Windows Settings by hitting the keyboard shortcut Window key + I. Now click on 'System' on the left sidebar and select 'Recovery' on the right pane. Then on the next page, hit the 'Reset PC' button. Users will now choose whether they want to save their personal files or start afresh and delete everything on their device en masse. Choose 'Keep my Files' to ensure that no valuable data is deleted during the reset process.
Choose Between 'Cloud Download' And 'Local Reinstall'
On the next screen, select where to get the fresh copy of Windows from. The options include 'Cloud download,' which will download the installation files from Microsoft, and 'Local reinstall,' which will reinstall Windows from that device. Users can choose either, but the former is the better option in most cases. So select the preferred choice and then click 'Next' at the bottom of the pop-up window. Microsoft will now inform the user about the resetting process and what that entails. Give the message a good read and click on the 'Reset' button to get started. The resetting will now begin, and the computer will restart a few times on its own during the process. Do note that the process can be canceled at any time before hitting the 'Reset' button at the last step.
A system reset is a nuclear option to get a Windows PC back to working order if it starts playing up and becomes virtually unusable. Resetting a PC removes the problematic copy of Windows along with any apps that run on it and then replaces it with a fresh copy of Windows. However, it should not be the first option for fixing problems in Windows. For example, if the PC is playing up after a recent update or following new software installations, users should first choose to 'Restore' rather than Reset. Restoring will revert all recent changes in Windows and restore all apps, settings and files in the PC to an earlier time when the device was perfectly functional.
Source: Microsoft