How To Factory Reset A Windows 11 Pc In 2024 3 Methods

Method 1: Factory Reset Windows 11 from Settings

If your PC is booting fine, and you are able to sign in to your computer, then you can easily reset your Windows 11 PC from the Settings app. Here is how you can do it.
The reinstallation should begin and will take time depending on whether you chose Cloud download or Local reinstall. It could take anywhere from 45 minutes to 2 hours.

Method 2: Factory Reset Windows 11 from Recovery

If your PC doesn’t boot normally, you can reset Windows 11 from the Recovery screen. Windows automatically shows the recovery option if it can’t load properly, but if that doesn’t happen, you could force Windows to show the option. All you need to do is try turning it on until you see the Windows logo and force turn off. Doing this 2–3 times will force Windows to show the Recovery screen.
Depending on the option you select, give it some time to reinstall, and you should be greeted with the welcome screen in no time.

Method 3: Reset Windows 11 with Bootable USB Drive

If none of the above methods work for you, your only option is to clean install Windows 11 using a Windows installation USB drive. We have a dedicated guide on how to install Windows 11 from USB. Make sure you follow it step-by-step.
Do note that clean installing Windows from USB will remove all programs and files (won’t affect files on any other drive) and will re-install the latest stable build of Windows 11.
These are the three ways you can factory reset your Windows 11 PC. If you can log into your computer, you can reset it from the Settings app. However, if your computer does not boot, there are two ways to restore Windows — using Recovery or using a Windows installation USB.
If you want to create a local account on Windows 11 Home after clean installing the OS, follow our linked tutorial. And if you want to boot Windows 11 in safe mode, our guide will help you do that as well. If you have any questions, shoot them in the comments.