HOW TO FACTORY RESET YOUR WINDOWS 11 PC
Learn how to factory reset your Windows 11 PC with our step-by-step guide. Restore your system to its original settings easily and quickly.
INTRODUCTION:
Is your Windows 11 computer sluggish, disorganized, or malfunctioning? Additionally referred to as a system reset, a factory reset can return your computer to its original state. This could be a great approach to troubleshoot problems, remove unwanted software, and give your system a fresh start. Here's a simple guide for beginners on how to perform factory reset in Windows 11:
Understanding factory reset
A "factory reset," often referred to as a "system restore" or "reset," is a technique that restores your computer's operating system to its original, pre-manufacturing condition. This means deleting all installed apps, preferences, and personal files and essentially starting over. Factory resets come extremely handy when your computer is having performance problems, specific software-related problems, or if you need to remove all personal data before selling or donating your machine.
Important points to note before resetting your Windows 11 PC
Back up your data: Factory reset wipes everything clean! Without a doubt, make a backup of all of your important documents, images, archives, and apps before proceeding. Other computers, cloud storage services, and external hard drives are all excellent substitutes.
Be familiar with your apps: Make plans to reinstall any software that you downloaded once you get your PC.
Strategies for Windows 11 Resets:
In Windows 11, there are four basic methods for carrying out a factory reset:
Method 1: Making Use of Settings (The Easiest Method)
Open settings: Open settings in the start menu.
Go to the system: Locate and click “System” on the settings main page.
Recovery: Select "Recovery" from the menu on the left side of the "system" settings.
Reset this PC: Locate the section "Reset this PC" and click the "Reset" button.
Choose an option: Two options will be presented to you at this point:
Keep my files: This option preserves your files (pictures, reports, etc.) while resetting your computer. Either way, it removes settings and apps.
Remove everything: This option carries out a more thorough reset, erasing all of your personal data, programs, and settings and restoring your computer to the factory settings.
Choose a cleaning method (Optional): You may see another option to "Clean the drive" completely, depending on the option you select in step 5. Although it takes longer, a more secure reset is ensured (unrecovered information). In the unlikely event that you decide to sell or dispose of your PC, be cautious.
Affirm and Reset: Review the summary after you've made your selections, then click "Reset" to initiate the procedure. Your computer will restart, and it will take some time for the reset to finish.
Method 2: Using Recovery Options
If you are unable to access Windows 11 normally, this method might be helpful. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it:
Access Advanced Startup: To access the Advanced Startup option, restart your computer and continuously press the F11 key (or another key, depending on your manufacturer).
Troubleshoot: Choose "Troubleshoot." from the Advanced Startup menu.
Reset this PC: Click "Reset this PC" and follow the instructive on-screen instructions. This handle is comparable to the stages (steps 5 and up) listed in the first strategy.
Method 3: Using Installation Media
• Create Installation media: Use the Media Creation Tool to create a Windows 11 installation USB drive.
• Boot from USB: Restart your computer after inserting the USB disk. To launch the Windows 11 setup, boot from the USB disk.
• Go to Repair Options: Select "Repair your computer" from the setup window instead of installing Windows.
• Reset PC: Go to Troubleshoot > Reset this PC, then choose the reset option that works best for you.
• Follow on-screen Prompts: Follow the on-screen instructions to finish the factory reset setup.
Method 4: Making Use of Command Prompt
• Open Command Prompt: To access Command Prompt, press the “Windows key” on your keyboard to open the start menu. Then, type "cmd" and hit Enter.
• Run Command: Type the following command and hit Enter in the Command Prompt window:
'''
system reset
'''
• Follow on-screen Prompts: Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the factory reset procedure.
Following the Reset:
After the reset is finished, your Windows 11 computer will be like new! You will have to go through the initial setup process again, including creating your user account and reinstalling any desired software.
CONCLUSION:
Performing a factory reset can help you fix recurring software problems and restore your Windows 11 PC to its original configuration. Indeed, even non-techies may easily do a factory reset and restore optimal performance to their PC by following any one of the four ways outlined in this guide. Therefore, the next time your Windows 11 PC starts giving you problems, don't hesitate to perform a factory reset to fix them quickly and effectively.
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