How To Factory Reset Windows 11 (Super Easy Guide), by SoulOfTech on YouTube. 6 min 2 s.
- Video length
- 6 min 2 s
- Time to do it
- 30 minutes
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 9
What you need
Steps
Back up your documents, photos and browser bookmarks to an external drive or cloud storage. A factory reset wipes everything on the system drive.
Plug the laptop into the charger so the reset does not stop partway through. Keep it plugged in until setup finishes.
Open Settings from the Start menu, then go to System and choose Recovery.
Click Reset PC under the Recovery options. Choose Keep my files to keep personal files or Remove everything for a clean wipe.
Pick Local reinstall to use the files already on the PC, or Cloud download to fetch a fresh copy of Windows 11 from Microsoft.
Review the summary screen, then click Reset. The PC restarts and the reset begins, which can take 20 to 60 minutes.
If Windows will not start, turn the PC on and press the recovery key shown on screen (often F11 or Esc) to open the recovery menu.
In the recovery menu, choose Troubleshoot, then Reset this PC, and follow the same Keep my files or Remove everything choice.
When setup appears, pick your region, keyboard and network, then sign in with your Microsoft account or create a local account.
Tips and common mistakes
Choose Remove everything if you are selling or giving away the PC, so your personal data is gone.
Keep the charger connected the whole time, since a dead battery mid-reset can leave Windows broken.
Note your app logins before you start, because a reset removes installed programs and their settings.
If the reset fails twice, use a Windows 11 USB install drive instead of the built-in recovery tools.
Questions
Will a factory reset delete my files?
It depends on the option you pick. Keep my files keeps personal files but removes apps and settings. Remove everything wipes the drive clean.
How long does a Windows 11 reset take?
Usually 20 to 60 minutes, depending on drive speed and whether you use a cloud download. Slower laptops can take longer.
Do I need a product key after resetting?
No. Windows 11 reactivates itself from the digital licence tied to your PC's hardware once you are back online.
This guide was drafted from the video's details and general task knowledge. It has not been checked against the full video. Check the video and relevant product instructions before following a procedure. Report a correction.
