You can reset Windows 11 when your PC isn’t working well and it’s been a while since you installed an app, driver, or update.
Resetting reinstalls Windows 11, but lets you choose whether to keep your files or remove them, and then reinstalls Windows.
OptionWhat it doesKeep my files > Change settings > Preinstalled apps On
- Reinstalls Windows 11.
- Keeps all user accounts and personal files in C:\Users.
- Removes apps and drivers you installed.
- Removes changes you made to settings.
- Restores any apps your PC manufacturer installed if your PC came with Windows 11.
- Reinstalls Windows 11.
- Keeps all user accounts and personal files in C:\Users.
- Removes apps and drivers you installed.
- Removes changes you made to settings.
- Removes any apps your PC manufacturer installed if your PC came with Windows 11.
- Reinstalls Windows 11.
- Removes all user accounts and personal files.
- Removes apps and drivers you installed.
- Removes changes you made to settings.
- Removes any apps your PC manufacturer installed. (If your PC came with Windows 10, apps from your PC manufacturer will be reinstalled.)
Data erasure On removes files and cleans the drive. If you're planning to donate, recycle, or sell your PC, use this option. This might take an hour or two, but it makes it harder for other people to recover files you've removed.
Data erasure Off just removes files. It takes less time, but is less secure.
