How to Reset Windows 11 Without Losing Your Files

By Ammar Aslam · Updated September 29, 2026 · 3 min read

When a PC is slow, full of errors, or infected with stubborn malware, a fresh start is often the best fix. Windows 11 includes Reset this PC, which reinstalls Windows without needing a USB drive. You can even keep your personal files.

Before you reset

Back up important files to an external drive or cloud, even if you choose "Keep my files". See our backup guide.
Make a list of apps you use, since they will be removed.
Note licence keys for paid software like Microsoft Office.
Make sure you know your Microsoft account password.
Plug in your laptop.

Understanding the options

Option	What happens	Best for
Keep my files	Reinstalls Windows, removes apps and settings, keeps personal files	Fixing problems
Remove everything	Deletes all files, apps and settings	Selling or giving away the PC, severe malware

You'll also choose between Cloud download, which downloads a fresh copy of Windows (about 4 GB or more), and Local reinstall, which uses files already on the PC. Cloud download is often more reliable if Windows files are damaged.

How to reset

Go to Settings → System → Recovery.
Next to Reset this PC, click Reset PC.
Choose Keep my files or Remove everything.
Choose Cloud download or Local reinstall.
Review the settings, then click Reset.

The process takes 30 minutes to a couple of hours, with several restarts. Don't turn off the PC.

Selling your PC?

Choose Remove everything, then in Additional settings turn on Clean data. This takes longer but makes deleted files much harder to recover.

If Windows won't start

Interrupt startup two or three times to open the recovery screen, then choose Troubleshoot → Reset this PC.

After the reset

Run Windows Update until no more updates appear.
Install drivers from your manufacturer, especially graphics.
Reinstall only the apps you actually need.
A list of removed apps is saved on your desktop as an HTML file.

Common reset problems and fixes

"There was a problem resetting your PC"

This usually means Windows recovery files are damaged. Try these in order:

Choose Cloud download instead of Local reinstall.
Run DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth and sfc /scannow in an admin terminal, restart, and try again.
Free up disk space; resets need room to work.
As a final option, create installation media with Microsoft's Media Creation Tool on another PC and do a clean install from USB.

Reset stuck at a percentage

Resets can pause for a long time at certain percentages, especially on hard drives. Wait at least two hours before assuming it's stuck. Keep laptops plugged in throughout.

Missing drivers after reset

If Wi-Fi, sound or touchpad don't work afterwards, download drivers from your laptop maker's support page using another device and copy them over with a USB drive. Windows Update usually finds the rest.

Restoring your files and apps afterwards

If you chose Remove everything, restore personal files from your backup: copy them from your external drive, or sign into OneDrive and let it sync. Reinstall apps from official websites or the Microsoft Store rather than old installer files, which may be outdated. Sign in to your browser to bring back bookmarks and saved passwords.

Take the opportunity to set your PC up cleanly: install only what you need, set up backups from day one, and create a restore point once everything works. Our new laptop setup checklist works just as well after a reset.

Frequently asked questions

Will resetting remove viruses?

"Remove everything" removes almost all malware. "Keep my files" removes infected apps but could keep an infected document.

Do I need to reactivate Windows?

No. Windows reactivates automatically on the same hardware.

Ammar Aslam
Ammar writes clear, practical tech guides that help everyday users fix problems, stay safe online and get more from their devices.