To factory reset Windows 10 or Windows 11, go to Settings > System > Recovery (Windows 11) or Settings > Update & Security > Recovery (Windows 10), click Reset this PC, and choose whether to keep your personal files or remove everything. You can reinstall via cloud download or local reinstall.
Applies to: Windows 10 (22H2) and Windows 11 (23H2, 24H2, 25H2) | Last updated: April 1, 2026
Key Takeaways
- “Keep my files” preserves your personal data — documents, downloads, pictures, music, and desktop files stay intact. Only apps and settings are removed. This is what most people should choose.
- “Remove everything” is a full clean install — all personal files, apps, and settings are wiped. Use this when selling or giving away your PC, or when you want a completely fresh start.
- Cloud download gets you the latest version — this downloads a fresh copy of Windows from Microsoft. Local reinstall reuses the existing Windows files on your device, which is faster but may not include the latest updates.
- The reset process takes 30 minutes to 2 hours depending on your hardware and whether you chose cloud or local reinstall.
Quick Steps
- Open Settings from the Start menu.
- Windows 11: Go to System > Recovery. Windows 10: Go to Update & Security > Recovery.
- Click Reset this PC (Win 11) or Get started (Win 10).
- Choose Keep my files or Remove everything.
- Choose Cloud download or Local reinstall.
- Review settings, click Reset, and wait for the process to complete.
How to Factory Reset Windows 11
Step 1: Open Recovery settings
Open Settings from the Start menu (or press Win + I). Go to System, then scroll down and click Recovery.
Step 2: Start the reset
Under “Recovery options,” click the Reset PC button next to “Reset this PC.” A window will appear with two choices:
- Keep my files — removes apps and settings but keeps your personal files (documents, downloads, pictures, desktop). Choose this if you want to fix issues without losing data.
- Remove everything — wipes all files, apps, and settings for a completely clean install. Choose this if you are giving the PC away or want a fresh start.
Step 3: Choose reinstallation method
Next, choose how to reinstall Windows:
- Cloud download — downloads a fresh copy of Windows from Microsoft (~4 GB). Takes longer but gives you the latest version.
- Local reinstall — uses the Windows files already on your PC. Faster but installs the same version you currently have.
Tip: If your Windows installation has been having issues, choose Cloud download — it replaces all system files with a fresh copy from Microsoft, which can fix corruption that local reinstall would carry over.
Step 4: Review and reset
Review the summary of what will happen. If you want to change any options (like whether to clean the drive), click Change settings. When ready, click Reset. Your PC will restart and begin the reset process. This takes 30 minutes to 2 hours depending on your hardware.
Once complete, Windows will boot to the setup screen (if you chose “Remove everything”) or directly to your desktop (if you chose “Keep my files”).
How to Factory Reset Windows 10
The process on Windows 10 is nearly identical — the Settings path is slightly different.
- Open Settings > Update & Security > Recovery.
- Under “Reset this PC,” click Get started.
- Choose Keep my files or Remove everything.
- Choose Cloud download or Local reinstall.
- Review the additional settings, then click Reset.
The options and behavior are the same as Windows 11 — the only difference is the path through Settings.
How to Reset From Advanced Startup (If Windows Will Not Boot)
If Windows is not booting properly, you can still access the reset option through the Advanced Startup menu:
- Force your PC to restart 3 times in a row during boot (hold the power button to shut down, then turn it back on). On the third restart, Windows will enter the recovery environment.
- Select Troubleshoot > Reset this PC.
- Choose Keep my files or Remove everything, then follow the prompts.
This method works on both Windows 10 and Windows 11 and is your best option when you cannot reach the Settings app.
What to Do After Resetting
After the reset completes, I recommend a few steps to get your system back in shape:
- Check for Windows updates — go to Settings > Windows Update and install any pending updates.
- Reinstall your apps — if you chose “Keep my files,” your apps were removed. Reinstall the ones you need.
- Optimize Windows — use Winhance to remove bloatware, disable telemetry, and configure your system the way you want it.
- Update drivers — make sure your graphics and other drivers are up to date.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will “Keep my files” save everything on my PC?
It keeps your personal files — documents, downloads, pictures, music, videos, and desktop files. However, all installed applications and system settings are removed. You will need to reinstall your apps after the reset. For critical data, I always recommend making a backup before resetting just in case.
Should I choose cloud download or local reinstall?
Choose cloud download if your Windows installation has been buggy or corrupted — it downloads a clean copy from Microsoft. Choose local reinstall if your internet is slow or you just want to reset settings and apps without waiting for a large download. Both options produce the same end result.
How long does a factory reset take?
Typically 30 minutes to 2 hours depending on your hardware. PCs with SSDs finish much faster than those with HDDs. Cloud download adds extra time for the download itself (depends on your internet speed).
Can I factory reset if Windows will not start?
Yes. Force restart your PC 3 times during boot to trigger the Windows Recovery Environment. From there, select Troubleshoot > Reset this PC. You can also boot from a Windows USB drive and select “Repair your computer” to access the same recovery options.
Is a factory reset the same as a clean install?
A factory reset with “Remove everything” and cloud download is very close to a clean install — it wipes everything and reinstalls Windows fresh. The main difference is that a clean install from a USB drive gives you more control over disk partitioning. For most people, the built-in reset is sufficient. If you want a true clean install, see my guide on reinstalling Windows without losing data.
