You may be facing performance issues or planning to sell your PC and need to factory reset Windows 11 from boot. You may need clarification about the safest and most straightforward ways to factory reset Windows 11 from boot.
What are the easiest ways to initiate a Windows 11 factory reset from boot? Can I do this without a Windows installation USB? This article will provide you with helpful information.
What Is a Factory Reset?
Factory reset is the process by which all data and settings are cleared such that the device returns to its default setting, that is, how it looked the first day you opened it from its box. It helps solve device software issues, allowing it to operate normally.
Doing a factory reset removes personal data which may include videos, music, audio, documents, etc.
Settings: Network settings, app settings, and system settings resume to default after factory reset.
Apps: Installed apps are deleted.
Accounts: Google, Apple, Microsoft, etc. are erased.
Viruses: Factory resets remove most of the viruses and malware. However, sometimes, the virus may not be removed.
Pros and Cons of Factory Resetting Windows 11
A bug or two while using your Windows should not mean that you automatically need to Factory Reset your Windows 11. Here is a list of common reasons for a factory reset of Windows.
Recurring Software Bugs: It may be due to a cluttered system with old software programs. A factory reset can restore your system to a working state.
If you plan to sell, exchange, or donate your computer, performing a factory reset is crucial for privacy.
Damage or corruption of essential Windows System Files can severely impact your computer's functionality; hence, a factory reset is needed.
If your computer's performance has significantly declined, it may be due to factors like wear and tear, fragmented drives, software conflicts, or resource issues.
Pros
Factory Reset is beneficial because it resolves device issues for improved performance, cleans out unwanted files and junk, allows for personalized system setup without compromising device memory, restores the device to a like-new condition, quickly resolves unresponsive issues within a short period, and preserves original files and software.
Cons
However, be sure to sometimes expect data loss in case you have no proper backup. You may need a proper backup to lose data. Additionally, licensed software keys may be lost, creating trouble when restoring them.
Preparation Before Factory Resetting Windows 11 from Boot
First things first! Initiate Windows 11 factory reset from boot by backing up your files and data on files or devices in an external device, maybe a USB. This way, you can continue your work immediately after resetting your Windows 11 from boot.
Files you need to back up include; all system files and folders related to OS, all media files of audio, video, recordings, graphic files, documents, word files, apps and system drivers, and system updates.
After the reset, you can link your external media to your device and recover the data.
Step-by-Step to Factory Reset Windows 11 from Boot (BIOS)
This guide will show you how to initiate and do a Windows 11 factory reset from boot. Let’s get started.
Step 1: Press the power button to start the computer.
Step 2: Just after the Power-On Self-Test (POST), be sure to press the power button to turn off the PC.
Step 3: Do the above steps again, and for the 3rd time, your Window 11 will enter the WinRE.
Step 4: Click on the ‘Advanced options’ button.
Step 5: The page below appears. Now, press on Troubleshoot.
Step 6: On the two options, click on Reset this PC.
Step 7: Here you have two options. To either remove everything (For this case, click on Remove everything), which wipes the entire hard drive for the installation of a new window, or preserve your files (for this, click on Keep my files). This option removes apps and settings and preserves personal files.
Step 8: Click on ‘Just remove my files’ if you plan to keep the device. The second option, “Fully clean the drive,” will be okay if you want to get rid of the device. It takes several hours.
Step 9: Click on ‘Cloud download’ to redownload your Windows 11 or click ‘Local reinstall’ if you prefer the Local image option.
Step 10: Finally, select the reset button to do the factory reset.
Follow this Windows 11 boot menu factory reset guide to get your PC back to default settings.
Why Can’t I Reset my Windows 11 PC?
Sometimes, a system bug can cause problems when you are trying to reset Windows 11 on a PC. Three main reasons can be the problem.
Reason #1: You don’t have the latest updates for Windows 11
You may not have installed the latest version of Windows, and this may cause errors when you initiate Windows 11 factory reset from boot.
Solution: Install the Latest Update of Windows 11
Follow these steps to install the latest updates;
Step 1: Click the Windows icon and choose settings on your PC.
Step 2: Click on the Updates and Security option and then ‘Check for updates’.
Step 3: Finally, you can check if the Reset my Windows option is available.
Reason #2: A feature update may limit a factory Reset for Windows 11
If you have already installed an update for Windows 11, there may be a possibility of a feature update causing an error.
Solution: Uninstall Feature Update
Here are steps to uninstall the feature update;
Step 1: Press the Windows button, select the "Power" button, hold "Shift" on your keyboard, and select "Restart."
Step 2: Click on ‘Troubleshoot,’ then Advanced options, followed by ‘Uninstall updates
Step 3: Choose “Uninstall latest feature update" and follow the rest of the steps to complete the process.
Reason #3: The problem is none of the above
If the problem is none of the above and cannot be identified, consider reinstalling your Windows 11
Solution: reinstall your windows 11
Be sure to backup your files, apps, and other data before you go ahead and reinstall your windows.
Choose New Office Software after Resetting - WPS Office
WPS Office offers essential office tools like Writer (equivalent to Microsoft Word), Spreadsheet (similar to Excel), Presentation (comparable to PowerPoint), and a PDF editor.
I have used the WPS office in the last few years. I found it so beneficial in that it has a free download and free to use, lacks insufficiencies caused by ads or registration, has a rich template store and functions, its lightweight occupying small space of your computer, support online documents, its safe and stable. It’s compatibility to Windows and Mac users and ever user friendly interface makes it a perfect choice software for you.
How to free download the WPS Office?
Follow these steps below to download WPS Office for free.
Step 1: Choose any browser to access the official site for WPS Office.
Step 2: Click on ‘Get store app’
Step 3: the POP-UP Box opens, and this allows you to click on ‘Open Microsoft store.’
Step 4: Click on ‘Get’ to download the software.
Step 5: Downloading starts immediately
Step 6: Press on ‘Open’ to open the software.
Step 7: Press on ‘Agree and continue’ to access the software interface.
Step 8: Now, you can use the software for documents, spreadsheets, PowerPoint, and more.
FAQs
Can I perform a factory reset without a Windows 11 installation disk or USB drive?
Yes, you can initiate a factory reset from the Windows 11 settings if your PC is still operational. However, having installation media is helpful for severe issues.
How long does it take to complete a factory reset of Windows 11 from boot?
The duration for factory reset may vary depending on your PC system specs or removable disc performance. The time varies based on your PC's specifications, but it can take anywhere from 30 minutes to a few hours. Factors influencing your factory reset of Windows 11 from boot include removable disc performance, CPU processing speed, and SSD/HDD speed.
Do I need a Windows installation media for a factory reset from boot in Windows 11?
In some cases, yes. You may need a bootable USB drive or DVD with the Windows 11 installation files to perform a factory reset from boot. Make sure to create this media beforehand or check if your computer has a built-in recovery option.
Summary
This comprehensive guide explains step-by-step Windows 11 factory reset from boot. It covers the reasons for resetting, the pros and cons, preparation steps, and how to initiate Windows 11 factory reset from boot. It also addresses common issues that may prevent a reset and recommends WPS Office as a free office suite alternative. It offers a free download and free-to-use, not forgetting its Rich template store and rich functions.
