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How to Reset a Windows 11 PC Without Losing Data
After installing Windows 11 on your PC, you may encounter some errors. Here are a few solutions to help you overcome the ‘This PC can’t run Windows 11 error.’
While there are fixes for errors, they may not always work. In such cases, you may want to reset your Windows 11 PC. However, one disadvantage of resetting is losing your data. Except, that’s not the case.
Here’s how you can reset your Windows 11 PC without losing your data. All your files will stay intact on your hard drive or SSD.
What Is the Need to Reset a Windows 11 PC
There are several reasons to reset your PC. If you experience crashes, lags, or performance issues, resetting is a good option. If some software components behave poorly or you encounter the BSOD error, a reset can fix it.
Resetting and reinstalling Windows 11 can boost the performance of your old PC. Retaining your data is important in these cases to avoid the time and effort required for backup and restoration.
What Data Does Windows 11 Retain
Windows 11 will keep all the data on your hard drive or SSD, such as files, folders, music, videos, photos, screenshots, and documents. However, installed apps will be lost, and PC settings will be reset to default.
After reinstalling Windows 11, you will need to set it up as if it were a new PC and reinstall all your apps. Microsoft provides a list of apps that were present before the reset to help with this process.
How to Reset Windows 11 Without Losing Data
Turn on your PC and follow these steps to reset it:
1. Open the Start menu on Windows 11 and go to the Settings app. You can also search for Settings using the search bar.
Step 2: Ensure the System tab is selected.
Step 3: Scroll to the bottom and find Recovery. Click it.
If you’re experiencing PC issues, troubleshoot them by clicking on the ‘Fix problems without resetting this PC’ banner. Skip this step if you’ve already tried that or if you’re certain you want to reset your computer.
Click on Reset PC under Recovery options.
Step 6: In the window that pops up, select Keep my files. If you want to reset your PC completely, including your hard drives and SSDs, select Remove everything.
Step 7: The next step is deciding how to reinstall Windows 11 on your PC. If your PC came with pre-installed Windows 11, choose the Local reinstall option. Otherwise, select Cloud Install.
Cloud install downloads and installs Windows 11 via your internet connection. If you choose Cloud install, ensure sufficient bandwidth and time. Step 8: Select Next in the Additional settings section.
Step 9: This is the final reset screen. Before proceeding, review the notes and confirm the selected options. Microsoft also provides a list of the apps that will be deleted.
Click on ‘View apps that will be removed’ to get a list of all your installed apps. Take a screenshot or make a note so it’s easier to reinstall all your apps once your PC has been reset. Then, click on Back.
The final step is to hit the Reset button. Your PC will begin to reset, which takes time depending on your settings. For laptops, it’s best to plug them into the charger during the reset process.
After resetting your PC, it will reboot into Windows, allowing you to set it up as a new PC. Upon logging in, you will notice that your settings have been reset while your files remain intact.
Reset All Settings Without Losing Data
Resetting your Windows 11 PC to default settings can help eliminate software issues. By doing so, you can save time by keeping your files and folders instead of transferring them to another storage device or the cloud.
As Fred Humiston, the author behind Twothirds.us, I focus on providing practical and easy-to-follow guides and solutions for a variety of technical issues that people commonly face.
My articles cover a wide range of topics, from troubleshooting out-of-sync audio on TikTok and managing Firestick devices, to understanding the impact of Capcut on video quality and resolving sound issues on Hisense Roku TVs.
I also delve into more general tech tips, like how to block numbers on landlines or use VPNs without Wi-Fi. My goal is to make technology more accessible and less intimidating for everyone, whether you’re a tech novice or a seasoned user. I strive to offer clear, concise, and helpful advice to make your digital experience smoother and more enjoyable.