✔️ What is reset this PC in Windows 11 and how does it work?
– Reviews News
In addition to various troubleshooting tools, Windows 11 has a "Reset" option to fix major problems on your PC. This is your last resort to troubleshoot Windows yourself before making an appointment at the nearest service center. Here's everything you need to know about resetting your Windows PC and its implications.
Although most things remain the same, there is some loss of settings on your Windows 11 PC. Although Microsoft promises that resetting does not change your data, it is best to back up all your files and documents first to try. Before we talk about how Reset this PC works and what options it can reset, let's learn when you should use it (and when you shouldn't).
When should you use the reset option?
Reset your Windows 11 PC for legitimate reasons rather than minor ones like Bluetooth mouse not working, Wi-Fi stopped responding, or apps not downloading from Microsoft Store. The company already offers troubleshooting tools for such situations. Resetting your PC just because of such issues is usually overkill.
When your PC randomly restarts after a major Windows update, Windows Security fails to remove fake files, default apps start malfunctioning out of the blue, and you have no choice but to restart your PC and start fresh. The "Reset this PC" tool is available in Windows 8, Windows 10 and Windows 11 operating systems. Windows 7 or Windows XP do not have this option.
If you're having trouble browsing the web on Windows, the issue may be related to your favorite web browser. You will need to clear the Microsoft Edge or Google Chrome browser cache and try again. Resetting the PC is not the solution.
Before using the reset option, you should always disconnect all devices from your computer. Problems can be caused by a damaged flash drive or SSD.
We have compiled a list of situations in which you can use the reset PC option.
- Your PC is malfunctioning and you haven't installed any apps or changed system settings recently
- You think your device has been infected
- Your PC is not working properly after the latest update
How to reset your Windows 11 PC
Microsoft offers several options to reset your Windows PC. This is how you can use it.
Step 1: Open the Windows 11 settings menu (use Windows + I keys).
Step 2: Select "System" from the left sidebar.
Step 3: Open the 'Recovery' menu.
Step 4: Click "Reset this PC" in the recovery options.
You have the choice between two options.
save my files
- It reinstalls the operating system and keeps your personal files intact.
- Delete installed apps.
- Deletes the changes you made to the settings.
- Restores all applications that were installed by your PC manufacturer.
Remove all
- Reinstall Windows 11 system and delete your personal files. Be sure to back up your data first.
- Delete the apps you installed.
- Deletes the changes you made to the settings.
- It removes any application installed by your PC manufacturer.
We recommend using the "Keep my files" option first. This way, you don't need to back up your personal files to SSD or cloud storage. If the option does not solve the problem, you can delete everything and start from scratch.
When you start the reset process, your screen may go black for a while (about 10 minutes to 15 minutes). In the meantime, your PC or computer may try to restart automatically. You should not manually force restart the PC as this will cause the restart to fail and you may have to start over, so be patient.
Notes: If you have encrypted your Windows device, you must request your BitLocker key to restart your PC. If you don't know your BitLocker key, read the Windows Support blog to find out how to find your BitLocker recovery key.
As we have shown in the screenshots above, you can choose to keep your files or delete them when you restart your Windows 11 PC. The feature reinstalls Windows 11 and you can access it from Settings, from the login screen, recovery drive, or installation media.
What happens when you restart your PC
This is the behind-the-scenes situation when you restart your Windows 11 PC.
- Your Windows PC boots into the Windows Recovery Environment (Windows RE).
- Windows RE formats the drive partitions before reinstalling the operating system.
- The computer restarts with a fresh copy of Windows 11.
When you choose to keep your files during the reboot process, Windows RE leaves behind your personal files and configuration settings. After the system installs the new copy of Windows, it puts your files back where they were and restarts the system.
Swiss Army Knife Troubleshooting Tools
When you encounter performance or storage issues, you'd better use "Storage Sense" in Windows 11 to free up space. You should only restart your PC in the situations described above.
SOURCE: Reviews News
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