If you need to reset Windows 11 without losing your data, then you are in luck as this guide will help you reinstall the OS.
Windows has always liked a fresh reinstall, ever since the 90s. Perhaps anupdateor new software didn’t work out so well, or maybe you got unlucky with avirus. In times past, this was a tedious process that would result in all your precious data and apps being deleted and forcing you to start from scratch.
ThankfullyWindows 11has a couple of methods to let you reset your Windows install without all your precious data being sacrificed. We’ll take you through all the steps to get a fresh and stable reinstall with no data loss. We’re assuming you’ve got Windows 11 installed already and will guide you through the process.
How to reset Windows 11 and keep your data
This option is less extreme than a full reinstallation but will revert your PC to a ‘factory fresh’ state. Onlyprogramsthat came with your PC will be kept, but your personal files and data can be preserved.
If you have a bootable USB drive or ISO image, it is possible to reinstall the operating system without deleting your data or your applications. There’s no need to reinstall your software with this process. If you aren’t sure how to create a bootable USB Windows drive, you can followour guide.
After the process is completed, you’ll have a fresh Windows 11 installation with your apps retained, to boot.
Rebecca Hills-Duty was a Tech Writer on Dexerto’s UK Team, specializing in PC components, VR, AMD, Nvidia and Intel. She has previously written for UploadVR and The Escapist, hosts a weekly show on RadioSEGA and has an obsession with retro gaming.
