What you need to know to factory reset a Windows 11 PC:
- From Settings: Start > Settings > System > Recovery > Recovery options > Reset this PC > Reset PC.
- From the login screen: Windows logo key + L > Power > Restart > Windows Recovery Environment > Troubleshoot > Reset this PC
- A factory reset gives you the choice to keep your personal files or wipe everything clean.
This article will walk you through two different methods for performing a factory reset on a Windows 11 computer. A factory reset is a final option when there is no other way to fix a software or malware issue, or when your Windows 11 computer is slowing down.
Steps before starting a factory reset
The term "factory reset" refers to returning or restoring a device to the original condition in which it was sold by the manufacturer. You should take certain precautionary steps before choosing which reset options to erase your data.
- Resetting your PC will remove installed programs, settings, and personal files. Make sure you back up any important files before resetting.
- Resetting your encrypted Windows 11 Pro installation will require a BitLocker key, so have it ready.
- Make sure you have administrator level access, as Reset this PC works with this user access level.
How to factory reset Windows 11 from Recovery Settings
Windows 11 has a handy built-in method called Reset this PC to help you reset Windows 11 from Settings. Use this method when you can boot into Windows without problems.
1- Open Start > Settings > System > Recovery. 
3- Windows 11 will give you two reset options as it reinstalls Windows 11:
- Keep my files: It resets your computer to its default state and removes all installed applications and custom settings. However, it keeps your personal files (such as documents and music). You can also restore or remove all the pre-installed applications that came with your computer by Select Keep my files > Change settings > Pre-installed apps > Turn on or off.
- Remove everything: This nuclear option removes everything, including your personal files and all installed apps.
Selecting either option will take you to a screen that gives you the option to: Reinstall. 
4- Define Cloud download Or Local reinstallation.
5- Summarize Additional Settings Selected reinstall settings. 
6- Define Change settings You have the option to delete all your files and also clean the drive. Cleaning the drive can take hours, but it's safer because it overwrites the data on the disks. 
7- It allows you to Settings screen Choose between reinstalling both Windows and its stock applications. Download and reinstall Windows Clean install. 
8- Select Confirm to return to the Additional Settings screen. The Confirm button is highlighted on the screen. Reset this computer.
9- Define Next > Reset to start the process. 
10. A progress indicator will indicate that the process has begun. The duration will depend on several factors, such as the options you selected and the amount of data you have on your drives. Typically, you can expect it to take between 15-45 minutes.
How to reset Windows 11 from the login screen
The Windows Recovery Environment is a recovery option when settings are unavailable due to a malfunction. You can enter WinRE from the Windows 11 sign-in screen, and the steps from there are similar to Reset this PC from Settings.
- Open the login screen using the keyboard shortcut key Windows logo + L.Then click on Shift key while selecting Power button > RestartThe Reset menu option is highlighted on the Windows 11 sign-in screen.
- The WinRE screen offers three options. Select Troubleshooting > Reset this PC To display the same reset options we talked about in the previous section.
- Select whether you want to keep your personal files or remove everything. Then, follow the same instructions in the previous section to complete the reset process.
Note: You can also factory reset your Windows 11 PC using a bootable recovery drive. When Windows 11 won't boot to the Windows desktop, or if you've forgotten your administrator password, a recovery drive may be your only option for resetting your PC. Always use a recovery drive.Create a bootable Windows 11 drive If you don't have one, you can use this to boot into your computer and install Windows cleanly. This option won't let you keep your personal files and folders.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q1: How do I factory reset an HP laptop running Windows 11?
The answer: The same steps above will reset a Windows 11 laptop, regardless of manufacturer. Go to Start > Settings > System > Recovery > Recovery options > Reset this PC > Reset your PC.
Q2: How do I reset network settings in Windows 11?
The answer: You should Reset Windows 11 network settings If you're having trouble staying connected to the internet or your computer is running slowly, go to Start > Settings > Network & Internet > Advanced network settings > Network reset.
