--- title: "Reset this PC in Windows 11: keep files or remove everything" canonical: https://saasranked.com/guides/reset-this-pc/ applies_to: Windows 11, Windows 10 checked: 2026-08-16 (against Microsoft's documentation) updated: 2026-08-16 --- # Reset this PC in Windows 11: keep files or remove everything - Reset this PC reinstalls Windows from the device itself and needs no external media [2]. - Keep my files keeps personal files such as documents and photos but removes apps and settings [1][2]. - Remove everything removes all personal files, apps and settings; the Clean data option also cleans the drive [1]. - Cloud download gets a fresh copy of Windows with the latest updates; Local reinstall uses the files already on the PC [1]. - The screen can stay black for a long time, sometimes more than 15 minutes; restarting the PC yourself could make the reset fail [1]. To reset Windows 11, open Settings, select System > Recovery, and select Reset PC under Recovery options [1]. Choose Keep my files to keep personal files, or Remove everything to erase them [1]. Then pick Cloud download or Local reinstall [1]. Both choices remove your apps and settings [2]. Back up first and have your BitLocker recovery key ready [1]. ## Before you start A reset reinstalls Windows. It always removes your apps and settings, and **Remove everything** also deletes your personal files [1][2]. Microsoft calls it the most disruptive recovery option, so try the less drastic ones first [2]. Back up important files before you begin [1]. You can turn on Windows Backup in **Settings** > **Accounts** > **Windows Backup** [2]. If your device is encrypted, make sure you have your BitLocker recovery key [1]. You need it for most recovery options in Windows RE [2]. Find it before you start [4]. If your organization manages the PC, contact your IT department first [2]. On Windows 10, Windows RE asks for the user name and password of a local account with administrator rights [6]. ## Steps 1. **Back up your files.** Back up important files before you begin, because a reset may remove apps, settings and files [1]. 2. **Have your BitLocker recovery key ready.** Check your Microsoft account or your work or school account for the key [4]. Write it down on paper, away from the PC. 3. **Open Recovery settings.** In the **Settings** app, select **System** > **Recovery** [1]. 4. **Select Reset PC.** Under **Recovery options**, select **Reset PC** [1]. 5. **Choose what to keep.** Select **Keep my files** to reinstall Windows and keep your personal files [1]. Select **Remove everything** to reinstall Windows and remove all your personal files, apps and settings [1]. **Remove everything** deletes your data, so be sure your backup is complete. 6. **Choose how to reinstall Windows.** **Cloud download** downloads a fresh copy of Windows with the latest updates [1]. **Local reinstall** uses the files already on your PC [1]. 7. **Review the extra settings.** With **Keep my files**, **Restore preinstalled apps** applies any customizations from the PC manufacturer [1]. With **Remove everything**, **Clean data** removes files and cleans the drive, which takes longer [1]. 8. **Start the reset and wait.** Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the reset [1]. The screen might go black for a long time, occasionally more than 15 minutes, and the PC may restart by itself [1]. Don't restart it yourself, because that could cause the reset to fail [1]. ## Check it worked When the reset finishes, Windows has been reinstalled [1]. If you chose **Keep my files**, your documents and photos are still there, but your apps and settings are gone [1][2]. Reinstall the apps you need. If you chose **Local reinstall**, your copy may not include the latest updates [1]. Open **Settings** > **Windows Update** and install any updates it offers [6]. ## Common problems - **Windows won't start.** Open Windows RE instead. Start the PC and, as soon as the Windows logo appears, hold the power button until it shuts down; do this two times [3]. On the third start, select **Advanced options** on the **Automatic Repair** screen [3]. Then select **Troubleshoot** > **Reset this PC** [2]. - **Windows RE asks for a BitLocker recovery key.** You need the key for most recovery options in Windows RE [2]. A **Remove everything** reset from Windows RE asks for it on devices that use a PIN or password at startup [5]. Find the key from another device [4]. - **The screen stays black.** This is expected for a long time, occasionally more than 15 minutes [1]. Leave the PC alone, because restarting it yourself could make the reset fail [1]. - **You use Windows 10.** Select **Start** > **Settings** > **Update & Security** > **Recovery** [1]. Under **Reset this PC**, select **Get started**, then choose **Keep my files** or **Remove everything** and **Cloud download** or **Local reinstall** [1]. ## Questions **Does Keep my files keep my apps?** No. Keep my files reinstalls Windows and keeps your personal files, but apps and settings are removed [1][2]. Plan to reinstall your apps afterwards. **Should I choose Cloud download or Local reinstall?** Cloud download gets a fresh copy of Windows with all updates and helps when local files are damaged or missing [1]. Local reinstall uses the files already on your PC, which can be faster on a slow connection but may not include the latest updates [1]. **Is the Clean data option a secure erase?** Clean data removes files and cleans the drive, which makes them harder to recover [1]. Microsoft notes it does not meet government or industry data erasure standards [1]. **Do I need a USB drive or installation media to reset?** No. Reset this PC reinstalls Windows directly from your device and can be started from Settings or from Windows RE [2]. ## Sources 1. [Reset your PC](https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/Windows/Experience/Backup-Recovery/reset-your-pc), Microsoft Support, accessed 2026-08-16 2. [Recovery options in Windows](https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/recovery-options-in-windows-31ce2444-7de3-818c-d626-e3b5a3024da5), Microsoft Support, accessed 2026-08-16 3. [Windows recovery environment](https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/windows-recovery-environment-0eb14733-6301-41cb-8d26-06a12b42770b), Microsoft Support, accessed 2026-08-16 4. [Find your BitLocker recovery key](https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/find-your-bitlocker-recovery-key-6b71ad27-0b89-ea08-f143-056f5ab347d6), Microsoft Support, accessed 2026-08-16 5. [BitLocker recovery overview](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/security/operating-system-security/data-protection/bitlocker/recovery-overview), Microsoft Learn, accessed 2026-08-16 6. [Windows Recovery Environment (Windows RE)](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-hardware/manufacture/desktop/windows-recovery-environment--windows-re--technical-reference), Microsoft Learn, accessed 2026-08-16 Checked against Microsoft's documentation on 16 Aug 2026.