How to Reset Windows 11 Without Losing Your Files

How to Reset Windows 11 Without Losing Your Files

When Windows 11 is slow, unstable or full of errors that nothing else fixes, Reset this PC reinstalls Windows while keeping your personal files. It's the step before a full wipe - but it isn't risk-free, and it removes your apps. This guide shows exactly what it keeps, what it removes, and how to do it safely.

Try These First

A reset takes an hour or more and you'll need to reinstall your apps afterwards. Smaller fixes often solve the problem:

• Run SFC and DISM to repair Windows system files.
• Use System Restore to go back to a date when things worked.
• Uninstall a recent update or app that started the trouble.

What "Keep My Files" Keeps and Removes

Keeps:

• Your personal files in your user folders (Documents, Pictures, Desktop, Downloads, Music, Videos).
• Your user accounts.

Removes:

• Apps and programs you installed (Office, browsers other than Edge, games, printer software) and drivers you installed yourself.
• Changes to settings.
• Apps that came with the PC may be restored if the maker included them in the recovery image.

Windows puts a list of the removed apps on your desktop after the reset (a file named Removed Apps), so you know what to reinstall.

Step 1: Back Up First

Back up first - even with Keep my files. If the reset fails halfway or files are stored outside your user folders (for example directly on C:\ or in a program's own folder), they can be lost. Copy important files to an external drive or cloud storage - see how to back up your Windows 11 PC.

Also collect:

• Product keys and sign-ins for paid apps (Office, antivirus, accounting software) - you'll need them to reinstall.
• Browser passwords and bookmarks - sign in to your browser's sync, or export them.
• Your BitLocker recovery key, if your drive is encrypted - Windows may ask for it. See how to find your BitLocker recovery key.
• Your Wi-Fi password - see how to find your WiFi password on Windows 11.

Plug laptops into power for the whole reset.

Step 2: Start the Reset

1. Open Settings > System > Recovery.
2. Next to Reset this PC, select Reset PC.
3. Choose Keep my files.

Step 3: Cloud Download or Local Reinstall

• Cloud download - Windows downloads a fresh copy from Microsoft (several GB). Best if Windows files may be damaged, or if a local reinstall failed. Needs a working internet connection.
• Local reinstall - uses the files already on your PC. No big download, but if those files are damaged, the reset can fail.

If you're not sure, choose Cloud download on a good connection.

Step 4: Check the Settings and Reset

1. On Additional settings, check the summary. Selecting Change settings may offer options such as restoring the apps that came with the PC (only on some PCs).
2. Select Next. Windows may show a list of apps that will be removed - read it and note anything you'll need.
3. Select Reset.

The PC restarts several times. It can take an hour or longer. Don't turn it off.

If Windows Won't Start

You can reset from the Windows Recovery Environment:

1. On the sign-in screen, hold Shift and select Power > Restart. (If Windows fails to start twice in a row, recovery usually opens by itself.)
2. Choose Troubleshoot > Reset this PC > Keep my files.
3. Follow the same choices as above.

If recovery won't open at all, a Windows 11 installation USB gives you the same tools.

After the Reset

1. Run Settings > Windows Update and install everything, including optional driver updates.
2. Open the Removed Apps list on your desktop and reinstall only what you need, from the official websites or the Microsoft Store.
3. Check your files are all there before you delete your backup.

If errors come back even after the reset, see factory reset completed but still get errors - repeated problems after a reset often point to hardware such as the drive or memory.

Keep My Files vs Remove Everything

Choose Remove everything only when you're selling or giving away the PC, or when you want a completely clean start - it deletes all your files, apps and settings. For fixing problems, Keep my files is usually enough.

Need Help?

A reset is safe when you prepare for it, but it's a big step. If you'd like someone to check your backup and walk through it with you, the GetQuickTechSupport team can help.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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See Also:windows 11 reset recovery