Before you start
- Back up your files to an external drive or cloud storage (OneDrive, Google Drive, etc.).
- Plug in your laptop charger. A restore interrupted by low battery can cause damage.
- Note your Microsoft account email and password, and your Wi-Fi password.
- If your drive is encrypted with BitLocker or Device Encryption, find your recovery key at account.microsoft.com/devices/recoverykey.
- Make a list of paid apps and licence keys you will need to reinstall.
Which method should I use?
| Your situation | Best method | Personal files |
|---|---|---|
| Problem started after installing a driver or app | System Restore | Kept |
| Problem started after a Windows update | Uninstall the update | Kept |
| Windows is slow, buggy or has system file errors | Fix problems using Windows Update | Kept |
| Want a fresh start, or sell/give away the PC | Reset this PC | Your choice |
| Windows won't start at all | Recovery Environment | Depends on option |
| Everything else failed, or the drive was replaced | Clean install | Deleted |
Method 1: System Restore
Rolls Windows system files, drivers and settings back to an earlier restore point. Your documents, photos and other personal files are not changed. Apps and drivers installed after the restore point are removed.
Step 1: Check that System Restore is turned on
- Press Win and type Create a restore point, then open it.
- Select your C: drive and check that protection is On. If it is Off, click Configure → Turn on system protection.
Step 2: Restore
- In the same System Properties window, click System Restore…
- Click Next and choose a restore point dated before the problem began.
- Click Scan for affected programs to see what will be removed.
- Click Next → Finish, then confirm. The PC restarts and the restore runs.
Method 2: Uninstall a recent update
- Open Settings (Win + I) → Windows Update → Update history.
- Scroll down and click Uninstall updates.
- Select the recent update that caused the problem and click Uninstall.
- Restart the PC.
Method 3: Go back to Windows 10
If you upgraded from Windows 10 recently, Windows keeps the old version for a limited time (normally 10 days).
- Open Settings → System → Recovery.
- Under Recovery options, click Go back and follow the prompts.
Method 4: Reset this PC
Reinstalls Windows 11 and returns it to a clean, like-new state.
- Open Settings → System → Recovery.
- Next to Reset this PC, click Reset PC.
- Choose an option:
- Keep my files – removes apps and settings, keeps personal files.
- Remove everything – deletes files, apps and settings. Choose this before selling or giving away the PC.
- Choose how to reinstall:
- Cloud download – downloads a fresh copy of Windows (needs internet, about 4 GB or more). Usually the most reliable.
- Local reinstall – uses the files already on the PC. Faster, but can fail if those files are damaged.
- Review the summary, click Next → Reset, and wait. The PC restarts several times. Do not switch it off.
Method 5: Fix problems using Windows Update
Repairs Windows by reinstalling the current version over itself. Your files, apps and settings are kept.
- Open Settings → System → Recovery.
- Click Reinstall now next to Fix problems using Windows Update (the name may vary slightly by version).
- Wait for the download and installation to finish and the PC to restart.
Optional: repair system files first
Right-click Start → Terminal (Admin) and run these one at a time:
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealthsfc /scannow
Restart when both finish.
Method 6: PC won't start (Windows Recovery Environment)
How to open it
- Turn the PC on, and as soon as the logo appears, hold the power button to force it off. Repeat 2–3 times. Windows then opens Automatic Repair and you can pick Advanced options.
- Or, from the sign-in screen: hold Shift and click Power → Restart.
- Or, boot from a Windows 11 USB drive and choose Repair your computer.
Then choose Troubleshoot
- Startup Repair – fixes problems that stop Windows loading.
- System Restore – same as Method 1, from outside Windows.
- Uninstall Updates – removes the latest quality or feature update.
- Startup Settings → Safe Mode – start with minimal drivers to remove problem software.
- Reset this PC – see Method 4.
Method 7: Clean install with a USB drive
Create the installer
- On a working PC, download the Windows 11 Installation Media from microsoft.com/software-download/windows11.
- Insert a USB drive with at least 8 GB free (it will be erased).
- Run the tool, choose USB flash drive and follow the prompts.
Install
- Plug the USB into the PC you want to restore and restart it.
- Open the boot menu (commonly F12, F10, Esc or F9, depending on the maker) and select the USB drive.
- Choose language and keyboard, click Install now, and enter your product key, or choose I don't have a product key if Windows was previously activated on this PC.
- Select Custom: Install Windows only, then choose the drive and partition to install to.
- Complete the setup and install your drivers from Windows Update or the manufacturer's website.
FAQ
Will I lose my Windows licence if I reset or reinstall?
No. Windows 11 on the same hardware reactivates automatically once it connects to the internet, usually through a digital licence linked to your device or Microsoft account.
How long does a restore or reset take?
System Restore usually takes 10–30 minutes. Reset this PC and clean installs can take 30 minutes to a few hours, depending on the PC and your internet speed.
My restore failed or got stuck. What now?
Wait at least an hour if the drive light is still active. If it is truly frozen, force a restart, open the Recovery Environment (Method 6) and try Startup Repair or a different restore point. If it keeps failing, use a clean install.
Can I restore Windows 11 without losing my files?
Yes. System Restore, uninstalling updates, Fix problems using Windows Update, and Reset this PC with Keep my files all keep personal files. You should still back up first.
I forgot my password. Can I still restore?
You can still reach the Recovery Environment from the sign-in screen (Shift + Restart). For Microsoft accounts, reset your password at account.live.com/password/reset.
