Skip to main content
Sign Out

Welcome to Dell

My Account
  • Place orders quickly and easily
  • View orders and track your shipping status
  • Enjoy members-only rewards and discounts
  • Create and access a list of your products
Sign In Create an Account Premier Sign In Partner Program Sign In
Contact Us

Your Dell.com Carts

Reset or Reinstall Windows 11 on Your Dell Computer

Summary: This article covers several different methods of restoration, resetting, and the reinstallation of Windows 11.

This article applies to This article does not apply to This article is not tied to any specific product. Not all product versions are identified in this article.
Check out other resources

Instructions

Table of Contents:

  1. Back Up Your Files
  2. System Restore
  3. Reset Your Copy Of Windows 11
  4. SupportAssist OS Recovery
  5. Reinstall Windows 11 Using Recovery Media
  6. Windows 11 Drivers for Your Dell Computer
  7. Additional Information

Back Up Your Files

Before you attempt a refresh or reset of your operating system (OS), Dell Technologies recommends that you back up your data.

Back up your Documents, Pictures, and Desktop folders with OneDrive This hyperlink is taking you to a website outside of Dell Technologies.


Back to Top

System Restore

To perform a System Restore, follow these steps:

  1. Click Start Windows Logo, then type Control Panel.
  2. Search Control Panel for Recovery.
  3. Select Recovery > Open System Restore > Next.
  4. Choose the restore point that is related to the problematic app, driver, or update, and then select Next > Finish.

 

Note: If you do not see the restore point that you want to use, select the Show more restore points check box to see more restore points.
If you are not seeing any restore points, it might be because system protection is not turned on. Here is how to check:
  • In the search box on the taskbar, type: Control Panel, and then choose it from the list of results.
  • In the Control Panel search box, type recovery.
  • Select Recovery > Configure System Restore > Configure and see if the Turn on system protection option is selected.
If the Turn on system protection option is not selected, system protection is not turned on, and there are not any restore points. In this scenario, you cannot recover your personal computer using a system restore point and must use one of the other recovery options listed on this page.


Back to Top

Reset Your Copy Of Windows 11

There are three options when doing a Reset of Windows 11.

Keep my files > Change settings > Preinstalled apps On
  • Reinstalls Windows 11 and keeps your personal files.
  • Removes apps and drivers that you installed.
  • Removes changes that you made to settings.
  • Restores any apps that your computer manufacture installed if your computer came with Windows 11.
Keep my files > Change settings > Preinstalled apps Off
  • Reinstalls Windows 11 and keeps your personal files.
  • Removes apps and drivers that you installed.
  • Removes changes that you made to settings.
  • Restores any apps that your computer manufacture installed.
Remove everything
  • Reinstalls Windows 11 and removes your personal files.

 

  1. Click Start Windows Logo, then type Reset.
  2. Select Reset this PC (System Setting).
  3. Under Reset this PC, select Get Started.
  4. If you select the option to Keep my files.
    1. Note any apps or drivers that must be reinstalled after the refresh has completed.
    2. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the refresh process. This takes some time and your computer restarts.
  5. If you select the option to Remove everything.
    1. If you are keeping this computer, select Just remove my files. If you are recycling the computer, select Remove files and clean the drive.
    2. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the reset process. This takes some time and your computer restarts.
Note: This is not a Dell factory image reset, this process reinstalls the Windows 11 OS, removes all your personal files, removes apps and drivers you installed, removes any changes that are made to settings, and removes any apps that Dell installed. Be sure you have backed up your files before beginning this task.
Some Dell tablets may be configured to add Dell factory-installed software during this process.


Back to Top

SupportAssist OS Recovery

More information about using SupportAssist to restore your computer:
Restore your system using Dell SupportAssist OS Recovery


Back to Top

Reinstall Windows 11 Using Recovery Media

More information about reinstalling Windows 11 with recovery media:
How to Download and Use the Dell Operating System Recovery Image in Microsoft Windows


Back to Top

Windows 11 Drivers for your Dell Computer

Dell updates drivers, applications, and firmware to meet the demands of new software and hardware.


Back to Top

Additional Information

Resolution information.


Back to Top

Additional Information

Recommended Articles

Here are some recommended articles related to this topic that might be of interest to you.

Affected Products

Alienware, All-In-One, Inspiron Desktop, Inspiron Small Desktop, G Series, G Series, Alienware, 3000 Series, 5000 Series, 7000 Series, 3000 Series, 5000 Series, 7000 Series, 9000 Series, Fixed Workstations, Mobile Workstations , Latitude 7220EX Rugged Extreme Tablet, Latitude 7220 Rugged Extreme Tablet, Latitude 7230 Rugged Extreme Tablet ...
Article Properties
Article Number: 000192698
Article Type: How To
Last Modified: 10 Oct 2024
Version:  6
Find answers to your questions from other Dell users
Support Services
Check if your device is covered by Support Services.