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How to Reinstall or Factory Reset Windows 11 on Your Computer

Summary: Learn how to reset or reinstall Windows 11 on your Dell computer. Follow step-by-step instructions for system restore, resetting Windows, using recovery media, and more.

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.
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Instructions

Table of Contents:

  1. Back Up Your Files Before Windows 11 Recovery
  2. Restore Windows 11 Using System Restore
  3. How to Factory Reset Windows 11
  4. Windows 11 Recovery with SupportAssist OS
  5. How to Reinstall Windows 11 Using Recovery Media
  6. How to Uninstall and Reinstall Windows 11 Drivers
  7. Additional Information

Back Up Your Files Before Windows 11 Recovery

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.

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Restore Windows 11 Using 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 computer using a system restore point and must use one of the other recovery options listed on this page.

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How to Factory Reset Windows 11

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

Keep my files > Change settings > Preinstalled apps On.
  • Reinstall Windows 11 and keeps your personal files.
  • Removes apps and drivers that you installed
  • Removes changes that you made to settings
  • Reinstalls any apps that your computer manufacture installed if your computer came with Windows 11
Keep my files > Change settings > Preinstalled apps Off.
  • Reinstall Windows 11 and keeps your personal files.
  • Removes apps and drivers that you installed
  • Removes changes that you made to settings
  • Reinstalls any apps that your computer manufacture installed
Remove everything.
  • Reinstall Windows 11 and removes your personal files.
  1. Click Start Windows Logo, then type Reset.
  2. Select Reset this personal computer (System Setting).
  3. Under Reset this personal computer, 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 that you have backed up your files This hyperlink is taking you to a website outside of Dell Technologies. before beginning this task.
Some Dell tablets may be configured to add Dell factory-installed software during this process.

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Windows 11 Recovery with SupportAssist OS

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

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How to 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

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How to Uninstall and Reinstall Windows 11 Drivers

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

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Additional Information

Resolution information

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Affected Products

Alienware, Inspiron, OptiPlex All-In-One, OptiPlex Micro, OptiPlex Small Form Factor, OptiPlex Tower, OptiPlex Ultra, XE Series, Vostro, XPS, G Series, G Series, Alienware, Inspiron, 3000 Series, 5000 Series, 7000 Series, 9000 Series, Rugged Laptops , Vostro, XPS, Fixed Workstations, Mobile Workstations, Dell Pro 13 Premium PA13250, Dell Pro 14 Premium PA14250, Dell Pro 13 Plus PB13250, Dell Pro 14 Plus PB14250, Dell Pro 16 Plus PB16250, Dell Pro Rugged 13 RA13250, Dell Pro Rugged 14 RB14250 ...
Article Properties
Article Number: 000192698
Article Type: How To
Last Modified: 14 Mar 2025
Version:  14
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