Does Keep my files keep my apps?

No. Keep my files reinstalls Windows and keeps your personal files, but apps and settings are removed. 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. Local reinstall uses the files already on your PC, which can be faster on a slow connection but may not include the latest updates.

Is the Clean data option a secure erase?

Clean data removes files and cleans the drive, which makes them harder to recover. Microsoft notes it does not meet government or industry data erasure standards.

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.

Reset this PC in Windows 11: keep files or remove everything

To reset Windows 11, open Settings, select System > Recovery, and select Reset PC under Recovery options¹. Choose Keep my files to keep personal files, or Remove everything to erase them¹. Then pick Cloud download or Local reinstall¹. Both choices remove your apps and settings². Back up first and have your BitLocker recovery key ready¹.

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 first².

Back up important files before you begin¹. You can turn on Windows Backup in Settings > Accounts > Windows Backup². If your device is encrypted, make sure you have your BitLocker recovery key¹. You need it for most recovery options in Windows RE². Find it before you start⁴.

If your organization manages the PC, contact your IT department first². On Windows 10, Windows RE asks for the user name and password of a local account with administrator rights⁶.

Steps

Back up your files. Back up important files before you begin, because a reset may remove apps, settings and files¹.
Have your BitLocker recovery key ready. Check your Microsoft account or your work or school account for the key⁴. Write it down on paper, away from the PC.
Open Recovery settings. In the Settings app, select System > Recovery¹.
Select Reset PC. Under Recovery options, select Reset PC¹.
Choose what to keep. Select Keep my files to reinstall Windows and keep your personal files¹. Select Remove everything to reinstall Windows and remove all your personal files, apps and settings¹. Remove everything deletes your data, so be sure your backup is complete.
Choose how to reinstall Windows. Cloud download downloads a fresh copy of Windows with the latest updates¹. Local reinstall uses the files already on your PC¹.
Review the extra settings. With Keep my files, Restore preinstalled apps applies any customizations from the PC manufacturer¹. With Remove everything, Clean data removes files and cleans the drive, which takes longer¹.
Start the reset and wait. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the reset¹. The screen might go black for a long time, occasionally more than 15 minutes, and the PC may restart by itself¹. Don't restart it yourself, because that could cause the reset to fail¹.

Check it worked

When the reset finishes, Windows has been reinstalled¹. 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 updates¹. Open Settings > Windows Update and install any updates it offers⁶.

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 times³. On the third start, select Advanced options on the Automatic Repair screen³. Then select Troubleshoot > Reset this PC².
Windows RE asks for a BitLocker recovery key. You need the key for most recovery options in Windows RE². A Remove everything reset from Windows RE asks for it on devices that use a PIN or password at startup⁵. Find the key from another device⁴.
The screen stays black. This is expected for a long time, occasionally more than 15 minutes¹. Leave the PC alone, because restarting it yourself could make the reset fail¹.
You use Windows 10. Select Start > Settings > Update & Security > Recovery¹. Under Reset this PC, select Get started, then choose Keep my files or Remove everything and Cloud download or Local reinstall¹.

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 missing¹. Local reinstall uses the files already on your PC, which can be faster on a slow connection but may not include the latest updates¹.
Is the Clean data option a secure erase?: Clean data removes files and cleans the drive, which makes them harder to recover¹. Microsoft notes it does not meet government or industry data erasure standards¹.
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 RE².

16 Aug 2026: Published.