How to Factory Reset Windows 11 Without Password: A Quick Guide

Forgot your Windows 11 password and can’t log in? Or maybe you just want to start fresh because your PC is running slow, cluttered, or full of errors. Don’t panic—there’s a way out. Factory resetting your computer is like hitting the refresh button. It wipes everything and reinstalls Windows so your system feels brand new again.

The best part? You can reset your PC even if you don’t remember the password. In this guide, we’ll break down how to factory reset Windows 11 without a password step by step.

Table of Contents

Why Would You Factory Reset Without a Password?

There are a few common reasons people need to do this:

Forgotten password – Locked out of your own system.
Selling or giving away your PC – To remove your personal data completely.
Virus or malware infection – Starting over is sometimes the safest bet.
System performance issues – A reset clears out unnecessary junk.

Think of it like spring cleaning for your computer—it clears the clutter and gives it a fresh start.

Important Things to Know Before Resetting

Before jumping in, here are a few key things to consider:

You will lose your files if you choose the full wipe option.
Apps and installed programs will be removed.
Windows will reinstall itself automatically.
Make sure your laptop or PC is plugged into power during the reset.

If you can, back up important files to a USB drive or cloud storage first.

Method 1 – Factory Reset From the Login Screen

If you can’t log in but can reach the login screen, this method works best.

On the login screen, click the power icon in the bottom-right corner.
Hold Shift and click Restart.
Your PC will reboot and show the Choose an option screen.
Select Troubleshoot → Reset this PC.
Choose either:
- Keep my files (keeps personal files but removes apps/settings)
- Remove everything (complete wipe)
Follow the on-screen instructions.

Windows will reinstall itself, and you’ll have a fresh system without needing the password.

Method 2 – Use Advanced Startup (Boot Menu)

If the login screen method doesn’t work, try booting directly into recovery mode.

Turn off your computer.
Press the power button to turn it on and immediately press F11 (or F9/F12 depending on your PC brand).
This opens the recovery environment.
Go to Troubleshoot → Reset this PC.
Choose your reset type and proceed.

Method 3 – Factory Reset Using Installation Media (USB Drive)

If nothing else works, you can create a Windows 11 installation USB on another computer.

Download the Windows 11 Media Creation Tool from Microsoft’s website.
Create a bootable USB drive (8GB or larger).
Insert the USB into your locked PC and boot from it.
Select Repair your computer instead of Install.
Choose Troubleshoot → Reset this PC.

This will reinstall Windows without asking for the old password.

Keep My Files vs. Remove Everything – Which Should You Choose?

Keep my files – Best if you forgot your password but still want to keep personal documents.
Remove everything – Best for selling your PC, removing viruses, or starting fresh.

Remember, both options remove apps and reset settings.

How Long Does a Factory Reset Take?

It depends on your system and the option you choose:

Keep my files: Around 30–60 minutes.
Remove everything (full wipe): 1–3 hours depending on data size.

Make sure your PC is plugged in and avoid turning it off during the process.

What Happens After the Reset?

Once the reset is complete:

Your PC restarts like it’s brand new.
You’ll go through the initial setup (region, keyboard, Wi-Fi, etc.).
You can set a new password or use a Microsoft account.

Can You Factory Reset Without Losing Data?

If you choose Keep my files, your personal documents and photos remain safe, but apps and system settings will reset. For a completely clean slate, Remove everything is the better choice.

Common Problems and Fixes

Reset option is greyed out or unavailable
– Your system files may be damaged. Try Method 3 with installation media.

Reset fails halfway
– Disconnect unnecessary peripherals and retry.

PC keeps asking for the password after reset
– Make sure you selected the full reset option and not just a system refresh.

Is Factory Reset the Same as Reinstalling Windows?

Almost! A factory reset reinstalls Windows 11 but uses the built-in recovery files, while a clean install wipes your hard drive and installs Windows from scratch using external media.

Tips to Avoid Password Problems in the Future

Use a Microsoft account—it’s easier to recover.
Enable a PIN or Windows Hello for quick access.
Keep a recovery USB handy.

Final Thoughts

Factory resetting your Windows 11 PC without a password isn’t as hard as it sounds. Whether you’re locked out, selling your device, or just want a fresh start, the steps above will get you there.

Choose the method that works best for your situation—login screen, advanced startup, or installation media—and within an hour or two, you’ll have a clean, ready-to-use system.

FAQs

1. Can I reset Windows 11 without losing my personal files?
Yes, choose the “Keep my files” option during reset.

2. Will factory reset remove viruses?
Yes, if you select “Remove everything,” most malware will be wiped.

3. Do I need my old password after the reset?
No, once reset is complete, you can create a new one.

4. Is factory reset bad for my PC?
No, it’s safe and often improves performance, but avoid doing it too frequently.

5. Can I reset Windows 11 without an internet connection?
Yes, but having internet helps with reinstallation and updates afterward.