How to Factory Reset Windows 11 Without Password — A Step-by-Step Guide

By / October 21, 2025

Forgot your Windows 11 password and can’t log in? Or maybe you’ve bought a used PC and want to wipe it clean before setting it up? Don’t worry — you can factory reset Windows 11 without a password in several safe, easy ways.

In this complete guide, we’ll walk you through every proven method to reset your Windows 11 PC even if you can’t sign in. You’ll learn how to use Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE), installation media, and advanced recovery options — all explained in plain, beginner-friendly language.

By the end, you’ll know exactly how to perform a full reset, what each option means, and how to fix any issues along the way.

What Does Factory Reset Mean in Windows 11?

A factory reset restores your Windows 11 system to its original state — as if it were brand new. It removes apps, settings, and sometimes personal files (depending on the option you choose).

Think of it like “starting fresh.” If your PC is slow, infected, or locked out due to a forgotten password, a factory reset can bring it back to life.

2. When Should You Factory Reset Without a Password?

You might need to factory reset Windows 11 without a password in these situations:

✅ You forgot your Microsoft or local account password.
✅ You bought or were given a second-hand PC.
✅ Your system is full of junk, malware, or glitches.
✅ You want to sell or donate your computer safely.

However, you should only reset a device you own or have permission to reset. Resetting without authorization is not legal.

3. Important Notes Before You Reset

Before jumping into the reset process, here are a few key things to remember:

  • Data loss: If you select “Remove everything,” all your files, photos, and programs will be deleted.

  • Power supply: Plug your laptop into power. A reset can take 30–90 minutes.

  • Internet connection: You’ll need Wi-Fi or Ethernet for updates or reinstallation.

  • Microsoft account recovery: If possible, try recovering your account password before resetting (via account.live.com/password/reset).

4. Understanding “Keep My Files” vs. “Remove Everything”

When resetting, Windows 11 gives you two options. Here’s what they mean:

Option Description Ideal For
Keep my files Reinstalls Windows 11 but keeps your personal files (removes apps and settings). If you just want a clean system without losing data.
Remove everything Completely wipes all files, apps, and settings. If you’ve forgotten your password or plan to sell your PC.

If you can’t log in, choose “Remove everything” — it doesn’t require a password and ensures a clean slate.

5. Method 1: Factory Reset Windows 11 Without Password from the Sign-In Screen

If you can’t access the desktop, don’t worry — Windows allows a reset directly from the sign-in screen.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. On the login screen, click the Power icon at the bottom right.

  2. Hold down the Shift key and click Restart.

  3. Your PC will restart and enter the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE).

  4. Select Troubleshoot → Reset this PC.

  5. Choose Remove everything.

  6. Select Cloud download or Local reinstall (explained below).

  7. Confirm your selection and click Reset.

Tip:

  • Cloud download downloads fresh Windows files from Microsoft (requires internet).

  • Local reinstall uses existing files on your PC (faster, no internet needed).

This method works even if you can’t log in — perfect for forgotten passwords.

6. Method 2: Factory Reset Windows 11 Without Password Using Advanced Startup

If the above doesn’t work, you can access Advanced Startup manually.

Steps:

  1. Turn on your PC and immediately press the Power button again to force shutdown.

  2. Repeat this 3 times (turn on → force off).

  3. On the 4th startup, Windows will open Automatic Repair → click Advanced Options.

  4. Go to Troubleshoot → Reset this PC.

  5. Choose Remove everything.

  6. Select Cloud download or Local reinstall.

  7. Follow the prompts to complete the reset.

This trick works when Windows is frozen, stuck in a loop, or you can’t even reach the sign-in page.

7. Method 3: Factory Reset Using Installation Media (Bootable USB)

If Windows Recovery doesn’t load or you see an error like “There was a problem resetting your PC”, you can perform a full reset using installation media.

What You’ll Need

  • Another working PC.

  • A USB drive (at least 8 GB).

  • Internet connection.

8. How to Create a Windows 11 Installation USB Drive

  1. On another computer, go to the Microsoft Windows 11 Download Page.

  2. Under “Create Windows 11 Installation Media,” click Download now.

  3. Run the downloaded Media Creation Tool.

  4. Accept the license terms.

  5. Choose Create installation media (USB flash drive) → Next.

  6. Select Language and Edition.

  7. Choose your USB drive → Next.

  8. Wait for the tool to finish creating the bootable media.

Once complete, remove the USB safely.

9. How to Boot from USB and Reinstall Windows 11

Now you’re ready to factory reset Windows 11 without password using the bootable USB.

Steps:

  1. Insert the USB drive into the locked PC.

  2. Turn on the computer and press the Boot Menu key (commonly F12, F9, ESC, or DEL — varies by brand).

  3. Select the USB drive from the list.

  4. Choose your language and region, then click Next.

  5. Click Install now.

  6. When asked for a product key, click I don’t have a product key.

  7. Choose Custom: Install Windows only (advanced).

  8. Select your system drive (usually Drive 0) and click Delete → Next.

  9. Windows 11 will begin reinstalling from scratch.

After installation, your PC will restart and show the setup screen — just follow the on-screen instructions to complete setup.

10. How to Reset Windows 11 on a Laptop Without Password (HP, Dell, Lenovo, Asus)

Most laptop brands include built-in recovery tools to simplify the process. Here’s how to use them:

Brand Shortcut Steps
HP F11 Restart → press F11 repeatedly → select Troubleshoot → Reset this PC
Dell F8 or F12 Restart → press F12 → select Repair your computer
Lenovo Novo Button / F11 Press Novo or F11 during boot → choose System Recovery
Asus F9 Restart → press F9 → choose Reset this PC

This launches the manufacturer’s recovery environment, where you can select Remove everything and reinstall Windows 11.

11. How to Use a Recovery Drive for Reset

If you previously created a recovery USB drive, you can use it to restore your system.

  1. Insert the recovery drive into your PC.

  2. Restart and press the boot key (e.g., F12, ESC).

  3. Choose the USB drive and boot into recovery.

  4. Select Troubleshoot → Recover from a drive.

  5. Choose Fully clean the drive → Reset.

This completely reinstalls Windows 11 — no password required.

12. Troubleshooting: Reset Option Not Working or Missing

Sometimes, Windows 11 won’t reset properly. Here’s how to fix it:

Problem: “There was a problem resetting your PC.”

✅ Fix: Try the installation media method (Method 3).

Problem: Reset option grayed out or missing.

✅ Fix: Run Command Prompt in WinRE → type:

sfc /scannow

then

chkdsk C: /f

Problem: PC keeps restarting without resetting.

✅ Fix: Disconnect all external devices (USBs, printers, drives) and retry.

Problem: BitLocker asking for recovery key.

✅ Fix: Log into your Microsoft account on another device → https://account.microsoft.com/devices/recoverykey.

13. What Happens After You Factory Reset Windows 11

Once the reset finishes, your computer will reboot and display the initial setup screen (OOBE) — just like when you bought it.

You’ll need to:

  • Choose language, region, and keyboard layout.

  • Connect to Wi-Fi.

  • Sign in or create a new Microsoft account.

  • Personalize settings (theme, privacy, etc.).

Your PC is now clean, fresh, and ready to use!

14. Tips for a Smooth Setup After Reset

  • Install drivers: Visit your laptop or motherboard manufacturer’s website for latest drivers.

  • Update Windows: Go to Settings → Windows Update → Check for updates.

  • Reinstall essential apps: Office, Chrome, antivirus, etc.

  • Enable BitLocker or device encryption for protection.

  • Create a restore point — so you can easily roll back in the future.

15. Bonus: How to Avoid Forgetting Your Password in the Future

Here are some best practices:

🔹 Use a PIN or Windows Hello (fingerprint/face ID) instead of a password.
🔹 Store recovery keys securely in your Microsoft account.
🔹 Use a password manager like Bitwarden or 1Password.
🔹 Write down backup codes for your Microsoft account.
🔹 Create a local backup account with admin rights — just in case.

16. Conclusion

Performing a factory reset on Windows 11 without a password isn’t complicated once you know the right methods.

You can reset directly from the sign-in screen, use advanced startup options, or reinstall Windows with a bootable USB drive. All these approaches restore your system to factory condition and remove forgotten passwords, malware, or unwanted files.

Take your time, follow each step carefully, and soon your Windows 11 PC will feel brand new again!

17. FAQs

1. Can I factory reset Windows 11 without knowing the password?

Yes. You can use the sign-in screen or installation USB to reset your PC — no password required.

2. Will resetting remove my Microsoft account?

Yes. A full reset (“Remove everything”) deletes all user accounts and data from the computer.

3. How long does it take to factory reset Windows 11?

Usually between 30 minutes and 2 hours, depending on your system and the chosen reinstall method.

4. Do I need a product key after reset?

No, if your device came with Windows 11 preinstalled, activation happens automatically once connected to the internet.

5. What should I do if reset fails?

Try using installation media or a recovery drive. If that doesn’t work, perform a clean installation using Microsoft’s tool.

18. Summary / Key Takeaways

Step Method Works Without Password? Difficulty
1 Reset from sign-in screen ✅ Yes Easy
2 Use Advanced Startup ✅ Yes Easy
3 Use Installation Media ✅ Yes Moderate
4 Manufacturer Recovery ✅ Yes Easy
5 Recovery Drive ✅ Yes Moderate

Key tips:

  • Always back up files when possible.

  • Use Remove everything for a completely clean system.

  • Choose Cloud download for a fresh, reliable reinstall.

  • Keep your PC plugged in during the reset.

In short: Even if you’re locked out, you can easily factory reset Windows 11 without a password using built-in tools or installation media — and get a fresh, secure start.

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