How to Reset All Settings in Windows 11: A Step-by-Step Guide

Have you noticed your Windows 11 PC running slower than usual? Or maybe some settings got messed up after installing software or tweaking performance options? Sometimes, the best solution is to reset all settings in Windows 11 — a fresh start that brings your system back to its default state without necessarily deleting your files.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through multiple safe and effective methods to reset Windows 11 settings completely — whether you just want to reset personalization options, fix corrupted system configurations, or perform a full reset to factory defaults.

By the end, you’ll know exactly when and how to reset Windows 11, what happens when you do, and which method is best for your situation.

What Does “Reset All Settings” Mean in Windows 11?

Resetting all settings in Windows 11 means returning the system configurations, preferences, and features to their original factory defaults.

Think of it like restoring a smartphone to its original state — it removes personalized tweaks and system changes but can optionally keep your files intact.

Depending on your method, resetting Windows can:

• Reinstall Windows 11 while keeping files.

• Remove all apps and settings.

• Fully clean the drive for resale or troubleshooting.

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2. When Should You Reset Windows 11?

You don’t always need a reset — but it’s a smart move when:

• Your system feels slow or buggy even after updates.

• You’re facing frequent crashes or errors.

• Settings and configurations are messed up.

• You’re preparing to give away or sell your PC.

• You want to start fresh without reinstalling manually.

💡 Tip: Always try troubleshooting (like updating drivers or running System Restore) before a full reset.

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3. What Happens When You Reset All Settings?

Here’s what changes — and what doesn’t — after a reset:

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4. Backup Important Files Before Resetting

Even if you choose “Keep my files”, it’s best to back up your data.

How to Back Up Files Quickly

1. Connect an external hard drive or use OneDrive.

2. Copy important folders:

   • Documents

   • Desktop

   • Downloads

   • Pictures

3. Or use File History:

   • Go to Settings → System → Storage → Advanced storage settings → Backup options.

   • Turn on File History and select a drive.

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5. How to Reset Windows 11 Settings Without Losing Files

This is the safest method if you want a fresh start but still keep your photos, documents, and other files.

Steps:

1. Press Windows + I to open Settings.

2. Go to System → Recovery.

3. Under Recovery options, click Reset this PC.

4. Choose Keep my files.

5. Select Cloud download or Local reinstall.

   • Cloud download: Downloads a fresh copy of Windows 11 (requires internet).

   • Local reinstall: Uses existing files on your device.

6. Click Next → Reset.

Your PC will restart, reinstall Windows, and keep your files — but remove apps and settings.

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6. How to Reset Windows 11 Using Settings App

If you want a complete reset, removing everything including files:

Steps:

1. Open Settings (Windows + I).

2. Go to System → Recovery.

3. Under Reset this PC, click Reset PC.

4. Choose Remove everything.

5. Choose Cloud download or Local reinstall.

6. Click Next → Reset to begin.

This option is perfect for preparing your PC for sale or when troubleshooting major software issues.

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7. How to Reset Windows 11 Using Advanced Startup

If your PC doesn’t boot properly, you can reset it through Advanced Startup.

Steps:

1. Turn on your PC and press the power button as soon as you see the Windows logo.

2. Repeat this 3 times to trigger Automatic Repair.

3. Select Advanced options → Troubleshoot → Reset this PC.

4. Choose either Keep my files or Remove everything.

⚙️ Note: You can also boot into Advanced Startup from a recovery drive or installation media.

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8. How to Reset Windows 11 with Command Prompt (CMD)

If the Settings app isn’t working, use the Command Prompt.

Steps:

1. Search for CMD, right-click it, and select Run as administrator.

2. Enter this command:

   systemreset


3. Press Enter.

4. Choose Keep my files or Remove everything.

If that doesn’t open, use:

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9. How to Reset Specific Settings Manually

Sometimes, you may not want a full system reset. You can manually reset only certain settings.

Examples:

• Reset Network Settings to fix connectivity issues.

• Reset Display Settings if resolution or scaling looks wrong.

• Reset Privacy Settings to default permissions.

Let’s go through these one by one.

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10. How to Reset Network Settings

If Wi-Fi or Ethernet stops working properly, resetting network settings helps.

Steps:

1. Open Settings → Network & Internet → Advanced network settings.

2. Scroll down and click Network reset.

3. Click Reset now → Confirm.

4. Restart your PC.

This will remove all network adapters, VPNs, and Wi-Fi passwords — then reinstall drivers automatically.

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11. How to Reset Personalization Settings (Wallpaper, Theme, Start Menu)

Want to go back to Windows 11’s original look?

Reset Wallpaper and Theme

1. Right-click desktop → Personalize.

2. Choose the default Windows theme.

3. Reset wallpaper via Background → Choose picture → Default.

Reset Start Menu Layout

1. Right-click Taskbar → Taskbar settings.

2. Scroll and click Reset layout (if available).

3. Or reset manually via:

   %LocalAppData%\Microsoft\Windows\Shell


   Delete the LayoutModification.xml file and restart Explorer.

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12. How to Reset Privacy and Security Settings

If you’ve tweaked app permissions or Windows Defender settings, here’s how to reset them:

1. Open Settings → Privacy & Security.

2. Go to App permissions sections (Camera, Microphone, etc.).

3. Toggle all settings to default (Off/Ask every time).

To reset Windows Security, open:

Then choose Reset settings to default.

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13. How to Reset File Explorer Settings

If File Explorer is acting up (e.g., missing icons, layout glitches):

Steps:

1. Open any File Explorer window.

2. Click View → Options → Change folder and search options.

3. Go to the View tab → Click Reset Folders → Confirm.

4. Also click Restore Defaults → Apply → OK.

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14. How to Reset Windows 11 to Factory Defaults (Full Reset)

This option wipes everything — files, settings, and apps — returning Windows to factory state.

Steps:

1. Open Settings → System → Recovery.

2. Click Reset this PC → Remove everything.

3. Choose Cloud download for the latest image.

4. Confirm reset and wait.

🕒 Note: A full reset can take 30–90 minutes depending on system speed.

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15. Common Problems After Reset — and How to Fix Them

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16. How Long Does a Windows 11 Reset Take?

• Keep my files: 20–45 minutes

• Remove everything (Local reinstall): 30–60 minutes

• Cloud download: 60–120 minutes (depends on internet speed)

⏱️ After reset, Windows will continue background updates, which can temporarily affect performance.

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17. Tips to Keep Windows 11 Running Smoothly After Reset

• 🌐 Install all updates immediately after reset.

• 🔒 Enable Windows Security and Firewall.

• 🧹 Avoid unnecessary startup programs.

• ☁️ Sync settings with your Microsoft account for easy restore later.

• 🧭 Create restore points regularly.

• 💾 Use external backup drives or OneDrive weekly.

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18. Conclusion

Resetting all settings in Windows 11 is like giving your PC a fresh coat of paint — it restores performance, stability, and security.
Whether you use the Settings app, Command Prompt, or Advanced Startup, Windows makes the process straightforward.

If you just need minor fixes, target specific resets (network, privacy, or display). But for deeper issues or sluggish performance, go for a full reset with “Keep my files” — it’s safe, effective, and cleans up your PC without wiping your data.

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19. FAQs

1. Will I lose my personal files if I reset Windows 11?
Only if you select “Remove everything.” Choose “Keep my files” to retain them.

2. Does resetting Windows 11 remove viruses?
Yes, a full reset removes malware and corrupted apps in most cases.

3. Do I need to reinstall drivers after reset?
Usually not — Windows automatically reinstalls essential drivers.

4. Can I cancel a reset once it starts?
No, interrupting a reset can corrupt the OS. Wait until it finishes.

5. How often should I reset Windows 11?
Only when major issues persist or before transferring your PC to someone else.

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20. Summary & Key Takeaways

✅ In short:
Resetting Windows 11 can fix performance issues, remove bugs, and restore stability — just back up your data, follow the steps above, and enjoy a clean, fresh system.