To remove your personal files with Windows 11’s built-in reset, open Settings > System > Recovery > Reset PC, select Remove everything, then review and confirm the choices shown. Back up anything you need first. If you’re preparing the PC for someone else, you can also select Clean data when offered—but Microsoft says this makes files harder to recover, not that it securely erases a drive to government or industry standards.
What the Windows 11 reset options remove
Reset this PC reinstalls Windows. The choice that determines whether your personal files stay or go is Keep my files versus Remove everything.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
Microsoft Windows 11 (USB) | $124.97 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
|
Tech-Shop-pro Compatible with install Key Included USB For Windows 11 Home OEM Version 64 bit.... | $48.00 | Buy on Amazon |
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
| Option | What happens | Best suited to |
|---|---|---|
| Keep my files | Reinstalls Windows, removes apps and settings, and preserves personal files. | Troubleshooting when you want to keep your personal files. |
| Remove everything | Reinstalls Windows and removes personal files, apps, and settings. | Removing your files for a fresh start or before giving away or selling the PC. |
| Clean data (if offered with Remove everything) | Makes removed files harder for other people to recover and may take longer. Microsoft says it is intended for consumers and does not meet government and industry data-erasure standards. | Making removed files harder to recover when transferring, donating, or recycling the PC—not standards-compliant sanitization. |
Microsoft explains the limits of Clean data in its Reset your PC support guidance. Do not treat this option as a guaranteed secure wipe or proof that data cannot be recovered.
Back up and prepare before resetting
- Save what you need elsewhere. Copy important documents, photos, and other files to a separate backup destination, then check that you can open the backup. Microsoft recommends backing up before resetting.
- Keep the BitLocker recovery key available. If the PC is encrypted, you may need the key during recovery.
- Confirm the target PC and the goal. Remove everything deletes files from the Windows reset process; it is not a substitute for checking separate drives or storage devices you intend to keep.
Microsoft’s Windows recovery options guidance recommends backing up before disruptive recovery steps.
#1 Best Overall
- Less chaos, more calm. The refreshed design of Windows 11 enables you to do what you want effortlessly.
- Biometric logins. Encrypted authentication. And, of course, advanced antivirus defenses. Everything you need, plus more, to protect you against the latest cyberthreats.
- Make the most of your screen space with snap layouts, desktops, and seamless redocking.
- Widgets makes staying up-to-date with the content you love and the news you care about, simple.
- Stay in touch with friends and family with Microsoft Teams, which can be seamlessly integrated into your taskbar. (1)
Reset Windows 11 and remove your files
- Open Settings > System > Recovery.
- Under Recovery options, select Reset PC.
- Choose Remove everything. Do not choose Keep my files if your goal is to remove personal files.
- If the reset offers Clean data, decide whether to enable it. It may take longer and makes removed files harder to recover, but it does not meet government or industry data-erasure standards.
- Choose a Windows reinstall source: Cloud download or Local reinstall.
- Follow the remaining prompts carefully and review the final choices before confirming the reset.
- Allow the process to finish, including automatic restarts. Do not power off just because the display goes blank or progress seems slow.
Cloud download or Local reinstall?
- Cloud download fetches a fresh copy of Windows. It can help if the installation files already on the PC are corrupted or missing.
- Local reinstall uses files already on the PC. It may be faster if your internet connection is slow, but may not include the latest updates.
What to expect while the reset runs
A black screen or restart can be part of the process. Microsoft says a reset screen can occasionally remain black for upwards of 15 minutes, and warns that manually restarting the device during the reset could cause it to fail. Leave the PC connected to power and wait rather than forcing a shutdown solely because the screen is blank.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.If Windows will not start or Reset this PC fails
Microsoft says Reset this PC can also be run from Windows Recovery Environment (Windows RE), although the route into recovery varies by device and situation. If recovery options do not work or Windows will not start, installation media is another option.
Rank #2
- Video Link to instructions and Free support VIA Amazon
- Great Support fast responce
- 15 plus years of experiance
- Key is included
- On another working PC, use Microsoft’s instructions to create Windows installation media.
- Microsoft’s recovery guidance specifies a USB drive with at least 8 GB of capacity for this media-creation route.
- Start the affected PC from the media and follow Microsoft’s Windows reinstallation instructions for a clean install.
- At setup, take care to select only the intended target disk. A clean install removes personal files, apps, manufacturer customizations, and settings changes from the selected drive; do not erase another disk by mistake.
The USB media is only a fallback when the built-in reset or recovery route cannot be used; it is not needed for a normal reset from Settings.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsQuick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
