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Is the reset stuck, or is it still working?
A black screen does not by itself mean the reset has failed. The PC may restart during the process, and Microsoft warns that manually restarting it could cause the reset to fail. A black screen may last a long time, occasionally upwards of 15 minutes; that is not a signal to reboot when the clock reaches 15 minutes. Microsoft gives 30 minutes to 2 hours as a general recovery duration, varying by method, not as a guaranteed cutoff for every PC. See Microsoft’s reset guidance and recovery options guidance.
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- If the screen is black or the PC restarts during the reset: leave it alone rather than forcing it off solely for those reasons.
- If an error appears or the PC returns to a recovery menu: note the exact message and whether Windows can still start. Those details determine the next step; without them, a specific cause cannot be diagnosed.
Before trying another recovery option
Protect your files and make sure you can access the recovery tools before you begin. Microsoft recommends backing up important files before resetting. If the device is encrypted, have the BitLocker recovery key available; WinRE may require it. Microsoft’s reset instructions cover both precautions.
- Do not choose a removal or reinstall option until you understand what it deletes.
- If Windows remains available, copy important files to a separate location before another reset.
- For a work- or school-managed PC, contact your organization’s IT team before reinstalling Windows.
If Windows still starts
Use the least disruptive recovery option that fits what happened. If the trouble began after an update, uninstalling that update may address it without repeating a full reset. Windows 11 devices that meet the requirements may also offer a repair reinstall through Windows Update.
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Try a repair option before resetting again
- Uninstall a recent update: Microsoft lists this among the recovery choices when a Windows problem follows an update. See Recovery options in Windows.
- Fix problems using Windows Update: On eligible Windows 11 systems, this reinstalls the current Windows version while keeping personal files, apps, and settings. Keep the PC connected to power and the internet during the process. Availability depends on Windows version, edition, and device configuration. See Microsoft’s repair-reinstall instructions.
Run Reset this PC from Settings
- Open Settings > System > Recovery.
- Select Reset PC.
- Choose Keep my files or Remove everything based on the outcome you want, then choose a reinstall method.
Keep my files retains personal files but removes apps and settings. Remove everything removes personal files, apps, and settings. For either retention choice, Cloud download downloads a fresh Windows copy and may help if local files are corrupted or missing; Local reinstall uses files already on the PC. These choices are described in Microsoft’s Reset your PC guidance.
If Windows will not start
Use the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) if it is available. From its recovery options, try a less destructive repair that fits the problem before repeating Reset this PC.
- Enter Windows Recovery Environment.
- Select Troubleshoot, then choose the recovery option that fits: for example, Startup Repair for a startup problem, uninstalling a recent update if the issue followed one, or System Restore if a suitable restore point is available.
- To reset from WinRE, select Troubleshoot > Reset this PC and choose the file-retention option deliberately.
Microsoft explains WinRE and recovery choices in Recovery options in Windows and provides details on Startup Repair. An encrypted PC may ask for its BitLocker recovery key.
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Choose the recovery option by its impact
| Option | Effect on files, apps, and settings | When it may fit |
|---|---|---|
| Keep my files reset | Personal files retained; apps and settings removed | You need a reset but want personal files to remain. |
| Remove everything reset | Personal files, apps, and settings removed | You intend a full removal and have protected any files you need. |
| Cloud download | Downloads fresh Windows files; the reset’s retention choice still applies | Local reset files may be corrupted or missing. |
| Local reinstall | Uses Windows files already on the PC; the reset’s retention choice still applies | Local files are usable or internet access is slow. |
| Windows Update repair reinstall | Keeps personal files, apps, and settings | An eligible Windows 11 PC needs its current Windows installation repaired. |
| Recovery or installation media | Consequences vary by route; a clean installation can remove everything | Built-in recovery is unavailable or has not worked. |
Reset behavior and the Windows Update repair reinstall are documented by Microsoft in its reset instructions and repair-reinstall instructions; media options are covered in recovery options.
When built-in recovery does not work
If WinRE offers no usable route or its repairs fail, external media is a fallback. If you already made a recovery drive, Microsoft says it can be used for recovery, but it does not contain personal files. Creating a recovery drive erases the existing contents of the selected USB drive, so do not use a drive that holds files you need. Microsoft recommends recreating recovery media annually to include current updates and improvements; this is guidance, not a mandatory expiration interval. See Recovery Drive.
If you do not have a recovery drive, Microsoft describes creating Windows installation media on another working PC using a USB drive with at least 8 GB of capacity. That figure is Microsoft’s stated minimum for the media, not a guarantee that every USB drive will work with every PC. A clean installation from installation media can remove everything, depending on the route you choose. Check whether the PC manufacturer provides recovery media: it may include hardware-specific drivers and factory apps. See Microsoft’s recovery options guidance.
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