Use Reset this PC for a guided Windows reinstall, especially if you want the option to keep personal files. Choose a clean install from bootable installation media when you need a fresh setup, built-in recovery has not solved the problem, or Microsoft’s malware guidance points to reinstalling from media. Back up first: a clean install removes personal files, apps, settings, and manufacturer customizations.
How Reset and a clean install differ
| Decision factor | Reset this PC | Clean install from installation media |
|---|---|---|
| How it works | Reinstalls Windows through the device’s reset flow, launched from Settings or Windows Recovery Environment (Windows RE). | Starts the PC from bootable Windows installation media, typically a USB drive, and installs a fresh copy of Windows. |
| Personal files | Choose Keep my files or Remove everything. Keep my files preserves personal files such as documents and photos, but removes apps and settings. | Removes personal files, apps, settings, and manufacturer customizations. Back up anything you need first. |
| Installation source | Choose Cloud download for a fresh Windows copy or Local reinstall using files already on the PC. | Use bootable installation media created on a working PC. |
| Best fit | A guided reinstall when Windows is accessible or you want Reset’s keep-or-remove choices. | A fresh start, or an option to try when recovery choices have not resolved the problem. |
| Important limitation | The clean-data setting makes removed files harder to recover, but Microsoft says it does not meet government and industry data-erasure standards. | Microsoft describes a clean installation as an advanced option and advises using it only if you are confident with the process. |
Sources: Microsoft Reset your PC, Recovery options in Windows, and Reinstall Windows with the installation media.
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Which option fits your situation?
Choose Reset this PC for a guided reinstall
Reset is a sensible choice when Windows is still accessible and you want a built-in reinstall rather than starting from USB. Choose Keep my files if you want to retain personal files while removing apps and settings; it is not a replacement for a backup. Choose Remove everything for a more complete fresh start, including before giving away or selling the PC, while understanding the limits of its clean-data setting.
You can start Reset in Settings or Windows RE. If Windows will not start, Microsoft describes recovery through Windows RE and other recovery paths. See Windows recovery environment.
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Choose a clean install when you need a fresh setup
A clean install from installation media removes the existing Windows installation’s personal files, apps, settings, and manufacturer customizations. Consider it when other recovery options have not fixed the problem. If you suspect malware, Microsoft recommends first running a scan with Windows Security; if the problem continues, its recovery guidance points to using installation media and choosing the clean-install option.
Microsoft calls this an advanced option. Make sure needed files are backed up before booting from the media and beginning the install. Instructions are in Microsoft’s installation-media guide.
Try less disruptive repairs before either reinstall
If you are still troubleshooting, Microsoft’s recovery guidance lays out less disruptive options first. Depending on the problem, those can include troubleshooters, a repair reinstall, or rolling back an update before Reset. The right starting point depends on the symptom; reinstalling is not automatically the best first step. See Recovery options in Windows.
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Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Do not confuse a clean install with other Windows reinstall options
“Reinstall Windows” can describe different procedures with different effects. Starting Setup from installation media while Windows is running can offer choices to keep personal files and apps, keep personal files only, or keep nothing. That is not the same as booting from the media and performing a clean install.
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Windows 11 also has a repair reinstall through Windows Update, when available, that reinstalls the current version while preserving apps, files, and settings. For that route, see Fix issues by reinstalling the current version of Windows. When following any instructions, check the exact route and selected keep option rather than relying on the word “reinstall” alone.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Cloud download or Local reinstall?
These are source choices within Reset, not names for the separate clean install from USB.
- Cloud download: downloads a fresh Windows copy. It can help if local installation files are corrupted or missing.
- Local reinstall: uses files already on the PC. It may be faster on a slow internet connection, but may not include the latest updates.
See Microsoft’s Reset guidance for details.
Prepare before resetting or reinstalling
- Back up important files. Microsoft lists an external hard drive, USB flash drive, or cloud storage such as OneDrive as possible destinations. Confirm the backup contains what you need before starting. See Recovery options in Windows.
- Find the BitLocker recovery key if the device is encrypted. Have it available before starting Reset; encryption can otherwise block access to the device. Microsoft’s Reset instructions cover this preparation.
- For installation media, use an empty USB drive. Microsoft’s recovery overview states a minimum capacity of 8 GB for the USB drive. Creating the media erases its contents, so move any files you want to keep elsewhere first. See Recovery options and Create installation media for Windows.
- Let Reset finish. Microsoft warns that the display can remain black for an extended period during Reset, occasionally upwards of 15 minutes. That is a possible black-screen interval, not a typical or guaranteed total completion time; manually restarting the PC can cause the reset to fail. See Microsoft Reset your PC.
If you are selling or donating the PC
Reset’s Remove everything option is more appropriate than Keep my files when you are preparing the PC for a new owner. Its clean-data function makes removed files harder to recover, but Microsoft explicitly says it is consumer-targeted and does not meet government and industry data-erasure standards. Do not treat it as certified or standards-compliant secure erasure. If your needs require a formal data-destruction standard, this Reset setting does not establish that the standard has been met.
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Microsoft Support’s Reset your PC guidance states: “The data erasure functionality is targeted at consumers and does not meet government and industry data erasure standards.”
Quick Recap
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