Learn how to use Windows 11 Reset this PC safely, keep personal files, choose a reinstall method and understand what happens to apps and settings.
Windows 11’s Reset this PC feature can repair serious software problems without deleting files in your personal folders. The safest option for this purpose is Keep my files, but the process still removes installed applications and resets many settings.
This guide explains how to reset Windows 11 without losing files, what to back up first and when to choose a cloud or local reinstall.
What happens when you choose Keep my files?
Windows reinstalls the operating system and removes installed desktop applications, drivers and many customised settings. Your personal files in locations such as Documents, Pictures, Videos and Desktop should remain in your user account.
You may also see a list of removed applications after the reset. Save this list or take a photograph so you know which programmes to reinstall.
Keep my files does not mean keep everything. Files stored outside your normal user folders, files belonging to other accounts and data inside applications may not be preserved. Back up anything important before starting.
Prepare before resetting Windows 11
- Back up important files. Copy essential documents, photos, project files, browser bookmarks and other irreplaceable data to an external drive or a trusted cloud service.
- Check your backups. Open a few copied files from the backup location. A backup is only useful if the files can be read.
- Make sure you can sign in. Have your Microsoft account or local account password available. If device encryption is enabled, you may also need the BitLocker recovery key.
- Record application licences. Note activation keys and sign-in details for paid software, games and specialist tools.
- Connect the charger. On a laptop, keep the power adapter connected throughout the reset.
- Disconnect unnecessary storage. Unplug external drives to reduce the risk of selecting or formatting the wrong device.
How to reset Windows 11 without losing files
- Open Settings from the Start menu, or press
Windows key + I. - Select System, then choose Recovery.
- Next to Reset this PC, select Reset PC.
- Choose Keep my files.
- Select either Cloud download or Local reinstall.
- Review the displayed settings and select Next.
- Read the final warning carefully, then select Reset to begin.
Your computer will restart several times. Do not switch it off during the process unless Windows specifically tells you to do so.
Cloud download or local reinstall?
| Option | What it does | Best used when |
|---|---|---|
| Cloud download | Downloads a fresh Windows image from Microsoft’s servers. | Local Windows files may be damaged, or you want a clean installation source. |
| Local reinstall | Uses Windows installation files already stored on the computer. | You have a reliable internet connection only intermittently, or you want a quicker download-free option. |
Cloud download requires a stable internet connection and several gigabytes of data. Local reinstall can fail to resolve problems caused by corrupted files already stored on the PC.
What if Windows will not start?
You can access the reset tools from the Windows Recovery Environment:
- Turn on the PC and, when Windows begins loading, hold the power button to switch it off.
- Repeat this interruption up to three times. Windows should open Automatic Repair.
- Select Advanced options, then Troubleshoot.
- Choose Reset this PC and select Keep my files.
If you can still reach the sign-in screen, hold Shift while selecting Power > Restart, then choose Troubleshoot and Reset this PC.
After the reset
- Sign in to Windows and complete the setup screens.
- Connect to the internet and run Settings > Windows Update until no further updates are offered.
- Install required applications from their official websites or trusted stores.
- Restore files from your backup only after confirming that your user folders are present.
- Check printers, displays, audio devices and other hardware.
- Review privacy, default-app and notification settings, because some preferences may have been returned to their defaults.
Common problems and safer alternatives
Reset this PC fails
Restart the computer and try again using the other reinstall method. If Windows remains unstable, use another computer to create official Windows installation media and perform a repair or clean installation after making a complete backup.
Files appear to be missing
Check C:\Users\your-name, OneDrive and any other account on the computer. Do not immediately delete the Windows.old folder if it exists, as it may contain recoverable data from the previous installation.
You need to keep applications as well as files
Reset this PC cannot normally preserve installed desktop programmes. Try Windows Update, System Restore, uninstalling a recently added application or repairing individual programmes first.
You are selling or giving away the PC
Do not choose Keep my files. Use Remove everything and select the option to clean the drive, after securing any backups. This takes longer but makes recovery of old data more difficult.
Important cautions
- Do not rely on the reset process as your only backup.
- Keep the computer connected to power and avoid forced shutdowns.
- Do not choose Remove everything unless you have deliberately backed up the data you need.
- Do not download unofficial Windows images or activation tools.
- If the PC shows signs of failing storage, back up immediately. A reset may put additional stress on a failing drive and will not repair physical hardware.
Conclusion
To reset Windows 11 without losing personal files, open Settings > System > Recovery > Reset PC, choose Keep my files and then select cloud or local reinstall. Your personal files should remain, but installed applications and many settings will be removed, so make and verify a backup first.