To completely reset your Windows 11 computer and remove everything, follow these steps:
- Type Reset this PC in the Windows search bar and click Open.
- In the "Reset this PC" section, click Get started.
- Select Remove everything. This option will remove all of your personal files, apps, and settings.
- Click Change settings. This is a crucial step where you can customize the reset process.
- Choose your desired settings:
- Data erasure: You'll typically see options here related to data erasure. A more thorough cleaning makes data recovery much harder, but takes considerably longer. The quick option might leave data potentially recoverable.
- Drive cleaning: Decide if you want to clean all drives or just the drive Windows is installed on.
- Click Confirm after selecting your desired settings.
- Confirm that the settings displayed are what you want, then click Next.
- Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the reset process. Your computer will restart several times during this process.
Important Considerations:
- Backup your data: Before performing a reset that removes everything, back up any important files to an external hard drive, cloud storage, or another secure location. This process will erase all data.
- Time: The reset process can take a significant amount of time, depending on the size of your hard drive and the options you choose. Be patient and allow the process to complete without interruption.
- Reinstallation: After the reset, you will need to reinstall any software you want to use. Ensure you have the necessary installation files or product keys.
- Microsoft Account: Know your Microsoft account credentials if you are using a Microsoft account on your computer, as you might need to re-enter them during setup.
By following these steps, you can effectively reset your Windows 11 computer and remove all personal data, apps, and settings.
