WINDOW 11

How to Factory Reset Windows 11 Using Keyboard

4 SOLUTIONS
FEBRUARY 17, 2025

A factory reset restores Windows 11 to its original state, removing apps, settings, and personal files (if chosen). Below are keyboard-only methods to perform this task and prerequisites to ensure a smooth process.

Deepak Yadav
Deepak Yadav

Expert, Head of Windows Circle

Backup Data

Ensure files are saved externally or in the cloud.

BitLocker Key (If Enabled)

Note the recovery key if your drive is encrypted.

Patience

The process may take 30+ minutes.

Reset via Settings App (Keyboard Navigation)

6 STEPS EASY 2 MIN

1/4

METHOD
Method 1
Overview

Use this if you can log into Windows.

Method 1 of 4
Next Method

Open Settings

Press Win + I.

Method 1 of 4
Step 1 of 6

Navigate to System

Press Tab until the left-side menu is highlighted.

Use Down Arrow to select System and press Enter.

Method 1 of 4
Step 2 of 6

Access Recovery Options

Press Tab to jump to the right panel.

Press Down Arrow repeatedly to select Recovery, then press Enter.

Method 1 of 4
Step 3 of 6

Initiate Reset

Press Tab to focus on Reset PC, then press Enter.

Method 1 of 4
Step 4 of 6

Choose Reset Option

Use Arrow Keys to select Remove Everything or Keep My Files, then press Enter.

Method 1 of 4
Step 5 of 6

Follow Prompts

Choose between Cloud Download or Local Reinstall, then confirm the reset.

Method 1 of 4
Step 6 of 6

Advanced Startup (From Login Screen)

4 STEPS EASY 2 MIN

2/4

METHOD
Method 2
Overview

Use this if you can’t log in.

Method 2 of 4
Next Method
Step 1

Access Power Menu

At the login screen, press Ctrl + Alt + Delete.

Press Tab to highlight the Power Icon, then press Enter.

Method 2 of 4
Step 1 of 4

Trigger Advanced Startup

Hold Shift, then press R (to select Restart while holding Shift).

Release keys after restart begins.

Method 2 of 4
Step 2 of 4

Navigate Recovery Environment

After reboot, use Arrow Keys to select Troubleshoot, then press Enter.

Method 2 of 4
Step 3 of 4

Select Reset PC

Choose Reset This PC, then press Enter and follow prompts.

Method 2 of 4
Step 4 of 4

Keyboard-Only Recovery (Using Command Prompt)

3 STEPS EASY 2 MIN

3/4

METHOD
Method 3
Overview

For advanced users.

Method 3 of 4
Next Method

Open Command Prompt

At the login screen, press Shift + F10 (if available).

Method 3 of 4
Step 1 of 3

Launch Reset Process

Type systemreset --factoryreset and press Enter.

Method 3 of 4
Step 2 of 3

Follow Instructions

Use Tab and Arrow Keys to complete the reset process.

Method 3 of 4
Step 3 of 3

Using Windows Recovery Mode (If PC Won’t Start at All)

3 STEPS EASY 2 MIN

4/4

METHOD
Method 4
Overview

Use this if Windows doesn’t boot at all.

Method 4 of 4

Force Recovery Mode

Turn on your PC and immediately press F11 (or Shift + F8 on some devices) repeatedly until the Advanced Startup screen appears.

Method 4 of 4
Step 1 of 3

Navigate Troubleshoot Menu

Use the Arrow Keys to highlight Troubleshoot, then press Enter.

Method 4 of 4
Step 2 of 3

Select Reset PC

Choose Reset this PC and follow the prompts to reset Windows.

Method 4 of 4
Step 3 of 3

Post-Reset Steps

Image

Reinstall essential apps.

Restore files from backups.

Update Windows via Win + I Windows Update.

Methods (4)

Reset via Settings ...
6 Steps
Advanced Startup (F...
4 Steps
Keyboard-Only Recov...
3 Steps
Using Windows Recov...
3 Steps

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