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Article Number: 000192698

Reset or Reinstall Windows 11 on Your Dell Computer

Summary: This article covers several different methods of restoration, resetting, and the reinstallation of Windows 11.

This article may have been automatically translated. If you have any feedback regarding its quality, please let us know using the form at the bottom of this page.

Article Content

Instructions

Table of Contents:

  1. Back Up Your Files
  2. System Restore
  3. SupportAssist OS Recovery
  4. Reinstall Windows 11 Using Recovery Media
  5. Windows 11 Drivers for Your Dell Computer
  6. Additional Information

Back Up Your Files

Before you attempt a refresh or reset of your operating system (OS), Dell recommends that you back up your data.

Back up your Documents, Pictures, and Desktop folders with OneDrive This hyperlink is taking you to a website outside of Dell Technologies.


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System Restore

To perform a System Restore, follow these steps:

  1. Click Start Windows Logo, then type Control Panel.
  2. Search Control Panel for Recovery.
  3. Select Recovery > Open System Restore > Next.
  4. Choose the restore point that is related to the problematic app, driver, or update, and then select Next > Finish.
 
Note: If you don’t see the restore point that you want to use, select the Show more restore points check box to see more restore points.
If you’re not seeing any restore points, it might be because system protection isn’t turned on. Here’s how to check:
  • In the search box on the taskbar, type: Control Panel, and then choose it from the list of results.
  • In the Control Panel search box, type recovery.
  • Select Recovery > Configure System Restore > Configure and see if the Turn on system protection option is selected.
If the Turn on system protection option is not selected, system protection isn’t turned on and there aren't any restore points. In this scenario, you won't be able to recovery your PC using a system restore point and will need to use one of the other recovery options listed on this page.


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Reset Your Copy Of Windows 11

There are three options when doing a Reset of Windows 11.

Keep my files > Change settings > Preinstalled apps On
  • Reinstalls Windows 11 and keeps your personal files.
  • Removes apps and drivers you installed.
  • Removes changes you made to settings.
  • Restores any apps your computer manufacture installed if your computer came with Windows 11.
Keep my files > Change settings > Preinstalled apps Off
  • Reinstalls Windows 11 and keeps your personal files.
  • Removes apps and drivers you installed.
  • Removes changes you made to settings.
  • Restores any apps your computer manufacture installed.
Remove everything
  • Reinstalls Windows 11 and removes your personal files.
 
  1. Click Start Windows Logo, then type Reset.
  2. Select Reset this PC (System Setting).
  3. Under Reset this PC, select Get Started.
  4. If you select the option to Keep my files.
    1. Note any apps or drivers that must be reinstalled after the refresh has completed.
    2. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the refresh process. This takes some time and your computer will restart.
  5. If you select the option to Remove everything.
    1. If you are keeping this computer, select Just remove my files. If you are recycling the computer, select Remove files and clean the drive.
    2. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the reset process. This takes some time and your computer will restart.
Note: This is not a Dell factory image reset, this process reinstalls the Windows 11 OS, removes all your personal files, removes apps and drivers you installed, removes any changes that are made to settings, and removes any apps that Dell installed. Be sure you have backed up your files before beginning this task.
Some Dell tablets may be configured to add Dell factory-installed software during this process.


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SupportAssist OS Recovery

More information about using SupportAssist to restore your computer:
Restore your system using Dell SupportAssist OS Recovery


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Reinstall Windows 11 Using Recovery Media

More information about reinstalling Windows 11 with recovery media:
How to Download and Use the Dell Operating System Recovery Image in Microsoft Windows


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Windows 11 Drivers for your Dell Computer

Dell updates drivers, applications, and firmware to meet the demands of new software and hardware.


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Additional Information

Resolution information.


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Additional Information

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Article Properties

Last Published Date

31 Oct 2023

Version

4

Article Type

How To

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