How to Fix Factory Reset Not Working in Windows 11

If you have been trying to reset your Windows 11 device to its factory settings but have been unable to do so, you are not alone. Many users have reported encountering this issue, and it can be frustrating. However, don’t worry! There are several things you can try to fix this problem, and we are here to help you. In this website, you will find a step-by-step guide on how to troubleshoot and resolve the factory reset not working issue in Windows 11. We hope that our guide will help you get your device up and running again in no time.

Causes of a factory reset not working in Windows 11

There can be several reasons why factory reset may not be working on your Windows 11 device. Some common causes include:

1. Corrupted system files: If certain system files on your device are damaged or corrupt, it can prevent the factory reset process from completing successfully.
2. Hardware issues: If there are issues with your device’s hardware, it may prevent the factory reset from working.
3. Incomplete or interrupted factory reset process: If the factory reset process was interrupted for any reason (e.g., power failure), it may leave your device in a state where the factory reset cannot be completed.
4. Third-party software conflicts: If you have installed any third-party software that conflicts with the factory reset process, it may cause the factory reset to fail.
5. Outdated or incorrect device drivers: If you have outdated or incorrect device drivers installed on your device, it may cause the factory reset to fail.
6. Malware or virus infection: If your device is infected with malware or a virus, it may interfere with the factory reset process.
7. Incorrectly configured system settings: If certain system settings on your device are not configured correctly, it may cause the factory reset to fail.

These are just some of the common causes of factory reset not working in Windows 11. There may be other, less common causes as well. If you are experiencing this issue, it is recommended to try the troubleshooting steps listed on this article to see if they help resolve the problem. If the issue persists after trying all the steps, it may be necessary to seek assistance from a professional.

Steps to take before attempting a factory reset

Before attempting to factory reset your Windows 11 device, it is important to take a few steps to prepare:

1. Back up your data: Factory reset will erase all the data on your device, so it is important to make sure you have a backup of all your important files and documents. You can use an external hard drive, cloud storage, or a local backup to save your data.
2. Make sure you have the necessary installation media: If you are using a Windows 10 device, you will need a copy of the Windows installation media (e.g., a USB drive or DVD) to complete the factory reset process.
3. Check for updates: It is always a good idea to make sure your device is up to date before attempting a factory reset. You can check for updates by going to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.
4. Disable any security software: Some security software (e.g., antivirus, firewall) can interfere with the factory reset process. It is recommended to disable them before attempting the reset.
5. Disconnect all peripherals: If you have any external devices (e.g., printers, external hard drives) connected to your device, it is recommended to disconnect them before attempting the factory reset.
6. Charge your device: Make sure your device is fully charged or connected to a power source before attempting the factory reset.

By following these steps, you can help ensure that the factory reset process goes smoothly and avoid any potential issues.

How to perform a factory reset in Windows 11

To perform a factory reset on a Windows 11 device, follow these steps:

1. Go to Start > Settings > Update & Security > Recovery.
2. Under “Reset this PC,” click on the “Get started” button.
3. You will be presented with two options: “Keep my files” and “Remove everything.”
4. If you choose “Keep my files,” the factory reset process will keep your personal files and remove any apps and settings that were installed after you purchased the device.
5. If you choose “Remove everything,” the factory reset process will remove all of your personal files, apps, and settings.
6. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the factory reset process.

The factory reset process can take some time to complete, so it is important to be patient. Also, if you are using a Windows 10 device, you may be prompted to insert your Windows installation media (e.g., a USB drive or DVD) during the factory reset process.

Solution on Fix Factory Reset Not Working in Windows 11

Check for updates

Checking for updates can help fix the issue of factory reset not working in Windows 11 if the problem is caused by outdated or incorrect system files on your device. Updating your device will ensure that you have the latest system files and may resolve any issues that may be preventing the factory reset from working.

To check for updates on a Windows 11 device:

1. Go to Start > Settings > Update & Security.
2. Click on the “Windows Update” option on the left side of the screen.
3. Click on the “Check for updates” button.
4. The system will check for any available updates and display a list of them.
5. If there are any updates available, click on the “Download and install” button to install them.

The update process can take some time to complete, so it is important to be patient. Also, make sure your device is connected to the internet and has enough battery or is plugged into a power source before attempting to check for updates.

Disable any security software

Some security software (e.g., antivirus, firewall) can interfere with the factory reset process. It is recommended to disable them before attempting the reset.

To disable security software (e.g., antivirus, firewall) on a Windows 11 device:

1. Go to Start > Settings > Update & Security > Windows Security.
2. Click on the “Virus & threat protection” option on the left side of the screen.
3. Under “Virus & threat protection settings,” click on the “Manage settings” button.
4. Scroll down to the “Exclusions” section.
5. Click on the “Add or remove exclusions” button.
6. In the “Exclusions” window, click on the “Add an exclusion” button.
7. Select “Exclude a .exe, .com, or .scr process” and click on the “Next” button.
8. Type in the name of the security software’s executable file (e.g., “avg.exe” for AVG Antivirus) and click on the “Add” button.
9. Repeat the process for any other security software you want to exclude.
10. Close the “Exclusions” window.

This will disable the security software and allow the factory reset process to proceed. Keep in mind that disabling your security software may leave your device vulnerable to malware and other threats. It is recommended to enable the security software again after the factory reset is complete.

Disconnect all peripherals

If you have any external devices (e.g., printers, scanner external hard drives) connected to your device, it is recommended to disconnect them before attempting the factory reset.

To disconnect all peripherals from a Windows 11 device:

1. Shut down your device.
2. Disconnect external devices (e.g., printers,scanner, external hard drives) from your device.
3. Restart your device.

You can reconnect the peripherals after the factory reset is complete in order to use them again.

Try using the “Keep my files” option

When performing a factory reset, you will be presented with two options: “Keep my files” and “Remove everything.” If the “Remove everything” option is not working, try using the “Keep my files” option to see if it helps.

To try using the “Keep my files” option to fix the issue of factory reset not working in Windows 11:

1. Go to Start > Settings > Update & Security > Recovery.
2. Under “Reset this PC,” click on the “Get started” button.
3. Choose the “Keep my files” option.
4. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the factory reset process.

Using the “Keep my files” option will keep your personal files and remove any apps and settings that were installed after you purchased the device. This may help fix the factory reset not working issue if the problem is caused by an app or a setting that was installed after you purchased the device.

Use the System Restore feature

If the factory reset is still not working, you can try using the System Restore feature to revert your device to a previous state where everything was working properly.

To use the System Restore feature to fix the issue of factory reset not working in Windows 11:

1. Go to Start > Settings > Update & Security > Recovery > Advanced Startup > Troubleshoot > System Restore.
2. Follow the on-screen instructions to select a restore point and start the restore process.

The System Restore feature allows you to revert your device to a previous state where everything was working properly.

Use the Startup Repair tool

If the System Restore feature is not working, you can try using the Startup Repair tool to fix any issues that may be preventing your device from starting up properly.

To open the Startup Repair tool, follow these steps:

1. Click the Start menu and select Settings.
2. In the Settings window, click Recovery on your right.
3. Click Restart now on the right side of Advanced startup.
4. Now your Pc will now restart in the Windows Recovery mode.
5. On this Window click on Troubleshoot.
6. Click on Advanced options.
7. Click Start-Up Repair at the top.

Now Wait for the reset process to complete.

If the factory reset is not working due to a problem with the operating system, the Startup Repair tool may be able to fix the issue. However, if the problem is caused by hardware issues or corruption of the hard drive, the Startup Repair tool may not be able to fix the issue. In these cases, you may need to perform a clean installation of Windows 11 or seek the assistance of a professional to fix the issue.

Uninstall recently installed apps or drivers

If you have installed any new apps or drivers recently, they may be causing the issues you are experiencing. Try uninstalling them to see if it helps.

To do this, follow these steps:

1. Click the Start menu and select Settings.
2. In the Settings window, click Apps.
3. In the left pane, click Apps & features.
4. In the right pane, scroll through the list of installed apps and look for any apps that were recently installed.
5. Click on the app and then click the Uninstall button.
6. Repeat this process for any other recently installed apps.

To uninstall recently installed drivers, follow these steps:

1. Press the Windows key + X to open the Power User menu, and then select Device Manager.
2. In the Device Manager window, look for any drivers that have a yellow exclamation mark next to them. These are drivers that have problems.
3. Right-click on the driver and select Uninstall device.
4. Follow the prompts to uninstall the driver.
5. Repeat this process for any other drivers that have problems.

After uninstalling any recently installed apps or drivers, try performing the factory reset again to see if it fixes the issue. If the factory reset is still not working, please follow the next step.

Perform a clean install of Windows

If none of the above solutions work, you may need to perform a clean install of Windows. This will erase everything on your device and install a fresh copy of Windows. Make sure to back up your data before attempting a clean install.

To perform a clean installation of Windows 11, follow these steps:

1. Insert the Windows installation media (USB or DVD) into your computer and restart it.
2. Press the appropriate key to enter the boot menu. This key is usually F12, F10, F9, or Esc.
3. From the boot menu, select the installation media and press Enter to boot from it.
4. On the Windows Setup screen, select your language, time and currency format, and keyboard input method, and then click Next.
5. Click Install Now.
6. Accept the license terms and click Next.
7. Click Custom: Install Windows only (advanced).
8. Select the drive where you want to install Windows and click Next.
9. Wait for the installation process to complete.
10. Once the installation is complete, click Finish.
11. On the Welcome screen, click Next.
12. Click Use express settings (recommended).
13. On the Sign in screen, click I don’t have this person’s sign-in information.
14. Click Add a user without a Microsoft account.
15. Enter a username and password for the new user, and then click Next.
16. Click Finish.

FAQs

Conclusion

It is important to remember to back up your important files and data before attempting a factory reset, as the process will erase all data from your device. By following these steps and seeking help when needed, you can fix the factory reset not working issue and get your device back to functioning properly. If none of these solutions are successful, you may need to seek additional help or consider using a professional repair service.

Thank you for taking the time to read this article. We hope that it has been helpful and informative, and that you were able to find the information you were looking for. If you have any comments or feedback on the article, please don’t hesitate to let us know. We value your input and are always looking for ways to improve our content. Thanks again for reading, and we hope to see you again soon.

You May Also Like:

• 6 ways to Fix MTP Not Working in Windows 11
• 5 Ways to Check Laptop Battery Health in Windows 11
• Top 5 Best Free Video Editing Software for Windows PC and Mac 2022
• 6 Best CPU For Nvidia GeForce GTX 1650 in 2023