I can’t open my start menu or use my task search bar. I can’t access my Bluetooth on the task bar and I can’t open settings. It keeps telling me the file doesn’t exist.
I Trojan infected my Lenovo laptop. I have tried everything imaginable to remove it – even formatting the entire hard drive. The problem is that there is a hidden partition that I found on the drive that is locked (apparently) and doesn’t get reformatted. It simply installs itself in every fresh installation of windows 10 or 11. It also infects every thumb drive and boot disk one uses. There has to be a way to completely sanitize a hard drive!
Thanks for the tips. I wanted to reset my PC as this new PC has hardware issues and tech support unable to fix. They will exchange this PC for a new PC. So, I need to return this PC
Returned my HP laptop. I have used HP computers exclusively for over 20 years. I rarely use Windows but dual boot into a Linux distro. Unfortunately, the newer HP computers block adding a second OS other than Windows. (Other OS can be added only by running a VM.) Appreciate the tutorial to do a factory reset.
I have a Windows 10 PC that is built for gaming and I love Windows 10, However I can’t say the same for Windows 11 it has so many features I don’t need, to me most of it is useless crap. I am sure the younger generations like and anyone in business or school like it. I am 77, but fairly computer literate and play Shooter games, but I play solo.
I decided to go back to Apple inspite of my dislike for their Browser I replaced this with a iPad 10th Gen 2022, It just seems more user friendly to me.
Yes, it gets recreated, and you can set a new password for it. But, important, only if you’re using a local account. If you’re using a Microsoft account, you can reset it in a web browser.
I am wiping my new Dell inspiron 14 because I don’t like how heavy it is and it gets hot on my legs! I also do not like win 11 because it will not let you keep Microsoft out of your business! I am going to Linux Mint!
I’m doing a clean wipe of my laptop because my neighbor has hacked my system and I’m not certain what else to do at this point. He, along with my property manager, have created unbelievable blocks in my life, including financial blocks by way of fraud and cyber-theft. Thank you for your information. It is very easily understood, and I appreciate the graphical instructions. You’re much appreciated.
I wanted to reset because l was returning the laptop it was way to slow for my liking on top of it being new ,but neither the less thank you for a wonderful explanation it was really helpful
I understand. If you want to receive other useful tutorials, don’t hesitate to subscribe to our email newsletter. It is free, and you can unsubscribe at any time, if you don’t enjoy the articles you receive. More details, here: https://www.digitalcitizen.life/newsletter/
What a wonderful, clear step by step guide to wiping my laptop clean before returning it. I’m returning this laptop because the OS is in S more and I didn’t feel comfortable about disabling that in order to download zoom. Your instructions are the clearest I found on the web – the visuals really helped. Thanks again!
Lydia Folger
I just bought a new hp with windows 11. I don’t like it and I want to reset and send back.
Problem is I can’t reset,it always goes to setup keyboard. Very frustrating!
16 Responses to “How to factory reset Windows 11 and remove everything”
I can’t open my start menu or use my task search bar. I can’t access my Bluetooth on the task bar and I can’t open settings. It keeps telling me the file doesn’t exist.
I Trojan infected my Lenovo laptop. I have tried everything imaginable to remove it – even formatting the entire hard drive. The problem is that there is a hidden partition that I found on the drive that is locked (apparently) and doesn’t get reformatted. It simply installs itself in every fresh installation of windows 10 or 11. It also infects every thumb drive and boot disk one uses. There has to be a way to completely sanitize a hard drive!
Thanks for the tips. I wanted to reset my PC as this new PC has hardware issues and tech support unable to fix. They will exchange this PC for a new PC. So, I need to return this PC
Returned my HP laptop. I have used HP computers exclusively for over 20 years. I rarely use Windows but dual boot into a Linux distro. Unfortunately, the newer HP computers block adding a second OS other than Windows. (Other OS can be added only by running a VM.) Appreciate the tutorial to do a factory reset.
I have a Windows 10 PC that is built for gaming and I love Windows 10, However I can’t say the same for Windows 11 it has so many features I don’t need, to me most of it is useless crap. I am sure the younger generations like and anyone in business or school like it. I am 77, but fairly computer literate and play Shooter games, but I play solo.
I decided to go back to Apple inspite of my dislike for their Browser I replaced this with a iPad 10th Gen 2022, It just seems more user friendly to me.
Lost Admin password. If wipe removing files, etc, does the Admin account also get recreated on installation so I can give it a password?
Yes, it gets recreated, and you can set a new password for it. But, important, only if you’re using a local account. If you’re using a Microsoft account, you can reset it in a web browser.
I am returning this laptop to seller as I didnt order it but did try it out so I needed to wipe it clean and remove all my info.
I am wiping my new Dell inspiron 14 because I don’t like how heavy it is and it gets hot on my legs! I also do not like win 11 because it will not let you keep Microsoft out of your business! I am going to Linux Mint!
Want to return it and buy something else
I’m doing a clean wipe of my laptop because my neighbor has hacked my system and I’m not certain what else to do at this point. He, along with my property manager, have created unbelievable blocks in my life, including financial blocks by way of fraud and cyber-theft. Thank you for your information. It is very easily understood, and I appreciate the graphical instructions. You’re much appreciated.
I wanted to reset because l was returning the laptop it was way to slow for my liking on top of it being new ,but neither the less thank you for a wonderful explanation it was really helpful
I understand. If you want to receive other useful tutorials, don’t hesitate to subscribe to our email newsletter. It is free, and you can unsubscribe at any time, if you don’t enjoy the articles you receive. More details, here: https://www.digitalcitizen.life/newsletter/
What a wonderful, clear step by step guide to wiping my laptop clean before returning it. I’m returning this laptop because the OS is in S more and I didn’t feel comfortable about disabling that in order to download zoom. Your instructions are the clearest I found on the web – the visuals really helped. Thanks again!
Lydia Folger
I’m not sure I understand. Does your laptop go through the reset process and then shows the keyboard setup screen?
I just bought a new hp with windows 11. I don’t like it and I want to reset and send back.
Problem is I can’t reset,it always goes to setup keyboard. Very frustrating!