Reset Windows 11 from Command Prompt without losing data

Windows 11 is one of the best operating systems out there. However, you might encounter system or logical errors that require you to reset your computer to factory settings. This usually means deleting all data and settings. While there are multiple ways to reset Windows 11, like resetting Windows 11 from BIOS, using Command Prompt is always interesting. That's because you'll be typing specific commands.

This article will show you how to easily perform a Factory Reset on Windows 11 or reset Windows 11 using the Command Prompt. Keep reading to learn two methods of resetting the operating system via CMD.

Backing up important files before performing a factory reset on Windows 11

Performing a factory reset on Windows 11 can help resolve issues that prevent the operating system from functioning correctly. This process typically erases all data and settings from the device. Can you do a Windows 11 factory reset through Command Prompt? Or can you reset your PC in Windows 11 using Command Prompt? Yes, you can accomplish this by using the System Reset - Factory Reset or rstrui.exe command.

Creating a backup is essential since data might be lost during the factory reset. Although there are various methods to achieve this, the most reliable tool is using Todo Backup. This free backup software allows you to safely back up your personal files and restore them whenever needed.

It lets you automatically back up your files to different locations, including external HDDs, clouds, local storage, networks, or NAS. After the backup, the tools let you restore the data to the original location or anywhere else. Additionally, it supports hot backup, smart backup, full backup, and incremental and differential backup.

To help you protect your files right now, make sure to download and install Todo Backup. It's very easy to get started with this software.

How to Perform a Factory Reset on Windows 11 Using CMD In certain situations, you might need to reset your Windows 11 system using the Command Prompt (CMD). Here's a simple step-by-step guide: 1. **Open Command Prompt**: - Press `Win + X` and select "Command Prompt (Admin)" or "PowerShell (Admin)." If you're using Windows 11, it's recommended to use PowerShell. 2. **Check Recovery Environment State**: In the Command Prompt window, type the following command and press Enter: ``` Get-WindowsREState ``` This command checks the state of the Recovery Environment. 3. **Boot into Recovery Options**: To initiate recovery options, including resetting your PC, use the following command: ``` Start-ResetBootStrap ``` This will boot your computer into the Recovery Environment. 4. **Perform the Reset**: In the Recovery Environment, choose the "Initialize this PC" option, then follow the on-screen instructions to proceed with the factory reset. Please note that this will remove all your personal files, apps, and settings, reverting your system to its original installed state. Before doing this, ensure you have backed up all important data. If you encounter any issues or require more detailed guidance, consult Microsoft's official documentation or seek professional technical support.

Using the Command Prompt, you can input a series of commands to reset your system to default settings. You'll just need to open Command Prompt as an administrator and then proceed with one of the options discussed in this section. Here are two options for factory resetting Windows 11 using the Command Prompt:

• Option 1. Use the System Reset - Factory Reset command
• Option 2. Use the rstrui.exe command

Option 1: Utilize the System Reset - Factory Reset Command

As the name implies, the System Reset (Factory Reset) command deletes all settings and data on your computer, and then returns the system to its default state without re-downloading Windows. Here's how to use it.

Quick Answer:

Detailed steps:

1. On your Windows 11 computer, head to the search bar and type "cmd." When the "Command Prompt" appears in the search results, select "Run as administrator".

Step 2. In the Command Prompt window, type systemreset -factoryreset, and then press Enter.

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Step 3: When the Reset this PC window appears, choose Keep my files or Remove everything to erase your files.

Step 4: When asked how you would like to reinstall Windows, choose "Local reinstallation" and follow the on-screen instructions. Click Next to continue.

Step 5: A "Reset this PC" window will appear. Click the Reset button to begin the process of restoring your computer to its factory settings. Wait for your computer to finish the reset process.

Option 2: Use the rstrui.exe command

If you created a System Restore point, you can use the rstrui.exe command to reset your computer. Follow these steps:

Step 1. Start a command prompt as an administrator.

Step 2. Type the following command in the Command Prompt window, and then press Enter:

rstrui.exe

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Step 3: Click Next to view the available restore points on your computer. Once you locate a restore point, click Next again, and then click Finish.

Step 4: Click "Yes" to begin the System Restore process, which will reset your computer and revert it to its default settings. Wait for the process to finish.

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Expert Tip: Resetting Windows 11 Explained

Aside from using the Command Prompt, you can also reset Windows 11 to its factory settings through the Settings app. This is done using the Reset options feature provided in Settings. The process is straightforward. Here are the detailed steps:

Step 1: Press the Win key + I to open the Settings. Next, click on "Update & Security."

Step 2. Click on "Settings", then choose "Recover" > "Reset this PC".

When you see the “Reset this PC” window, choose whether you want to keep your files or do a full wipe (delete everything).

Step 4. Next, choose whether you want to reinstall Windows through a cloud download or a local reinstall.

Step 5: Once everything is in order, click the Reset button to start the process. This might take some time, so be patient. When it's done, you can start using your system again.

In short

This article guides you on how to reset Windows 11 from the Command Prompt. Two methods of resetting Windows 11 using CMD are: 1) System Reset - Factory settings command, and 2) rstrui.exe command. You can choose either of these commands to successfully reset your device.

Before performing a factory reset, it's crucial to back up your data using efficient tools like Todo Backup. This software enhances the security and accessibility of your data even after the reset process. One advantage of Todo Backup is that it allows you to set a password for your backups. Make sure to download and give this software a try.

Frequently asked questions about resetting your PC from the Command Prompt (Windows 11)

Here are some common questions about how to reset Windows 11 through the Command Prompt.

1. How do I hard reset a laptop?

You can hard reset a laptop by following these steps.

1. **Step 1**. Press the **Power** button while holding down the **Shift** key. While doing this, select **Restart** to enter the **Windows Recovery Environment**. 2. **Step 2**. Once in the recovery menu, choose **Troubleshoot**. 3. **Step 3**. Next, select the **Reset your PC** option and follow the on-screen instructions.

How can I reset my laptop without admin password?

If you don't have the admin password, you can factory reset your laptop by accessing the recovery menu. To do this, press and hold the Shift key while clicking the power button. Then, select Restart to enter Recovery Mode. From there, choose Troubleshoot - Reset this PC. Another way to factory reset the device without an admin password is by using a Windows installation media.  

3. How can I reset my computer to its factory settings using the Command Prompt?

There are two options: 1) use the System Reset - Factory Reset command, or 2) use the rstrui.exe command. You just need to open Command Prompt as an administrator and paste the command, then hit Enter to get to the Reset this PC window. From there, you can follow the on-screen instructions.