Factory Reset Windows 11 from Command Prompt (No Data Loss)

If you're unsure how to factory reset Windows 11 from Command Prompt, look no further. This article will explain the commands you can use to factory reset your PC via CMD. First, we'll introduce you to backup software for your data before initiating the factory reset process.

Windows 11 is among the best operating systems around. However, it's possible to run into system or logical errors that may force you to factory reset your computer. This process usually entails deleting all the data and settings. Although different ways to factory reset Windows 11 exist, like factory resetting Windows 11 from BIOS, using CMD is always fascinating. This is because it entails keying in specific commands.

This article from EaseUS will show you the simple steps to factory reset Windows 11 from Command Prompt. Read on to learn about the two options for factory resetting your OS via Command Prompt. 

Backup Important Files Before Windows 11 Factory Reset

Performing a Windows 11 factory reset helps to fix issues preventing your OS from working normally. This process usually erases all the data and settings on your device. Can you factory reset Windows using Command Prompt? Yes, you can accomplish that using the system reset-factory reset or rstrui.exe commands.

Since data could be lost during the factory reset process, creating a backup is important. Although many ways exist to do this, the most reliable tool to use is EaseUS Todo Backup. With this free backup software, you can securely back up personal files and restore them anytime you wish.

It allows you to automatically back up your files to different locations, including external drives, the cloud, local storage, the network, or the NAS. After the backup, EaseUS allows you to restore your data to its original location or any other place. In addition, it lets you perform hot, intelligent, full, incremental and differential backups.

To help secure your files today, ensure you download and install EaseUS Todo Backup. Getting started with this software entails very simple steps.

How to Factory Reset Windows 11 Using CMD

With CMD, you can input a chain of commands that will help reset your system to its defaults. All you need to do is launch Command Prompt as an administrator, then follow either of the options we'll discuss in this section. Below are the two options to factory reset Windows 11 using the command line:

1. Option 1. Using system reset-factory reset Command
2. Option 2. Using rstrui.exe Command

Option 1. Using system reset-factory reset Command

As the name suggests, the system reset-factory reset command erases all the settings and data on your PC and then returns your system to its default without downloading Windows afresh. Below are the steps to use this command.

Step 1. Go to the search bar on your Windows 11 computer and type "cmd." Once Command Prompt shows in the search results, select "Run as administrator."

Step 2. Type the following command into the Command Prompt window and hit Enter:

Systemreset -factoryreset

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

Step 4. When asked how you would like to reinstall Windows, select "Local reinstall" and follow the onscreen instructions. Click Next to proceed.

Step 5. Lastly, the "Ready to reset this PC" window will appear. Click the Reset button to start the factory reset process. Stay patient until your system finishes resetting to its factory settings.

Option 2. Using rstrui.exe Command

If you created a restore point for your operating system, you can use the rstrui.exe command to reset your PC. Follow the steps below:

Step 1. Launch Command Prompt as an administrator.

Step 2. Type the following command into the Command Prompt window and hit Enter:

rstrui.exe

Step 3. Click "Next" to check for available restore points on your computer. Once the system finds a restore point, click "Next" then "Finish."

Step 4. Next, click "Yes" to initiate the system restore process. This will reset the PC and restore it to default settings. Stay patient as the process finishes up.

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Pro Tip: Factory Reset Windows 11 via Settings

In addition to using Command Prompt, you can factory reset Windows 11 via settings. This is made possible with the Reset option feature available in settings. It's very easy to follow through with this method. Below are the detailed steps:

Step 1. Hit Win key + I to open Windows Settings. Next, click on "Update & Security."

Step 2. Click on "System" then select "Recovery">"Reset this PC."

Step 3. When the Reset this PC window appears, select whether to keep your files or clean the drive (remove everything).

Step 4. Next, select whether you want to reinstall Windows via a Cloud download or Local reinstall.

Step 5. Once everything is ready, you can initiate the factory reset by clicking the Reset button. Since this could take some time, you'll need to wait. After that, you can start using your system afresh.

To Sum Up

This article has shown you how to factory reset Windows 11 from Command Prompt. The two options to factory reset Windows 11 using CMD include 1) The system reset-factory reset command and 2) The rstrui.exe command. You can select either of these commands to successfully factory reset your device.

Before you perform a factory reset, it's important to back up your data using an efficient tool like EaseUS Todo Backup. This software will enhance the security and availability of your data even after the factory reset process. The good thing with EaseUS is that it allows you to password-protect your backups. Ensure you download this software and try it out today.

FAQs

Below are frequently asked questions about how to factory reset Windows 11 from Command Prompt.

1. How to hard reset a Laptop?

You can perform a laptop hard reset using the following steps.

• Step 1. Press the Power button and hold down the Shift key. While doing that, select the Restart option to enter the Windows Recovery Environment.
• Step 2. Once on the Recovery menu, select Troubleshoot.
• Step 3. Next, select the Reset your PC option and follow the instructions.

2. How Do I Factory Reset My Laptop Without Administrator Password?

If you don't have an admin password, you can factory reset your laptop by entering the recovery menu. You can easily do that by pressing the power button and holding the shift key. After that, select the restart option to enter recovery mode. You can then select the Troubleshoot - Reset this PC. Another option to factory reset your device without an administrator password is via a Windows Installation Media.  

3. How Do I Factory Reset My Computer Using Command Prompt?

There are two options: 1) Use the system reset-factory reset command, and 2) Use the rstrui.exe command. You'll just need to launch Command Prompt as an administrator, then paste the command, and hit Enter to access the Reset this PC window. From there, you can follow the instructions on your screen.