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Windows 11 Reset vs. Clean Install: Which One’s Better for You?

Difference between Windows 11 reset vs. clean installation

4 min. read

Updated onApril 17, 2024

updated onApril 17, 2024

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Key notes

People often get confused when they want to choose between Windows 11 reset vs. clean install. Even though these two things will give you a fresh Windows environment, there are still differences.

This article will help you to understand resetting Windows andclean installationbetter so that you can decide the best option for you.

Windows 11 reset vs. clean install – What are the key differences?

Windows 11 reset

From Windows 8, Microsoft has introduced the reset feature. On Windows 11, this feature has gotten more polished. It is like a factory reset of a smartphone. It re-installs Windows 11, but you can keep or erase your files and apps if you want.

You don’t need bootable media to reset Windows 11. There is also no need to configure the partition. In some cases, resetting can be faster than a clean installation. However, sometimes, it may be a long process, depending on various factors.

While resetting, you can choose to keep your personal files orwipe the system driveas well as the entire partition, which is a great benefit. Also, no version changes occur on Windows for a reset.

Users also don’t need to worry about drivers if they do reset. Everything will work well after doing a reset.

Usually, users do a system reset on Windows 11 due to the following reasons:

How can I reset Windows 11?

We also have a complete guide onhow to factory reset Windows 11. You can check out that for more details.

Windows 11 clean installation

The clean installation gives a clean environment and a fresh Windows experience. However, unlike reset, it doesn’t let you keep your personal files. The clean installation also requires bootable media.

During the installation process, you will get the option toconfigure your partition. You can choose to keep your files on other drives or erase them if necessary. But, the drive where you will install Windows 11 will be erased, and no personal files will be kept.

You can pick a different version of Windows 11 while creating a bootable media. After doing a clean installation using that media, you will get the same version that you used there, not the old one installed on your PC.

Another thing is you will need to install missing drivers after Windows 11 clean installation. For this, you can use aspecialized driver updater, as it can do this job quickly and automatically.

In general, users do a clean installation for the following reasons:

How to clean install Windows 11?

We have a complete guide on the above steps with more details. So, we suggest you readhow to install Windows 11 properly.

Should I reset or clean install Windows 11?

After looking at these differences mentioned above, you can choose the one that fits you well. If your PC is not working well and you want tokeep your personal filesand want to fix something, reset is the best option. It will save you from the hassle of driver installations and any reconfiguration.

However, if you want toreconfigure the partitionand wish to start from scratch, a clean installation is the ideal choice.

In some cases, you may not be sure of what you should do. In this case, we suggest you reset your Windows 11 first. If it doesn’t solve your difficulties, do a clean installation.

This article explains the differences between Windows 11 reset vs. a clean install. If you have any opinions, let us know in the comments box.

Windows 11 Reset vs. Clean Install: Which One’s Better for You?#

Windows 11 reset vs. clean install – What are the key differences?#

Windows 11 reset#

How can I reset Windows 11?#

Windows 11 clean installation#

How to clean install Windows 11?#

Should I reset or clean install Windows 11?#