ByIf your Windows 10 or Windows 11 has become slow, is infected with a virus, or is crashing frequently, then resetting it can be a great solution. In this article, we will learn in detail how you can reset Windows with the help of Command Prompt (CMD), without any hassle. This method is a fast, reliable, and formal process.
What preparations are necessary before resetting Windows from the CMD
Follow the important points given below before resetting Windows:
Backup important data – Your files may get deleted during the reset process.
Connect the laptop/PC to power. Shutting down the system during the reset process can be risky.
Open CMD with Administrator rights – You can perform the reset process only in Administrator mode.
Step-by-Step Method to Reset Windows 10/11 from CMD
Step 1: Open Command Prompt (CMD) in Administrator Mode
1. Go to the Start Menu.
2. Type “cmd”.
3. Right-click on Command Prompt and select “Run as Administrator”.
> Make sure you are in Administrator mode, or else the commands will not work.
Step 2: Use the `systemreset` command to reset Windows
Now type the below command in CMD:
“`
systemreset
“`
This command will open a Reset Options window where there will be two options:
Keep my files – Your files will not be deleted, but Apps and Settings will be reset.
Remove everything – All files, Apps, and Settings will be removed.
Choose the option that suits your requirement.
Step 3: Use `systemreset -cleanpc` to Advanced Reset
If you want to reset the system cleanly, use this command:
“`
systemreset -cleanpc
“`
This will introduce a new option that resets Windows cleanly and removes all third-party software. This option is especially useful when there are a lot of viruses or unwanted software on the system.
Reset option not opening from CMD? What is the solution
If the `systemreset` command does not open the Reset window, follow the following steps:
1. Go to Windows Recovery Environment:
Type in CMD:
“`
shutdown /r /o /f /t 00
“`
This will take you to Recovery Mode.
2. Reset from Recovery Mode:
Troubleshoot → Reset this PC → Select the option.
Repairing Windows 10/11 with DISM and SFC tools (Bonus Info)
If resetting is not your last resort, it may be better to repair Windows first. For this, you can run the following commands in CMD:
DISM Scan
“`
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
“`
This command scans the Windows image and repairs corrupted files.
SFC Scan
“`
sfc /scannow
“`
This command scans and repairs all important files of the system.
After both these scans, if the system still does not work properly, resetting is a better option.
Possible Errors and Solutions During Windows Reset from CMD
Error 1: “systemreset is not recognized as an internal or external command”
Solution: This means that you are not in the Windows Recovery Environment. You need to enter Recovery Mode with the `shutdown /r /o /f /t 00` command mentioned above.
Error 2: The Reset option is greyed out
Solution: This may be due to System File Corruption. Perform DISM and SFC scan, then try Reset.
Why Resetting from the Command Prompt is better
Works in case the GUI is not opening
Fast and straightforward method
Advanced users can use it in scripts
Ideal for automation and remote system maintenance
What to do after a Windows reset?
Install Windows Updates
Update Drivers
Install Antivirus
Reinstall essential software
Restore data from OneDrive or another cloud
Conclusion
If you want your system to be as good as new, then resetting Windows 10 or 11 from CMD is a robust, fast, and effective solution. Follow the above steps carefully and give your PC a new life. This method, besides being technically powerful, is also beneficial for users whose system is completely locked.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) – How to Reset Windows 10/11 from CMD
Question 1: Can Windows be reset from the CMD without losing data?
Answer: Yes, if you choose the “Keep my files” option while using the `systemreset` command, your files will be safe. However, some apps and settings may be reset.
Question 2: How long does it take to reset Windows from the CMD?
Answer: It depends on the speed of your system and the Reset option chosen. Usually, the process can take 30 minutes to 1 hour.
Question 3: What to do if the `systemreset` command is not working?
Answer: Use the following command in CMD:
“`
shutdown /r /o /f /t 00
“`
This will take you to Windows Recovery Mode, from where you can select the Reset this PC option.
Question 4: Do viruses get removed after resetting from CMD?
Answer: If you select the “Remove everything” option, then most of the viruses, third-party apps, and unwanted files get removed. But do an Antivirus Scan once.
Question 5: Will resetting Windows from CMD delete my license key?
Answer: No, if your Windows was previously activated and you have not changed the hardware, it will be automatically activated even after the reset.
Question 6: Does this method work on all Windows 10/11 versions?
Answer: Yes, this method works on almost all Windows 10 and Windows 11 Home, Pro, and Enterprise versions.
Question 7: Is resetting from CMD safe?
Answer: Yes, this process is completely safe if the right method and commands are used. Make sure to run the commands in Administrator mode.
Question 8: What things will have to be reinstalled after resetting?
Answer:
rivers (Display, Audio, etc.)
third-party software like Microsoft Office
Chrome/Firefox, Adobe Reader, etc.
Anti-virus software
i-Fi and Bluetooth settings
