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30 August 2023  Amanda J. Brook  Senior Product Manager
 

Summary
Reset Windows 11 to factory without password by using various methods, including Windows installation media, Renee PassNow, and manufacturer recovery partition. Straightforward process for a fresh start.



Table of contents

table iconResetting Windows 11 to Factory Settings Without Password Using Windows Installation Media
table iconResetting Windows 11 password with Renee PassNow without Factory reset
table iconResetting Windows 11 to Factory Settings from Login Screen Without Password
table iconResetting to Factory Settings without a Password Using Manufacturer Recovery Partition
Resetting Windows 11 to its factory settings is a helpful solution for various reasons. Whether you’re experiencing performance issues, encountering persistent errors, or simply want to start fresh, restoring your system to its original state can often resolve these issues. However, what if you’ve forgotten your password and are unable to access the necessary settings? In this article, we will guide you through the process of resetting Windows 11 to its factory default without requiring a password. By following these steps, you’ll be able to regain control over your system and have it functioning flawlessly once again.

reset windows 11 to factory without password

Resetting Windows 11 to Factory Settings Without Password Using Windows Installation Media

This method can be particularly useful for users who have forgotten their password or are unable to access their system due to other reasons.

To begin with, you will need a USB flash drive or a DVD with the Windows 11 installation files. Once you have the installation media ready, follow these steps:

1. Insert the Windows Installation Media into your computer and restart it. If you do not have a Windows Installation Media, you need download Windows Media Creation Tool to create one.

2. During the boot process, enter the BIOS settings by pressing the appropriate key (usually F2 or Del) and change the boot order to prioritize the installation media.

Brand NameMethod to Enter BIOS
AcerDel or F2
ASRockF2 or Del
ASUSF2 for all PCs/ F2 or Del for motherboards
CompaqF10
DellF2 or F12
eMachinesTab or Del
FujitsuF2
GatewayF1
HPESC/ then F10 or F12
IBMF1 or F2
LenovoF1 or F2/ or Ctrl+Alt+F3/ Ctrl+Alt+Ins/ or Fn+F1 for older products
MSIDel
NECF2
Packard BellF1/ F2/ or Del
SamsungF2
SharpF2
SonyF1/ F2/ or F3
ToshibaF2 or F12
ZotacDel
3. Save the changes and exit the BIOS settings. The computer will now boot from the installation media.

4. When prompted, select your language preferences and click on the “Next” button.

5. On the next screen, click on the “Install now” option.

6. Accept the license terms and click on the “Next” button.

7. A new screen will appear with two options – “Upgrade” and “Custom“. Choose the “Custom” option.

8. On the next screen, you will see a list of partitions. Select the partition where Windows 11 is installed and click on the “Next” button.

9. Windows will now start the installation process. Make sure to choose the “Keep personal files” option if you want to retain your data. If you want a complete factory reset, select the “Nothing” option.
keep personal files windows 11 install

10. Follow the on-screen instructions and wait for the installation to complete.

Once the installation is finished, your Windows 11 system will be reset to its factory settings without requiring a password. However, it is important to note that this method will erase all the existing data on your computer, so it is essential to back up any important files before proceeding.

Utilizing Windows Installation Media provides a straightforward and effective way to reset Windows 11 to factory settings without needing a password. By following the aforementioned steps, users can regain access to their system and start fresh without any password-related hindrances.

Tips:Make sure to back up important files before proceeding with the reset

Resetting Windows 11 password with Renee PassNow without Factory reset

Another effective method for resetting Windows 11 to factory settings without the need for a password involves utilizing a reliable third-party tool called Renee PassNow. This powerful software provides a seamless solution for bypassing the login screen and accessing the system’s settings even if you’ve forgotten or lost the password.

Renee PassNow offers a straightforward approach that doesn’t require booting into the operating system itself. Instead, it provides a bootable environment that allows users to reset Windows 11 to its factory state directly from a USB or CD/DVD drive. This means you can reset your system even if you’re locked out of your account or unable to access the Windows interface.

Step 1: Download and Install Renee PassNow
Start by downloading Renee PassNow from the official website and install it on a different computer that you can access. You can choose the appropriate version based on your computer’s operating system.

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Step 2: Create a Bootable USB or CD/DVD
Launch Renee PassNow and insert a USB flash drive or blank CD/DVD into the computer. Select the option to create a bootable media. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process.

Create New Windows 10 Password Reset Disk with Renee PassNow

Step 3: Boot the Locked PC from the Bootable Media
Insert the bootable USB or CD/DVD into the locked Windows computer. Restart the computer and enter the BIOS settings by pressing the appropriate key (usually F2 or Delete). Configure the boot order to prioritize the bootable media.

Boot the target PC with the created password reset USB/CD/DVD.

Step 4: Reset the Password
After successfully booting from the bootable media, Renee PassNow will load. Select “PassNow!” function after booting from the new created Windows password reset disk.

After loading into main interface, please select the “PassNow!” function.

Step 5: Resetting the Password
Choose the user account for which you want to reset the password. Then, click on the “Reset” button. Renee PassNow will remove or reset the password for the selected user account.

Select target Windows system in the list

Select target user account in the list

Step 6: Reboot the PC
Once the reset process is complete, remove the bootable media and restart the computer. You can now access your Windows 11 desktop without the need for a password.
By utilizing Renee PassNow, users can regain full control of their Windows 11 device and start fresh without any password-related obstacles. This method is particularly useful for those who have forgotten their login credentials or have encountered issues that prevent them from accessing their system.

Tips:If your account is Microsoft Account, Renee PassNow will convert this account to Local account. After resetting login password, you need to connect your account to your Microsoft Account again.

Resetting Windows 11 to Factory Settings from Login Screen Without Password

In addition to the method mentioned earlier, there is another way to reset Windows 11 to its factory settings, and this can be done directly from the login screen, without the requirement of a password. This method can be particularly useful in situations where you have forgotten your login password or when you encounter a critical error that prevents you from accessing the operating system.
1. Reboot Windows 11 Computer from Login Screen
To initiate the factory reset process, you need to start by booting your Windows 11 computer. Once you reach the login screen, you will notice a Power icon located at the bottom right corner of the screen. Click on this Power icon while holding down the Shift key, then select Restart from the options that appear.
windows 11 Login Screen shift plus restart

2. Enter Windows Recovery Environment
The computer will then restart, and you will be presented with a blue screen titled “Choose an Option“. From this screen, click on Troubleshoot, followed by the option labeled Reset this PC. Here, you will have the choice to either keep your files or remove everything, depending on your preference. By selecting the “Remove everything” option, you can ensure a complete factory reset, which will erase all your personal files and settings.

Windows 11 select Troubleshoot

3.  Factory Reset
After choosing the desired option, the reset process will commence, and the computer will restore itself to its original factory settings. This procedure may take some time, so it is advisable to be patient and refrain from interrupting the process.

It is worth noting that this method is different from the previous one, as it allows you to reset Windows 11 directly from the login screen without requiring access to the operating system itself. This can be a convenient solution for those who are unable to log in due to a forgotten password or system errors. However, it is crucial to understand that performing a factory reset will delete all your personal data, so it is essential to create backups beforehand to avoid permanent data loss.

Pros:
  • Ability to reset to factory settings without password
  • Convenient solution for forgotten passwords or system errors

Cons:

  • Deletion of all personal data
  • Potential for permanent data loss

Resetting to Factory Settings without a Password Using Manufacturer Recovery Partition

Another effective method for resetting Windows 11 to its factory settings without the need for a password is by utilizing the manufacturer recovery partition. This option is particularly handy if your computer came pre-installed with Windows 11, as many manufacturers include a dedicated recovery partition on the hard drive. This partition contains all the necessary files and tools to restore your operating system to its original state.

To access the manufacturer recovery partition, you will need to restart your computer and enter the boot menu. The exact key combination to access the boot menu varies depending on your computer’s manufacturer. Common keys include F10, F11, or F12. Once you enter the boot menu, look for an option related to system recovery or factory reset.

Selecting this option will initiate the recovery process, which will proceed without requiring a password. It is important to note that using the manufacturer recovery partition will erase all your personal data and applications, returning your computer to its factory settings. Therefore, it is crucial to back up any important files before proceeding with this method.

Using the manufacturer recovery partition offers a reliable and straightforward way to reset Windows 11 without the hassle of a password. It eliminates the need for complex technical procedures and grants you access to a built-in solution provided by your computer’s manufacturer. By choosing this method, you can restore your Windows 11 operating system to its original state, ensuring a fresh start and optimal performance.

Tips:Before using the manufacturer recovery partition, make sure to back up all important files to avoid data loss.
In conclusion, resetting Windows 11 to factory settings is a straightforward process for users in need of a fresh start. Whether you have forgotten your password or simply want to start anew, following the steps outlined in this article will guide you through the reset process effortlessly. Remember to back up your important files before proceeding, as resetting will remove all data from your system. By resetting, you can regain control of your operating system and enjoy a clean, optimized experience with Windows 11.