Why Does Windows 11 Reset This PC Keep Failing? Proven Solutions That Actually Work

What Causes Windows 11 Reset This PC to Fail Completely? (Simple Fixes Inside)

I’ve seen this problem countless times. You click “Reset This PC” and wait. Then Windows shows you that dreaded message: “There was a problem resetting your PC. No changes were made.” It’s maddening.

Let me walk you through what’s really happening here. Your computer tries to reset but something stops it cold. Maybe your system files got corrupted. Maybe a recent update broke something. Or maybe your recovery partition went missing entirely.

I know how this feels. You need your computer working again. You might be selling it. Or maybe nothing else fixes your problems. The reset should work, but it doesn’t.

The Real Problem Behind Reset Failures

Windows 11 reset problems usually come from three main issues:

• System corruption – Files that Windows needs got damaged
• Missing recovery parts – The reset tools themselves are broken
• Bad updates – Recent changes broke the reset feature

When I see “There was a problem resetting your PC,” I know the computer started the process but couldn’t finish. It tried to make changes, failed, then put everything back how it was.

This happens more than you’d think. I’ve fixed hundreds of these cases.

Method 1: Clean Install Using USB Drive (Most Reliable)

This method works when nothing else does. I use it all the time.

What you need:

• Working computer
• USB drive (8GB minimum)

Your important files backed up

Step-by-step process:

1. Go to Microsoft’s website on any working computer. Download their Media Creation Tool. It’s free and official.
2. Plug in your USB drive. Run the Media Creation Tool. It will format your USB and put Windows 11 on it. This takes about 30 minutes.
3. Put the USB in your broken computer. Turn it on. Press F2, Delete, or Esc right when it starts (depends on your computer). Find “Boot Order” and put USB first.
4. Your computer will start from the USB. Pick your language. Click “Install Now.” Choose “Custom: Install Windows only (advanced).”
5. If you’re selling the computer or have serious problems, delete all partitions. This erases everything, so back up files first. Select the empty space and continue.
6. Windows installs itself. Takes about an hour. When done, you have a completely fresh computer.

This bypasses all the broken reset tools. It works every time.

Method 2: Update Windows First

Sometimes the reset feature is just buggy. New updates fix these bugs.

Quick steps:

1. Open Settings
2. Go to Windows Update
3. Click “Check for updates“
4. Install everything
5. Try reset again

I’ve seen this fix the problem many times. Especially if you’re running an older version of Windows 11.

Method 3: Remove Recent Updates

Bad updates cause reset problems. Rolling them back often helps.

How to do it:

1. Hold Shift and click Restart
2. Choose Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Uninstall Updates
3. Pick “Uninstall latest feature update“
4. Let it finish and restart
5. Try reset again

This takes you back to before the problematic update installed.

Method 4: Use System Restore

If you have restore points, this might work.

Process:

1. Press Windows + R
2. Type “rstrui” and press Enter
3. Pick a restore point from before the problem started
4. Click “Scan for affected programs” to see what changes
5. Proceed with restore

Your computer goes back to when it was working properly.

Advanced Troubleshooting Options

Check system files

1. Open Command Prompt as administrator
2. Run: sfc /scannow
3. Then run: DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

These commands find and fix corrupted system files. But if they don’t help, you’ll need the clean install method.

Storage driver issues

Some computers can’t see their hard drives during installation. Check your BIOS settings. Look for “SATA Mode” or “Storage Configuration.” Try switching between AHCI and RAID modes.

Complete data removal

If you’re selling your computer, the clean install method with partition deletion is essential. Just using “Remove everything” during normal reset isn’t enough for complete privacy.

Why Clean Install Works Best

I recommend the USB method for most people. Here’s why:

• Always works – Bypasses all broken reset tools
• Completely fresh – No leftover problems
• Full control – You decide what gets wiped
• Faster – Often quicker than troubleshooting

The other methods are worth trying first. They’re easier and might save you time. But when nothing else works, clean install is your answer.

What I’ve Learned From Fixing These

After years of fixing reset problems, I see patterns. Windows 11 reset fails more often than it should. Microsoft’s built-in tools aren’t perfect.

The USB method never fails me. It’s more work upfront but saves hours of frustration later.

Always back up your files before trying any of these methods. Even the “safe” ones can sometimes cause data loss.

Most importantly, don’t panic when reset fails. It’s common. These solutions work. Your computer will be fine.

The clean install approach gives you the freshest possible Windows 11 experience. No leftover problems. No corrupted files. Just a computer that works like new.