How to reset only C drive on Windows 11

If you have a problem with your Windows 11 computer, the best way to fix it is to reset it, and in the latest version, Windows allows you to reset only the C drive, while the other drives remain constant.

In this guide, we'll discuss three simple ways to reset your PC and make it work properly without deleting data on other drives.

How to reset only C drive in Windows 11?

Before proceeding with the steps to reset C drive on Windows 11, make sure you have checked the following:

• If you want to choose the cloud download option, make sure you have An active internet connection or switch to an Ethernet cable.
• Make sure to back up or move important data from your system drive.
• Check whether the system drive has enough disk space.

1. Use the "Settings" app

1. Press to open the "Settings" app. WindowsI
2. Go to System and click Recovery.
3. Next, under Recovery Options, click the Reset PC button.
4. On the Select an option screen, select Keep my files if you want to keep your personal files on the system drive, or select Delete everything "Delete it.
5. Select Cloud Download (uses an Internet connection to download a fresh copy of Windows) or LocalReinstall (which uses a recovery image by default Reinstall Windows). Only choose cloud downloading if you have a stable internet connection and enough disk space.
6. If "Delete all content" is selected, check "Current Settings" in the "Additional Settings" box, it should show:
   • Delete apps and files. Do not clean the drive.
   • Delete all files from Windows drive only.
   • Download and reinstall Windows.
7. If you selected "Keep my files" it should read:
   • Restore the apps that came with this PC and Settings
   • Download and reinstall Windows
8. If you see other options, click ChangeSettings and then make the desired Change. Once everything is fine, click Next to continue.
9. If you receive a prompt related to a recent update, click "Next".
10. Click Reset.

Your Windows will begin to reset, your computer will restart several times, and the process will take some time to complete. Once completed, you will see the lock screen and then log in to your Windows 11 using your user account password.

If you want to know which applications have been removed from your computer, check the Deleted Applications.html file saved on your desktop for a list of applications that need to be reinstalled.

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However, if you select "Delete everything", all personal files in the system drive will be erased. After resetting your system, you will get a setup screen where you need to choose your keyboard layout, accept the license agreement, select a network, sign in to your Microsoft account, etc. before you can use your Windows PC again.

2. Using the Advanced Startup screen

1. Click the Start menu and then click the Power button.
2. Hold the key, then tap "Restart" in the menu, then release the key. ShiftShift
3. Windows will restart and you will see the "Choose an option" screen, select "Troubleshoot" .
4. Next, select "Reset this PC."
5. If you want to keep your personal files, click the "Keep my files" option or select the "Delete everything" option to delete them.
6. If you selected "Delete everything", select "Only the drive where Windows is installed" and then select "Delete only my files## on the following screen #".
Select "Cloud Download".
7. Next, click the
8. "Reset" button.

Your computer will reset and then restart a few times, and once it's done you'll see the login screen on your computer or the settings page, depending on what you selected when resetting your PC.

If you can't refresh your PC because it's locked, Advanced Startup Screen can help you fix that; read this guide to learn more.

3. Use the Command Prompt

key, type
1. cmd, and then click "Run as administrator". Windows
Copy and paste the following command to reset the system drive and hit:
2. Enter#systemreset –factoryreset<strong></strong>
On the Select an option screen, if you want to keep your personal files, select from the
3. Keep my files option, Or select the "Delete All" option to delete it.
You will get a list of apps that will be removed during the process; click
4. "Next" to continue.
Click the
5. Reset option to start the process.

The process will take a few minutes and your computer will restart a few times, so if using a laptop, make sure it is plugged into the charger. Once completed, you will be taken to the settings page or login screen, depending on your choice.

This is one of the easiest ways to reset your Windows computer, and you don’t have to use the Settings app to do it.

How to format C drive without deleting the operating system?

You can reset C drive using a command prompt with administrative rights without removing the Windows operating system.

Remember, if you want to delete all files from your system drive and factory reset your device, select "Delete everything".

However, if you decide to keep the files, select "Keep my files" and use the Cloud Download option to download and install Windows, provided you have enough disk space to complete the process.

If you are unable to perform certain operations on your computer because the system drive is locked, you need to check your computer for bad sectors or corrupted system files; read this guide to learn more.

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