Hello.
I would like to start from zero my W11 installation but I also have W10 in another SSD that does not have its own EFI partition and I don’t want anything to happen to it as it is my work OS, so I was wondering, if I reset my W11 install does it keep the EFI partition intact and I should be able to boot to both OS’s like I normally can?
Thanks in advance!
The Factory Reset feature in Windows 10 and 11 is very very flawed and is not recommended by /r/techsupport. Do not use this feature.
It often breaks with “user profile” errors or being stuck on a blue loading screen. This is because PCs load software differently than phones or tablets. Instead of a reset, Windows on a PC can be reinstalled with a Windows install USB drive. You can make this yourself.
You will need:
- an 8GB or larger USB drive
- this drive will be erased in the process!
- a working Windows PC with administrator rights
- the Windows Media Creation Tool
Use the Media Creation Tool to create a Windows install USB drive. Disconnect all other USB drives from the computer first, and be very careful which drive letter you select (use File Explorer to confirm) then follow the prompts in the app.
You will need to start or “boot” your computer from the USB drive. The menu may show a message with the button to press, otherwise try the F2, F10, F11, or Del keys. The USB drive should be listed.
We have a full guide for reinstall Windows on our wiki here.
This is an automated reply. Some sections may not be relevant to your specific issue.
- an 8GB or larger USB drive