Windows 11 Recovery Options: Which One Should You Use?

Windows 11 offers recovery tools with very different impact. Choosing the right order may fix a problem without immediately removing applications or data.

Choose by symptom

After a boot-breaking change, try Startup Repair or uninstalling an update. For driver or app trouble, use System Restore. Persistent corruption may need Reset this PC; a new disk or severe failure may require recovery media.

Prepare first

Back up files, save the BitLocker key, inventory accounts and licenses, and disconnect unnecessary peripherals. Keep my files still removes apps and does not replace a backup.

After recovery

Update Windows and drivers, inspect Device Manager, enable system protection, and create a backup. Repeated failures call for storage and memory diagnostics rather than another reset.

Reference

• support.microsoft.com