How to Prepare Your Windows PC for Transfer

Step by step

1. 5 min

   Back up your personal files

   Connect an external storage drive or use a cloud service to copy your documents, photos, and desktop files. Ensure that application-specific data, such as browser bookmarks and local save files, are included in the transfer. Verify that the backup is complete before proceeding to data destruction.

   Note: Check your C:\Users\[Username] folder to ensure no stray files remain.
2. 1 min

   Sign out of your Microsoft account

   Navigate to Settings > Accounts > Your info. If you are signed in, ensure your data is synced or exported, then proceed to remove the device from your Microsoft account online portal at account.microsoft.com/devices. This prevents the new user from accessing your cloud-linked preferences.

3. 2 min

   Initiate the system reset process

   Navigate to Settings > System > Recovery. Locate the 'Reset this PC' option and click 'Reset PC'. This triggers the automated recovery environment built into Windows 11.

4. 1 min

   Select the removal options

   When prompted, choose 'Remove everything'. This ensures all personal files, apps, and settings are wiped from the drive. Select 'Change settings' to toggle 'Clean data' to 'On' for a more secure erasure, which prevents file recovery tools from retrieving your old data.

   Note: Choosing 'Clean data' can significantly increase the time required for the reset.
5. 1 min

   Finalize and execute the reset

   Review the summary screen to ensure your preferences are set correctly. Click 'Reset' to begin the process. The computer will restart automatically and perform the reinstallation of Windows.

   Note: Ensure your device is plugged into a power source to prevent an unexpected shutdown during the process.