Microsoft has acknowledged a significant bug affecting both Windows 11 and Windows 10 PCs, which may hinder users from successfully resetting or recovering their systems. This issue was confirmed earlier this week, prompting the tech giant to roll out an out-of-band update aimed at resolving the problem.
Update Details
If you have encountered failures while attempting to reset or recover your PC, it is advisable to install update KB5066189, which was released alongside KB5063875 on August 12. The complications arise particularly when users engage the “Reset my PC” feature or the “Fix problems using Windows Update” option. Additionally, the RemoteWipe configuration service provider may also experience similar difficulties.
Reset Options Explained
For those unfamiliar with the reset options available, Microsoft provides several choices:
- Keep my files: Commonly referred to as Refresh, this option reinstalls Windows while preserving personal files. It removes applications and settings but retains documents, photos, and other data.
- Restore preinstalled apps: This feature, when enabled, reinstates any customizations made by the PC manufacturer.
- Remove everything: Known as Reset, this option reinstalls Windows and deletes all personal files, applications, and settings. It is ideal for users seeking a fresh start or preparing to sell or donate their PC.
- Clean data: When selected, this option not only removes files but also cleans the drive, making it more difficult for others to recover deleted information. This process may take some time but is recommended for those planning to part with their device.
- Cloud download: This option retrieves a fresh copy of Windows from the cloud, ensuring that users receive the latest version complete with all updates. It is particularly useful if local files are corrupted or missing.
- Local reinstall: Utilizing files already present on the PC, this option reinstalls Windows. It is a quicker choice for users with slower internet connections, although it may not incorporate the latest updates.
For a detailed walkthrough, our expert Mauro Huculak has provided a comprehensive guide on “How to reset a Windows 11 PC to factory settings,” which can be invaluable for users navigating these challenges.
Additional Concerns
It is worth noting that the reset issue does not impact systems running Windows 11 version 24H2. However, this version is not entirely free from complications. Some users have reported a concerning issue where solid-state drives (SSD) and hard-disk drives (HDD) become invisible to the operating system, rendering data unrecoverable. Fortunately, this particular problem appears to be less widespread, and our analyst Cale Hunt has delved deeper into the storage-related concerns.
While issues with security updates and other Windows updates are not uncommon, they can certainly be a source of frustration for users. Many individuals operate under the assumption that maintaining an up-to-date system is the best approach, eagerly installing updates as soon as they are available. However, the historical performance of Windows updates suggests that it may be prudent to exercise caution and wait a short period to ensure that no significant issues arise that could disrupt your specific workflow.
