what will i lose with fresh start and how do i do it

John Faria 0 Reputation points
2026-02-01T03:51:53.5233333+00:00

what will i lose with fresh start and how do i do it

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Security and privacy

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  1. Lucus-V 12,875 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator
    2026-02-05T22:57:58.56+00:00

    Hi John Faria,
    Welcome to Microsoft Q&A forum. I'm happy to help.

    During a Fresh Start, you will lose:

    • All installed apps and their settings, including:
      • Preinstalled manufacturer apps (OEM utilities).
      • Microsoft apps (if it didn't pre-install with Windows).
      • Third‑party desktop apps and their settings, along with browser cookies and sign-in sessions.
    • Most system settings you have customized.
    • Personal files.
    • All third-party drivers.

    So, before starting, it's recommended:

    • Back up important files, especially if you're unsure whether they're stored in the user profile.
    • Ensure you have installation sources for any apps you want to reinstall later.
    • Third-party drivers.
    • Digital license or product key to activate Windows and Microsoft products.

    You may do that by:

    Disclaimer: At this point, we have exhausted all troubleshooting and I recommend that we try to perform a clean install to get your computer back into a working condition. Please ensure that you backup any important data, including Documents, Pictures, Videos, and more.
    Windows 11 Clean Installation Process

    I hope that above information is helpful to you.

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  2. Estrella721 46,000 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-02-01T04:58:37.5866667+00:00

    Hi,

    What do you mean by a fresh start? Are you trying to reinstall Windows? What problem are you experiencing? Please provide more specific information.

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  3. AI answer

    2026-02-01T03:51:59.8966667+00:00

    When you perform a Fresh Start on a Windows device, you will lose the following:

    • All installed apps, including preinstalled OEM apps that typically come with a new PC.
    • Any settings that you have customized.
    • Any personal files that are not backed up, as a clean installation will erase all your files, settings, and applications.

    However, you can choose to retain user data on the device, which allows you to keep the contents of the user's Home folder while removing apps and settings. If you do not retain user data, the device will be restored to its default out-of-box experience (OOBE).

    To execute a Fresh Start from the Intune admin center, follow these steps:

    1. In the Microsoft Intune admin center, select Devices > All devices.
    2. From the devices list, select the device you want to refresh.
    3. At the top of the device overview pane, find the row of remote action icons and select Fresh Start.
    4. Choose whether to retain user data on the device or not.
    5. Select OK to confirm the action.

    Make sure to back up any important files before proceeding with the Fresh Start to avoid losing any critical data.

    References:

    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

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