PC won't allow me to reset to factory settings

Joyce Schulz 20 Reputation points
2026-07-29T16:35:34.5533333+00:00

I have a Laptop with Windows 11 on it. I tried to factory reset - but it says that I need additional 2GB space before I can reset the PC. I have already removed all apps that it will allow me to remove as well as did a full disk clean up. I have removed all my files. Does anyone have a suggestion for me?

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Recovery and backup
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David-M 125.7K Reputation points Independent Advisor
2026-07-30T12:13:33.48+00:00

Sorry for the delay in reply. I've been offline.

Thanks for the screenshot.

Looking at your TreeSize scan, the source of the issue is right there: your Mozilla Thunderbird profile inside the AppData folder is taking up about 91.7 GB of space. That is where local email data, attachments, and profile caches are stored.

Before deleting it, a quick word of caution: if your email uses POP3 or has local folders, deleting this will wipe out those local emails and contacts permanently. If your account is IMAP, everything is saved on your provider's server anyway. Since you already backed up your personal files, it is still best to verify just in case.

Here is how to clear that space safely:

  1. Log into your email via a web browser to confirm your messages and contacts are accessible online. If you want a backup copy just in case, copy the Thunderbird folder to an external USB drive first.
  2. Press the "Windows Key + R" on your keyboard, type %appdata% in the Run box, and hit Enter.
  3. Locate the "Thunderbird" folder and delete it. Make sure to use "Shift + Delete" to permanently remove it, or remember to empty your "Recycle Bin" afterwards. If you just press regular "Delete", Windows may only move the 90 GB into the Recycle Bin, which keeps it on the hard drive and will not free up any space.

Deleting that folder will instantly free up over 90 GB, which is far more than the 2 GB Windows is asking for to run the factory reset.

Alternative option: If the built-in reset feature still hangs or throws an error after clearing space, download the official Media Creation Tool from Microsoft and use it to create a bootable Windows 11 installation USB drive. Booting from that USB allows a clean Windows reinstall, completely bypassing local storage restrictions. If you need a step-by-step guide on how to do that, let me know, and I will be happy to help.

Please let me know how it goes.

Feel free to ask any questions you may have.

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  1. David-M 125.7K Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-07-29T17:08:58.3833333+00:00

    Hi. I'm David, and I'm happy to help you.

    I suggest downloading and installing the free version of the TreeSize app.

    https://www.jam-software.com/treesize_free

    Then right-click the application shortcut, select "Run as administrator", select the drive C: to be scanned, and wait for the scan to finish.

    Share a screenshot of the TreeSize scan result. Use the shortcut "Windows + Shift + S" to use the screenshot tool.

    Looking forward to your reply.

    Standard Disclaimer: There is a link to a non-Microsoft website. The page appears to be providing accurate, safe information. Watch out for ads on the site that may advertise products frequently classified as a PUP (Potentially Unwanted Products). Thoroughly research any product advertised on the site before you decide to download and install it.

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