Using Cloud Rebuild with Windows 11

Cloud Rebuild in Windows 11 reinstalls your operating system using fresh files downloaded directly from the cloud.

This new feature, available for Windows Insiders on builds 26300.8772 and newer, offers a clean slate for your PC. It’s especially useful if your computer is struggling to boot up correctly.

Unlike the “Reset this PC” option, Cloud Rebuild pulls the latest version of Windows and necessary drivers straight from Windows Update. This means you won’t need a USB drive or a working Windows installation to get your computer back in top shape.

How to Use Cloud Rebuild

1. Using Cloud Rebuild on Windows 11 starts by getting to the Advanced Startup options, which lets your PC fix itself.

2. Once in WinRE, click on Troubleshoot.

3. Next, select Cloud rebuild.

4. Your computer will try to connect to the internet. If you are using a wired Ethernet connection, it should connect automatically. If you are using 📶 Wi-Fi, you will need to choose your network and enter the password when asked.

5. Cloud rebuild checks 🔃 Windows Update for the correct Windows 11 version and downloads necessary network drivers for computer connectivity. This process ensures your computer receives the right operating system version and the drivers it requires to maintain a stable internet connection, using an automated update mechanism first introduced in Windows 10 version 1507.

6. You’ll see a summary of what will be installed. Make sure the Windows version, edition, and language shown are what you expect. Click Continue if everything looks correct.

7. Click Install to begin the Cloud rebuild process.

Cloud rebuild will erase your system drive, removing all your personal files, apps, and settings. Information saved in cloud services like OneDrive will not be affected.

8. Cloud rebuild will now prepare, download, and install Windows 11. Your computer might restart a few times during this process. Make sure your computer stays plugged into power until it’s finished. Do not restart or turn off your computer while it’s preparing, ⬇️ downloading, or 💿 installing Windows, as this could prevent it from starting up again.

   This process can take a significant amount of time.

9. When Cloud rebuild is done, your computer will start up to the initial Windows 11 setup screen (the Out-of-Box Experience or OOBE). You can then follow the steps to set up your computer as if it were new. You can continue with the setup process from step 13 in the guide mentioned here: Cloud rebuild (Preview)

References:

https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/configuration/cloud-rebuild

Summary

Cloud rebuild offers a simple way to get a clean installation of Windows 11 by downloading everything needed from the internet. It’s a good option if your computer isn’t working right or if you want a fresh start, and it doesn’t require any external media like USB drives.