Trouble resetting Windows 11 PC

Pham Thai Son 45 Reputation points
2026-06-17T04:04:40.2333333+00:00

Because I want to switch to Windows 11 with EU mods as Edge doesn't behave normally, I tried resetting PC through Settings, but it kept stuck at 100%, so I restarted into WinRE to reset it. Now it kept stuck downloading at 99% in a black screen with the boot logo.

Please note that these two attempts are done with downloading image over WiFi.

Model: HP Pavilion 16-af0xxx

OS: Windows 11 Home Single Language

Please let me know if you have found a way to fix this issue. Thank you.

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Recovery and backup
Answer accepted by question author
Estrella721 46,935 Reputation points Independent Advisor
2026-06-17T04:39:31.3333333+00:00

Hi,

If the reset process continues to fail, it could mean that your recovery image is corrupted. I would recommend performing a clean installation of your Windows OS instead. This will wipe your system and help resolve advanced issues.

Please back up all your important files first. Then, prepare an empty USB drive with at least 8 GB of storage and a working computer, and follow the steps below:

  1. Click this link: https://www.microsoft.com/software-download/windows11

Under Download Windows 11 Disk Image (ISO), Click on "Download tool now."

  1. Run the tool, create a bootable USB drive or ISO file, and deselect the 'Use the recommended options for this PC' box to choose the correct language and edition.

Once the process is done:

  1. Connect the installation media to your PC.
  2. Start your PC and press any key to continue. Click Next > Click Install Now.
  3. When the Windows Setup starts, follow the on-screen instructions.

Note: If prompted for a product key, click 'I do not have a product key' and then click Next.

Make sure you install the same edition of Windows 11 Home Single Language that you previously had installed to avoid activation issues.

For a step-by-step guide with illustrations, click the link below and scroll down to the 'Steps to reinstall Windows with media' section, then expand the 'Clean install' option:

https://support.microsoft.com/windows/reinstall-windows-with-the-installation-media-d8369486-3e33-7d9c-dccc-859e2b022fc7

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  1. AI answer

    2026-06-17T04:05:00.32+00:00

    The most reliable way to fix a reset that hangs at 99–100% is to perform the reset again, but this time use the built‑in recovery options and, if possible, a wired or more stable connection and the “Local reinstall” option instead of repeatedly retrying cloud download over Wi‑Fi.

    Use these steps in order:

    1. Make sure the device is left powered on
      • During reset, the screen can stay black for a long time (upwards of 15 minutes) and the device may restart itself. Interrupting or force‑powering off during this period can cause the reset to fail and leave the system stuck.
    2. Start reset again from Windows (if it still boots)
      • Select Start > Settings > System > Recovery.
      • Under Recovery options / Reset this PC, select Reset PC.
      • When prompted:
        • First try Keep my files (to preserve personal files) unless preparing the PC for a new user.
        • Choose Local reinstall instead of Cloud download to avoid repeated large downloads over Wi‑Fi.
      • Follow the on‑screen instructions and allow the process to complete without interrupting, even if it appears stuck for a while.
    3. If Windows does not boot, reset from Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE)
      • Turn the PC on and interrupt startup a few times to enter recovery, or use any method already used to reach WinRE.
      • In WinRE, select Troubleshoot > Reset this PC.
      • Choose Keep my files or Remove everything, then select Local reinstall.
      • Let the reset run to completion; do not manually restart while it is at 99–100% or on a black screen.
    4. If the device is encrypted
      • Have the BitLocker recovery key ready, as it may be required when resetting from WinRE.

    If repeated resets (both cloud and local) continue to hang even when left for an extended time, the remaining option from the provided guidance is a full reset using Remove everything with drive cleaning enabled, which reinstalls Windows and removes all personal files, apps, and settings.

    References:

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