[Windows11]Restore this computer (delete all files and applications) and OOEB configuration steps[Windows11]

author: VENOEN

2025-07-07

Windows11 Restore this computer (delete all files, applications) and OOEB configuration steps

Overview:

The mini PC has been pre-configured with Windows 10 or 11 OOBE (Out-Of-Box Experience), so that users can directly enter the Windows desktop after receiving the product, which has the following advantages:

User experience improvement: Users do not need to carry out complex initial Settings, eliminating steps such as language, time zone, keyboard layout, network connection, etc., out of the box, enhance user satisfaction.
Time savings: Users can use devices immediately, especially for enterprise users, and devices purchased in bulk can be deployed quickly, reducing the time and labor required to set up.
Reduce misoperations: Pre-configuration can avoid problems caused by unfamiliar operations, such as selecting the wrong language or skipping key steps, during the initial setup.
PS: Although there are many advantages, this kind of pre-operation configuration is not acceptable to all users, and the following points may exist according to user feedback.

Lack of personalization: Since OOBE is pre-configured, users may not be able to select their personal preferences, such as language, region, account Settings, etc., at initial startup, which may affect the user experience.
Privacy concerns: During the pre-configuration process, vendors may set a default user account or default some system options, which may raise privacy and security concerns of users.
Incomplete initial experience: Some users may want to go through the full OOBE setup process to configure according to their individual needs. Skipping these steps may make users feel deprived of control.
Update and compatibility issues: Pre-configured systems may be out of date after leaving the factory, and users may encounter numerous updates or patches when they first connect to the network, affecting the smoothness of first use.
Enterprise or organizational deployment challenges: For some enterprise users, configuration, such as domain joining and security policies, may be required based on the specific needs of the enterprise. A pre-configured system may not fully meet these requirements and may need to be reconfigured.
PS: To address such deficiencies, users can try the following steps to completely restore the computer and go to the OOBE configuration page.
Step 1: Click [Start] and select [Settings].

Step 2: Select [System]>[Recovery].

Step 3: Click Reset PC;

Step 4: Click [Remove everything] (2).

Step 5: Click [Local reinstall].

Step 6: Click [Next].

Step 7: Click [Reset].

Step 8: After the progress bar reaches 100%, the system automatically restarts and the OOBE configuration page is displayed.
Step 9: Select your region or country and click [Yes];

Step 10: Select your keyboard layout and click [Yes].

Step 11: If you want to Add a second keyboard layout, click Add layout, if not, click [Skip];

Step 12: Read the license agreement and click Accept;

Step 13: Name the device, enter the device name and click Next;

Step 14: Select the device type as required. If you want to log in as a Microsoft user, select Set up for personal use.

Tap Sign in;

Sign in with your Microsoft account. If you already have a Microsoft account, click Next when you're done. If you do not have a Microsoft account, you can Create a new one here by clicking Create one.

Step 15: If you don't want to log in with a Microsoft account, tap Set up for work or school;

Click Sign-in options;

Click Domain join instead;

Step 16: Enter the name you want to use and click Next;

Step 17: To protect your privacy, please set the password you need to log in to the system and click [Next]. If you do not want to set a password, please do not enter any characters, just click Next.