How can I reinstall Windows? / Reinstallation / Installation / System restore / Recovery / Device does not start / I cannot see an image / Monitor stays black / Error message / Windows does not boot / Reset to factory settings
Are you experiencing a problem with your Windows laptop or PC? In the vast majority of cases, this is not a technical hardware defect, but simply problems with the Windows operating system, software programmes and apps incorrectly configured unintentionally by the user, errors during updates or incorrect settings.
Tip: For all problems with your Windows laptop or PC, please follow the instructions below step by step beforehand. In our experience, this can help you resolve the error quickly and easily yourself.
➜ Perform a device reset:
If the laptop, Windows tablet or PC no longer starts, meaning the screen remains "black", please do the following:
1. Connect the device to the mains via the power supply unit or charger and check that all plugs are firmly connected to each other. On many devices, a charging indicator will then be visible on the device in orange or green. If you are using a multi-socket extension lead, it must be switched on.
2. Only if it is a PC, and if there is a switch/button on the power supply unit at the back of the PC, press it or make sure that it is switched on.
3. Only if it is a laptop or tablet, wait until the battery is fully charged after several hours.
4. Then press and hold the power button for 10 seconds and release it, wait 5 seconds, and then briefly press the power button for 1 second.
➜ Reset Windows to factory settings:
Important first: Back up your personal files (e.g. to a USB stick or the cloud), if this is still possible. If your device is encrypted with BitLocker (often automatic in Windows 11 with a Microsoft account), have your recovery key ready. You can find it in your Microsoft account at https://aka.ms/myrecoverykey. Windows will ask for this 48-digit key when resetting via recovery mode.
Reset Windows to factory settings if Windows still starts:
1. Windows 11 Settings → System → Recovery → under “Reset this PC”, click “Reset PC”.
2. Select “Remove everything” (if you select “Keep my files”, faulty programmes and settings may remain in some circumstances).
3. Select “Cloud download” if you have internet access – Windows will then be freshly downloaded from Microsoft. Otherwise, select “Local reinstall”.
4. Follow the instructions. The device will restart several times; the process takes 30 to 90 minutes depending on the device. Leave the power supply connected the entire time.
Reset Windows to factory settings if Windows no longer starts (error message, endless loop, blue screen):
1. Switch on the device. As soon as the manufacturer logo or the Windows circle appears, press and hold the power button until the device switches off.
2. Repeat this twice. On the third start, “Preparing Automatic Repair” will appear.
3. Select “Advanced options” → “Troubleshoot” → “Reset this PC”.
4. If you are asked for the BitLocker recovery key: enter the key from https://aka.ms/myrecoverykey.
5. Select “Remove everything” (if you select “Keep my files”, faulty programmes and settings may remain in some circumstances).
6. Select “Cloud download” if you have internet access – Windows will then be freshly downloaded from Microsoft. Otherwise, select “Local reinstall”.
7. Follow the instructions. The device will restart several times; the process takes 30 to 90 minutes depending on the device. Leave the power supply connected the entire time.
➜ Reinstall Windows using installation media:
If resetting is not possible, you can reinstall Windows using a USB stick:
• Windows 11: https://www.microsoft.com/de-de/software-download/windows11 → “Create Windows 11 Installation Media” → “Download now”
Insert the USB stick, switch on the device and boot from the USB stick via the manufacturer’s boot menu (usually F12, F9, Esc or Enter when starting up – this is stated in the manual, which is available online). During setup, connect the device to the internet: Windows will then activate automatically and download the appropriate drivers. The device manufacturer provides additional drivers and programmes for download on its support page.
Good to know: Windows is pre-installed on your device and the licence is stored digitally on the device. You do not need a data carrier or licence key – after resetting or reinstalling, Windows will automatically be activated again.