Recovery features on Windows 11 can be a little hit and miss sometimes but Microsoft has recently been working on a new feature that lets you rebuild a damaged Windows installation from the Cloud. The feature is called Cloud Rebuild and is rolling out to Windows 11 at the moment. The feature can completely reinstall Windows directly from Microsoft’s servers without requiring a USB installation drive, recovery partition, or another computer. It's designed to work through the Windows Recovery Environment, or WinRE. Instead of relying on potentially damaged files already stored on the PC, it downloads a fresh Windows installation image and compatible hardware drivers through Windows Update.
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What Is Cloud Rebuild on Windows 11?
Cloud Rebuild cleanly reinstalls Windows 11 on your computer; it formats the system drive, installs a fresh copy of Windows, and then starts the Out-of-Box Experience, allowing you to set up the PC as if it were new.
This is super handy if Windows has suffered a serious system error, damaged recovery components, or other problems that make a traditional recovery difficult or impossible. Unlike typical USB installations, Cloud Rebuild doesn't need installation media. But your computer must be able to connect to the internet from WinRE. The recovery environment also needs compatible network drivers, with support currently focused on Ethernet and WPA2 Personal Wi-Fi connections.
Cloud Rebuild vs Reset This PC
Windows 11 already has a Reset this PC option that can reinstall the operating system using local recovery files or a cloud download. However, both of these systems can fail, with local recovery being almost useless in a lot of cases. Cloud Rebuild uses a completely different method by grabbing both the Windows installation files and compatible hardware drivers through Windows Update.
Since this system doesn't need the existing Windows installation to be intact, Cloud Rebuild has a better chance of fixing things when they are damaged or corrupted.
But! Cloud Rebuild should be treated like a clean installation. So you will lose anything stored or installed on the drive that you currently have Windows on.
Back Up Your Files First (SUPER IMPORTANT!!!)
Cloud Rebuild completely wipes the system drive. Removing user accounts, installed app, software, personal files stored locally, system settings, and configuration changes. So before you do anything, make sure anything important is backed up!!!
Note: Files synchronised with cloud services such as OneDrive can be restored after signing in again, but locally stored files will be removed.
How to Use Cloud Rebuild to Reinstall Windows 11 Without a USB
- Open Settings.
- Go to System > Recovery.
- Under Recovery options, click Restart now next to Advanced Startup.
- After restarting, click Restart now again if prompted.
- Select Troubleshoot.
- Choose Cloud Rebuild.
- Select Remove files if you are keeping the PC. If the device is being recycled, returned, or reassigned, choose Remove & sanitise files.
- Confirm that the Windows version, edition, and language are correct.
- Click Continue.
- Review the rebuild information and click Install.
- Once the installation finishes, complete the Windows Out-of-Box Experience to configure the PC.
The computer may restart several times during the process. Keep it connected to power and do not interrupt the installation while Windows is downloading or installing.
