Windows 11 can now reinstall itself from the cloud, no USB stick required

Cloud Rebuild works even if the currently installed OS is corrupted, and restores drivers automatically

by · TechSpot

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First look: Reinstalling Windows often requires local boot media, but the latest Windows Insider build previews a new method to restore Windows 11 devices to factory settings that only requires an internet connection. The update also lets users test upgrades to AutoPlay, desktop customization, File Explorer, and other features.

Windows 11 Insider Beta Preview Build 26220.9343 introduces a new reinitialization option that downloads a factory version of the OS from the cloud. The new feature lets users and IT administrators reset a device without needing a USB stick or a custom image.

Cloud Rebuild is accessible in the Windows Recovery Environment, which users typically see after Windows repeatedly fails to boot. Users can also reach the Recovery Environment via Settings > System > Recovery > Restart now.

After selecting "Troubleshoot" in the Recovery Environment, the option for Cloud Rebuild appears under "Reset this PC." Once the device is connected to the internet through Ethernet or Wi-Fi, users can review the Windows build, edition, and language they wish to install before starting the download.

In addition to enabling a factory reset without USB media or a custom image, Cloud Rebuild also automatically restores drivers, ensuring the device restarts with basic functionality intact. Furthermore, since the feature downloads a fresh build, it works even if the currently installed OS is corrupted. However, using Cloud Rebuild requires network drivers for the Recovery Environment.

Currently, the feature requires either physical access to a device or an elevated command prompt by a local administrator, but support for remote deployment through enterprise endpoint management solutions such as Microsoft Intune is coming soon. However, Intune, Windows Autopilot, Backup for Organizations, and OneDrive already support Cloud Rebuild on managed devices.

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To make Cloud Rebuild easier for Wi-Fi users, Build 26220.9343 also introduces the ability to save Wi-Fi profiles from Windows in the Recovery Environment. Previously, the Recovery Environment retained only wired connections, forcing users to manually re-enter Wi-Fi profiles.

The Windows 11 user interface also receives a few changes. AutoPlay now supports Microsoft's new WinUI in light or dark mode with text scaling improvements. Users can now set DIB files as desktop backgrounds, and preview settings in the personalization menu have been improved. Other additions include support for double backslashes and quotation marks in the File Explorer address bar, magnifier adjustments, and new emojis.

In another ploy to promote OneDrive, the new build also adds an option to automatically back up photos and videos from mobile devices.

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