New Update Windows 11 is getting a fully cloud-based reinstallation option

lokamoka820

lokamoka820

Level 48
Thread author
Verified
Top Poster
Well-known
Mar 1, 2024
3,780
3
13,296
4,669
Banana Republic
When things go wrong, Windows administrators have a few options at their disposal to fix problems. From built-in repair tools and restore options to backups and setting up the PC anew.

Nothing beats system backups in my opinion, but some problems can also be dealt with using built-in tools, such as the option to reset the PC.

Cloud rebuild is a new feature that Microsoft announced in the most recent test build of the Windows operating system this week. It can be run from the Windows Recovery Environment and will download everything it needs from the cloud. That is a big difference to the “Reset this PC” option, as it will also download drivers and such from the cloud.
Click to expand...
chipp.in

Windows 11 is getting a fully cloud-based reinstallation option - Chipp.in Tech News and Reviews

When things go wrong, Windows administrators have a few options at their disposal to fix problems. From built-in repair tools and restore options to backups...
chipp.in chipp.in
 
  • Like
Reactions: roger_m, Sorrento, Berny and 8 others
This feature is designed for situations where Windows won't boot at all. Instead of relying on the existing installation, it boots into the Windows Recovery Environment, downloads:
  • a clean Windows image,
  • all the correct device drivers from Windows Update,
and reinstalls everything without requiring a USB installer. It's meant to recover a completely broken system.

Current Cloud Download​

  • Requires the Reset this PC feature.
  • Usually assumes the recovery environment and parts of the OS are still functional.
  • Can keep your files if you choose.
  • Drivers are generally obtained from the existing installation or after Windows is reinstalled.

New Cloud Rebuild​

  • Works even when Windows itself is unbootable.
  • Downloads Windows and the drivers directly from Microsoft.
  • Doesn't require creating a bootable USB.
  • It's a full clean rebuild, not a "keep my files" reset.
Click to expand...
 
  • Like
  • +Reputation
Reactions: roger_m, Sorrento, stonjean633 and 5 others
stonjean633 said:
Thank goodness MS. Likely this will be on a hidden partition.

MacOS had this for a very long time.
Click to expand...
No, my friend, the hidden recovery partition that can handle a Windows reset has been available for a long time, while this feature is entirely cloud-based, so even if your device is unable to boot, all you need is an internet connection.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Khushal, Sorrento, Berny and 3 others
lokamoka820 said:
No, my friend, the hidden recovery partition that can handle a Windows reset has been available for a long time, while this feature is entirely cloud-based, so even if your device is unable to boot, all you need is an internet connection.
Click to expand...
I think you are referring to the hidden partition from the Manufacturer. Those are for factory reset and GB in sizes.

The internet recovery program (cloud) still needs to be stored somewhere. So likely a very small hidden partition ( perhaps in MB )
 
  • Hundred Points
  • Like
Reactions: Khushal, Sorrento, Divine_Barakah and 1 other person
Berny said:
Thank you for this information. This is great but not like an iCloud restore ?
Click to expand...
You're welcome. I don't think this feature is similar to an iCloud restore, since iCloud restore retrieves data from a backup file stored in Apple's cloud service, whereas this feature does not use a backup file to restore the device. It is more akin to a clean install than a restore.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Parkinsond and Berny

You may also like...