Reverting Atlas

Atlas disables “Reset this PC” because it is unreliable and not a full reinstall. This page explains how to reinstall Windows to uninstall Atlas and return to stock Windows.

Before uninstalling

If you’re on an outdated Atlas version, we can’t help. If you have issues on the latest version, try these first:

Still having problems?

We’re improving Atlas. Consider reporting your problem on Atlas GitHub Issues so we can fix it. You can also give feedback in GitHub Discussions or Discord.

Looking to reinstall Atlas?

Follow the Atlas installation guide instead. This page is for reverting Atlas.

1. Download a Windows ISO

You need a clean Windows 11 ISO to reinstall. Choose your desired Windows version.

Which version?

For AMD and Intel CPUs, download the x86_64 (x64) version. For Qualcomm Snapdragon or other supported ARM SoCs, download the ARM64 version. Check your CPU architecture.

Official Microsoft Sources

  1. Visit Microsoft’s Windows 11 download page
  2. Choose the appropriate ISO in the dropdown:
    • For Intel/AMD CPUs: Windows 11 (multi-edition ISO for x64 devices)
    • For ARM systems: Windows 11 (multi-edition ISO for ARM64 devices)
  3. Click Confirm, select your desired language, then Confirm again
  4. Click 64-bit Download (or ARM64 Download for ARM) to begin your download

Windows Media Creation Tool

  1. Download the Windows 11 Media Creation Tool, then open it
  2. Click Accept to agree to the Microsoft license terms
  3. Select Create installation media (USB flash drive, DVD, or ISO file) for another PC, click Next, and choose:
    • Language: Your desired language
    • Edition: Windows 11
  4. Choose the ISO file option, then choose the download location
  5. After the ISO has completed downloading, click Finish

2. Network drivers

By default, Windows may not have your computer’s network drivers. After reinstalling, your computer could have no internet connection.

Either:

  • Download your network drivers beforehand and store them on external storage, or
  • Have the ability to download and transfer network drivers from another device later

Where do I get my network drivers?

Search for your device or motherboard’s official support page. If you can’t find it, search online for your network device’s name in Device Manager. If multiple driver versions are available, download them all.

3. Reinstall Windows

Back up valuable data to an external drive or cloud storage before continuing.

Best for: Users already on Windows.

Windows.old

Only if you have enough free storage: after finishing the Windows reinstall, Windows.old will be at the start of your Windows drive, containing your old data. You can retrieve data from the folder and delete it afterward.
  1. Disconnect internet - Unplug ethernet, disable Wi-Fi. Do not reconnect until instructed.
  2. Mount the ISO:
    • Right-click downloaded ISO Open With File Explorer
    • Open This PC and note the drive letter (e.g., H)
  3. Launch Windows Setup:
    • Press Win + R to open the Run dialog
    • Type: H:sourcessetup.exe (replace H with your drive letter)
    • Press Enter Accept UAC prompt

BitLocker message?

If you see "Make sure BitLocker Drive Encryption is suspended", refer to our BitLocker instructions to resolve this, then retry from step 3.
  1. Complete Windows Setup:
    • Select No thanks when prompted for updates
    • Uncheck "I want to help make Windows installation better"
    • Click I don't have a product key (Windows should auto-activate later)
    • Choose Windows Pro (or Pro for Workstations/Enterprise)
    • Accept the license Custom: Install Windows only (advanced)
    • Select your Windows drive Next OK (Windows.old warning)
    • Wait for installation to finish

Windows 11 requirement error?

If you encounter an error that your PC doesn't meet the requirements, you may need to enable TPM 2.0 in your BIOS/UEFI. See our Enabling TPM guide in the General FAQ.

4. Initial setup (OOBE)

Follow the Windows 11 out-of-box experience (OOBE) on screen.

5. Continue with setup

You should now be at the regular Windows desktop and back on stock Windows.