Quick answer: Cloud rebuild is a new Windows 11 recovery option. It wipes the system drive and reinstalls Windows 11, downloading both the Windows image and your PC’s drivers from Windows Update. You don’t need a USB drive, and it works even when Windows won’t start. It removes all local files, apps, accounts and settings (OneDrive data isn’t affected). Microsoft still calls it a preview and is rolling it out gradually on 25H2 and 26H2, so it may not be on your PC yet.
In this guide
Cloud rebuild vs other recovery options
Cloud rebuild is the most drastic of Windows 11’s recovery tools, so try the gentler ones first when they fit:
| Option | Keeps your files? | Works if Windows won’t start? | What it does |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quick machine recovery | Yes | Yes (runs from WinRE) | Looks for a fix on Windows Update and applies it |
| Fix problems using Windows Update | Yes, plus apps and settings | No | Reinstalls the current Windows version |
| Reset this PC (Cloud download) | Your choice | Yes (from WinRE) | Fresh copy of Windows with the latest updates |
| Cloud rebuild | No, everything local is erased | Yes | Full reinstall with Windows image and drivers from Windows Update |
| Clean install from USB | No | Yes | Full reinstall from installation media |
Microsoft says the main difference from Reset this PC is that Cloud rebuild also downloads the device’s drivers. See quick machine recovery in Windows 11 for the automatic fix, and Microsoft’s page on fixing problems using Windows Update for the in-place reinstall.
Is Cloud rebuild on my PC?
Probably not yet on most PCs. The Microsoft Learn page labels Cloud rebuild a preview for non-production devices, and the Release Preview notes from October 16, 2026 list it under gradual rollout for Windows 11 25H2 and 26H2. Press reports say it arrived with the optional October 28, 2026 update (KB5127936). Microsoft hasn’t listed 24H2 or given a date for wider release.
To check, look for a Rebuild PC button in Settings > System > Recovery, or for Cloud rebuild in WinRE’s Troubleshoot menu. If it’s missing, install the latest update (see how to install Windows 11 26H2) or use one of the other options above.
Before you start
Warning: Cloud rebuild reformats the system disk. Files, user accounts, apps and settings stored on the PC are removed. Only data in cloud services such as OneDrive survives. If Windows still runs, back up anything important first.
Microsoft lists these requirements:
- A working Windows Recovery Environment. Run
reagentc /infoin an admin Command Prompt and check it says Enabled. Our WinRE guide explains how to fix it if not. - Internet access inside WinRE. Ethernet connects automatically. The Learn page says only WPA2-Personal Wi-Fi works there, although a newer update is rolling out support for reusing saved Wi-Fi networks.
- Hardware that meets the Windows 11 requirements. TPM problems are the most common reason it stops.
- Steady power. Keep a laptop plugged in and don’t switch it off while it prepares, downloads or installs, because that can leave Windows unable to start.
Microsoft doesn’t mention BitLocker on the Cloud rebuild page. As a general precaution, have your BitLocker recovery key to hand before any recovery operation.
How to run Cloud rebuild
If Windows still starts
- Open Settings > System > Recovery.
- Select Rebuild PC if you see it. Otherwise select Restart now next to Advanced startup to open WinRE, then follow the next steps.
From WinRE
If Windows fails to start several times in a row, WinRE opens on its own.
- Select Troubleshoot. Depending on your build, Cloud rebuild is listed directly or under Recovery and uninstall.
- Connect to the network if asked.
- Check that the Windows build, edition and language shown are what you want.
- Choose how to clean the drive (explained below). On PCs with more than one disk, also choose whether to wipe only the Windows disk or all disks.
- Confirm the data-loss warning and wait. The PC may restart several times.
- When the setup screens appear, choose your region and keyboard and sign in.
Remove files or Remove and sanitize files?
- Remove files is quicker. Microsoft notes the old files might still be recoverable with specialist tools, so use it when you’re keeping the PC.
- Remove & sanitize files takes longer and can’t be undone. Use it before you sell, return or hand on the PC. It relies on the drive’s own erase support. For other ways to wipe a disk, see how to securely wipe a hard drive or SSD.
After the rebuild
You end up on the normal Windows setup screens. Sign in with your Microsoft account so your OneDrive files sync back, then reinstall your apps. Work PCs registered with Windows Autopilot and managed by Intune reconnect and get their apps and policies again, according to Microsoft.
If Cloud rebuild fails
| Error | Meaning | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| 0x800704C6 | No connection to Windows Update | Use Ethernet, or a WPA2-Personal Wi-Fi network |
| 0xc1900200 | The PC doesn’t meet Windows 11 requirements | Check TPM and Secure Boot in the firmware settings |
| 0xc1900224 | Drivers for this PC aren’t on Windows Update | Use Reset this PC or a USB install instead |
For the USB route, the steps in our reinstall guide follow the same pattern for Windows 11 media. Microsoft asks testers to report Cloud rebuild problems in Feedback Hub under Recovery.
For IT admins
The Release Preview notes say admins can configure and start a Cloud rebuild remotely through the Recovery CSP, using either the installed build or a chosen target build. The Learn page documents the CloudRebuild nodes (including Execute/RebuildType with LocalRebuild or CustomRebuild) but says they’re only in Windows Insider builds at the time of writing. Test on non-production devices first.
Related guides
- Quick machine recovery in Windows 11: what it is and how to turn it on or off
- WinRE: what the Windows Recovery Environment is and how to open it
- How to Reinstall Windows 10: Reset, Repair Install or Clean Install
- How to secure wipe a hard drive or SSD in Windows 11 and 10
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