Introduction
If you’re trying to reset your Windows 11 PC and you see the error “There was a problem resetting your PC”, you’re not alone. This error usually appears due to corrupted system files, BitLocker issues, Windows update bugs, or boot-related problems. Sometimes it may even show up alongside a blue screen, or when BitLocker recovery is triggered.

In this guide, you’ll learn all the working methods to fix this issue on Windows 11 — whether you’re able to boot normally or stuck in recovery mode.
⭐ 1. What Causes “There Was a Problem Resetting Your PC” in Windows 11?
Here are the most common causes:
- Corrupted system files (SFC or DISM required)
- Issues with Windows Update components
- BitLocker encryption conflicts during reset
- Damaged recovery image
- Faulty Windows boot configuration
- Interrupted reset / power loss
- Malware or driver conflicts
This error is especially common when dealing with:
✔ “There was a problem resetting your PC Windows 11 blue screen”
✔ “There was a problem resetting your PC Windows 11 BitLocker issue”
⭐ 2. Fix 1: Run SFC and DISM to Repair System Files
Step-by-step:
- Press Windows + X → click Terminal (Admin)
- Run these commands one-by-one:
sfc /scannow
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
- Restart your PC and try resetting again.
⭐ 3. Fix 2: Disable or Suspend BitLocker (Important)
BitLocker often blocks system reset and causes this error.
Steps:
- Press Windows + X → Terminal (Admin)
- Run:
manage-bde -status
If BitLocker is ON, run:
manage-bde -protectors -disable C:
Restart your system and retry the reset.
⭐ 4. Fix 3: Use Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE)
If the PC won’t reset from inside Windows:
- Go to Settings → System → Recovery
- Click Restart Now under Advanced startup
- Choose:
Troubleshoot → Reset this PC → Remove everything
If BitLocker asks for the recovery key, enter it to continue.
⭐ 5. Fix 4: Repair Boot Files (Fix Blue Screen + Boot Loop)
If the reset failed due to blue screen or boot failure:
- Boot into Advanced Startup
- Go to Troubleshoot → Command Prompt
- Run:
bootrec /fixmbr
bootrec /fixboot
bootrec /scanos
bootrec /rebuildbcd
Restart your PC.
⭐ 6. Fix 5: Rename System Reset Folder (Proven Method)
- Open Command Prompt (Admin) in WinRE
- Run:
cd %windir%\system32\config
ren system system.old
ren software software.old
This forces Windows to rebuild system configuration files.
⭐ 7. Fix 6: Create a New User Account (Reset Then Works)
If user profile corruption is the cause, reset often fails.
Full guide here:
👉 How to create a new user on Windows 11
https://multicaretechnical.com/how-to-create-a-new-user-on-windows-11-complete-step-by-step-guide-2025
Create the new account → login → try resetting again.
⭐ 8. Fix 7: Use Cloud Download to Reset
- Open Settings → System → Recovery
- Click Reset this PC
- Choose Cloud download
- Proceed with reset
This replaces missing/corrupted files and often solves the error.
⭐ 9. Fix 8: Fresh Install Windows Using USB
If nothing works, reinstall Windows:
- Download Windows 11 Media Creation Tool
- Create bootable USB
- Install Windows → choose Keep personal files or clean install
⭐ Useful Internal Links for More Help
- How to fix Outlook will not open in Windows 11
https://multicaretechnical.com/how-to-fix-outlook-will-not-open-windows-11-complete-step-by-step-guide-2025 - How to create a new user on Windows 11
https://multicaretechnical.com/how-to-create-a-new-user-on-windows-11-complete-step-by-step-guide-2025 - How to change screen timeout on Windows 11/10 & Mac
https://multicaretechnical.com/how-to-change-screen-timeout-windows-11-10-mac-complete-guide
⭐ Conclusion
The error “There was a problem resetting your PC” in Windows 11 usually happens because of corrupted files, BitLocker restrictions, or damaged system components. Using SFC/DISM, disabling BitLocker, repairing boot files, and using Cloud Download typically fixes the issue. If nothing works, reinstalling Windows is the final and most reliable solution.
⭐ FAQ – Fixing PC Reset Error in Windows 11
1. Why does it say there was a problem resetting your PC Windows 11?
This happens due to corrupted system files, BitLocker issues, damaged recovery images, or Windows update errors.
2. When I try to reset my PC it says there was a problem — why?
Your reset environment may be broken, or Windows cannot access required files to complete the reset.
3. What to do when it says there was a problem resetting your PC?
Try SFC/DISM, disable BitLocker, repair boot files, or use Cloud Download to rebuild Windows.
4. Why does it keep saying there was a problem resetting your PC?
Because the error source (corrupt files or BitLocker conflict) is not fixed yet. Follow the detailed fixes above.