Reset Windows 11 devices via Intune

You can reset Windows 11 devices remotely using Microsoft Intune. This is particularly useful for troubleshooting, re-enrollment, or when you want to restore a device to its original factory settings while keeping the device enrolled in Intune. Resetting a device in Intune can remove all user data, apps, and settings, depending on the reset option chosen.

Here’s how you can reset Windows 11 devices through Intune:

Steps to Reset a Windows 11 Device via Intune:

Step 1: Sign in to Microsoft Endpoint Manager (Intune Portal)

1. Go to the Microsoft Endpoint Manager admin center:
   Navigate to Microsoft Endpoint Manager Admin Center and sign in with your admin credentials.

Step 2: Locate the Device to Reset

1. In the Microsoft Endpoint Manager admin center, go to Devices > All devices.
2. Find the Windows 11 device that you want to reset by browsing through the list or using the search bar.

Step 3: Initiate the Reset

1. Click on the device name to open the device’s details.
2. In the device details page, under the Device actions section, click … (the ellipsis menu).
3. Select Retire or Wipe (depending on your needs):
   • Retire: Removes corporate data and settings but leaves personal data intact.
   • Wipe: Completely resets the device, removing all data, apps, settings, and personal information. This option is similar to a factory reset.

Step 4: Select the Wipe Option

1. When you choose Wipe, you’ll see additional options:
   • Wipe and retain enrollment state and user account: This will reset the device and retain its Intune enrollment, meaning the device will remain managed and ready for re-enrollment after the reset.
   • Full wipe (factory reset): This will reset the device to its factory settings, removing all data and apps. The device will need to be re-enrolled into Intune after the reset.
2. Choose the appropriate option based on your needs:
   • If you want to keep the device enrolled in Intune, select Wipe and retain enrollment state.
   • If you want to completely remove the device and all user data, select Full wipe.
3. Click Yes or Wipe to confirm the reset.

Step 5: Monitor the Device Reset

1. After initiating the wipe, you can monitor the status of the action in the Device Actions section.
   • The device will receive the reset command shortly, and you will be able to track the status of the wipe operation.
2. You will see the Status (Pending, In Progress, or Completed) for the wipe operation.

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Optional: Use Windows Autopilot for Automatic Re-enrollment

If the device is configured with Windows Autopilot, after the reset, the device can be automatically re-enrolled into Intune during the Out-of-Box Experience (OOBE) setup process. This is particularly useful if you want to reset multiple devices in a corporate environment and have them automatically return to a corporate configuration after being reset.

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Considerations:

• Data Loss: Both the Retire and Wipe actions can lead to data loss, so ensure any important data is backed up before proceeding.
• Device Enrollment: A wipe (especially a full wipe) removes the device’s enrollment and must be re-enrolled into Intune for continued management.
• User Notification: It’s a good practice to notify users before performing a wipe, as it can disrupt their workflow.