2 Ways To Reset The Settings App In Windows 11

With Windows 11, Microsoft has introduced a redesigned Settings app. The new Settings app makes it easier to find a particular setting you are looking for.

When you open the Settings app, you will see the System category first. All settings and options are divided into a total of eleven categories. You can click on a category name on the left side to see sub-categories and settings/options on the right side. There is also a search bar at the top left to quickly find settings.

The Settings app in Windows 11 mostly works without any issues. That said, when you change from the default light mode to dark mode or when you change the wallpaper, it might hang for a few seconds.

Users who have any issues with the Settings app can reset or repair it. For example, you can reset the Settings app if it does not open. One can reset the Settings app via Settings or PowerShell.

Following are the two ways to reset the Settings app in Windows 11.

Method 1 of 2

Reset the Settings app in Windows 11

NOTE: Resetting the Settings app deletes all data stored in the Settings app.

Step 1: Open the Start menu. In the Pinned app section, perform a right-click on the Settings app entry and then click the App settings option to open the advanced page of the Settings app.

If the Settings app is not pinned to the Start menu, you can search for it, right-click on its entry, and click the App settings option.

Step 2: Here, scroll down to see the Reset section. Click on the Reset button.

Step 3: When you see the following confirmation, click the Reset button to reset the Settings app. Once the Reset job is done, the Settings app will be automatically terminated. You can open the Settings app again.

Note that you can also try the Repair option (present on the same page) if resetting the Settings app fails to fix the issue.

Method 2 of 2

Reset the Settings app via PowerShell in Windows 11

Step 1: Search for Windows PowerShell. Right-click on its entry in the search results and then click the Run as administrator option.

Click the Yes button when you get the User Account Control prompt.

Step 2: At the PowerShell window, copy and paste the following command and press the Enter key to reset the Settings app.

Get-AppxPackage *windows.immersivecontrolpanel* | Reset-AppxPackage

Tip 1: You can use the Windows + I hotkey to open Settings.

Tip 2: While using the Settings app, use the Alt + left arrow or backspace key to go back to the previous page/main page.