Windows 10: Factory reset “could not find recovery environment”

I need to do a full reset/factory reset on my windows 11 computer, I cant login otherwise a “virus” will trigger and i cant move my mouse of type anything, safe-mode works just fine, but if i try to reset my pc in safe mode it says “could not find the recovery environment”

:)

 

Could not find the recovery environment

I can't reset my computer - it says "Could not find the recovery environment" even though it was always there and still is. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

 

Could not find the recovery environment

Hi Rajeshwari,

Thanks for replying. Below is a list of steps of how I arrive at the issue.

1. I hit the start windows icon in the bottom left corner and hit settings.

2. Under settings, I click on UPDATE & SECURITY.

3. Under UPDATE & SECURITY, I click on Recovery.

4. In recovery there are 2 options. I click on Reset this PC.

5. A pop-up shows up asking to choose an option.

6. I choose to Remove Everything. (It's the same outcome of both options)

7. I get another pop-up the says "Could not find the recovery environment. Insert your Windows installation or recovery media and restart your PC with the media."

I tried that link yesterday. It seems like I can't reinstall the recovery media directly on my computer. Do I need to mount an ISO or use a USB drive to re-install Windows?

Hope that clarifies a bit.

Thanks

 

Missing Recovery Environment

Hi Alan,

Here is a link containing several useful suggestions to help you recover Windows 10. Since the error message that you got tells you to insert your Windows installation or recovery media. We suggest the perform the steps listed under
Use a recovery drive to restore or reset your PC or you can also follow the steps under
Use installation media to restore or reset your PC. Please see the link below for more details:

Recovery options in Windows 10.

Regards.