Windows 11 Cloud Rebuild offers reinstall without USB media

Technology · First reported 29 Oct, 12:39 · Updated 18:10

Image: Wikimedia Commons · NASA Johnson Space Center · Public domain

Microsoft is rolling out Cloud Rebuild, a Windows 11 recovery feature that can reinstall the operating system without USB media. The feature can download Windows and device drivers, and includes an option to remove files or securely erase them.

Cloud Rebuild can reinstall Windows 11 without USB media or a custom image, including when the existing system cannot boot.
The tool downloads Windows and device drivers from Windows Update, and offers a choice to remove files or securely erase them.
The feature is available through optional update KB5127936; the article advises backing up files and keeping the PC plugged in during recovery.

Summary written by Lux AI from 2 articles

Key facts

Feature: Cloud Rebuild for Windows 11
Update: Optional update KB5127936
Recovery options: Remove files or securely erase them using storage hardware’s erase capability
Network: Wi-Fi or Ethernet connection is required to begin the recovery process