Windows 11 preview adds a cloud-based recovery option

Technology · First reported 31 Oct, 15:58 · Updated 16:28

Image: Wikimedia Commons · Ysherazi · CC BY-SA 4.0

Microsoft’s Cloud Rebuild can reinstall Windows 11 using an image and drivers from Windows Update, including when the installed system will not boot. The option arrives gradually with an optional preview update, and rebuilding erases the system drive.

Cloud Rebuild is included in optional preview update KB5127936, released October 28 for Windows 11 versions 25H2 and 26H2; rollout is gradual.
Users can start it from Settings if Windows loads, or through the Windows Recovery Environment after failed boots. The PC must be able to connect to the internet from the recovery environment.
The process reformats the system drive, removing local files, apps, settings and accounts; only data synced to services such as OneDrive survives. Microsoft says recovery can fail if device drivers are not published on Windows Update.

Summary written by Lux AI from 2 articles

Key facts

Update: KB5127936, an optional preview released October 28 for Windows 11 25H2 and 26H2.
Availability: Rolling out gradually.
Recovery requirement: WinRE must be healthy, and the PC must connect to the internet from within it.
Data impact: Rebuilding reformats the system drive and removes local files, apps, settings and user accounts.