Microsoft tests Windows 11 Cloud Rebuild recovery option
Better check if you have WiFi drivers.
The option is available through Windows Recovery Environment and performs a full Windows reinstall using files downloaded from Windows Update. Honestly, I do not recall when these recovery options worked for me, but perhaps this new option will make this a bit more useful. Microsoft says Cloud rebuild option downloads both the target Windows image and the device drivers, removing the need for USB media or a custom recovery image.
Cloud Rebuild is different from Reset this PC. The new option does not rely on the current Windows installation being healthy and is meant to work even when the system cannot boot. Users can start it from WinRE under Troubleshoot > Recovery and uninstall > Cloud rebuild.
Source: Microsoft
The process requires an internet connection through Ethernet or Wi-Fi from WinRE. Microsoft also shows a data-loss warning before the rebuild begins, so this should be treated as a clean recovery path rather than a repair install.
We’re introducing Cloud rebuild, a new recovery option that restores a Windows 11 PC to a clean, known-good state by performing a full OS reinstall, even when Windows won’t boot. Unlike Reset this PC, Cloud rebuild downloads both the target Windows image and the device’s drivers from Windows Update, so the device comes back fully functional without USB media, without a custom image, and without depending on the health of the currently installed OS.
The feature is currently being tested in the Experimental Windows Insider channel. Microsoft previously presented Cloud Rebuild as part of its Windows Resiliency Initiative, where it was described as one of the recovery tools for PCs affected by failed updates, configuration problems or systems that become inoperative.
Source: Microsoft
