Enable Windows Server 2022 Factory Reset with Top 2 Ways

If you want to factory reset Windows Server 2022, you can learn 2 easy ways here to finish the task. And also one professional data protection solution is introduced here.

By @Clytze Last Updated December 14, 2023

Need to reset Windows Server 2022 to factory defaults

 

“I am (was) a total newbie who installed Windows Server 2022 and I fiddled with the RDP a bit too much and now that I have learnt a thing or two so I want to reset my Server to brand new status without any additions than stock and perform the correct steps that don't compromise my security. I am searching online on how to do it but I am getting nowhere. Can anybody help on how to go about it?”

- Question from reddit

๐Ÿ‘‰ Why need to factory reset Windows Server 2022? ๐Ÿ‘‰ Backup Windows Server 2022 regularly to prevent errors๐Ÿ‘ ๐Ÿ‘‰ How to factory reset Windows Server 2022๐Ÿ”ฅ

Why need to factory reset Windows Server 2022?

When you have installed Windows Server 2022 and have some problems, in some occasions, you may need to complete resetting the Server to factory default settings. That means once you reset the factory defaults, all your existing settings, including the applications and configurations installed on the Server, will be deleted. Here are the common reasons you want to reset Server 2022.

โ—’ Not satisfied with the current settings. If you are not satisfied with the updated Server 2022 configuration but do not want to change them manually one by one. In this case, you can choose to reset Windows Server 2022 to its default settings. โ—“ Windows server 2022 crashes or can’t boot. Resetting Windows Server 2022 to its factory defaults can sometimes be a viable method if you encounter a situation where your system is not working properly.

Before you learn how to reset the Server to factory default settings, you’d better backup the OS in case of something bad occurs. Here I’d like to recommend you the best Windows Server backup and restore software, which you can try to make a Server 2022 backup.

Backup Windows Server 2022 regularly to prevent errors

To protect your Server 2022 from disaster, or prevent some errors occur during the factory reset process, you can try secure and professional server backup software. Once you have created a backup in hand, you can bring your Server computer back to normal when needed.

1. Standalone server backup software

AOMEI Backupper Server is a standalone Windows Server backup utility. Here are some of its benefits:

โœฉ 4 backup solutions: It supports System Backup, Disk Backup, Partition Backup and File Backup to meet your different needs. โœฉ Multiple backup locations: It enables you to backup your OS to various locations, such as backup to USB drives, local disks, external hard drives, NAS and network locations. โœฉ 2 backup services: This software supports the VSS service as well as the AOMEI Backup Service. Even if there is a problem with the VSS service, the other service will continue working for your backup task, which guarantees the backup process won’t interrupt. โœฉ Schedule backup: You can backup Windows Server 2022 automatically with different intervals such as daily, weekly, monthly, event triggers, or USB plug in. โœฉ High compatibility: It supports both Windows PC operating systems (Windows 11/10/8.1/8/7/Vista/XP) and Windows Server operating systems (Windows Server 2022/2019/2016/2012(R2)/2008(R2)/2003, etc.).

Now you can learn how to backup your Windows Server 2022 with AOMEI Backupper. Just download this reliable software and install it on your computer, then follow the on-screen instructions to complete the backup process of Windows Server 2022.

Download Free TrialWindows Server & PC
Secure Download

2. Centralized server backup program

AOMEI Cyber Backup provides a convenient and reliable solution for centralized backup management of all Windows operating systems.

โœฉ It enables you to create a system image, disk image or partition image for client Windows PCs and Servers. โœฉ You are allowed to save backup images on a local disk, external hard drive, network share or NAS device, etc. โœฉ You can schedule a backup task to run every day/week/month using the full/incremental/differential backup method. โœฉ It also allows you to backup Hyper-V, VMware, and SQL databases.

Download this powerful enterprise backup software now to try it out!

Download Free TrialEasiest Enterprise Backup Software
Secure Download

How to factory reset Windows Server 2022

After you have backed up your operating system, you can make Windows Server 2022 factory reset according to the following graphic tutorial.

#1. Restore Windows Server 2022 to factory settings with a backup image

You need a Windows Server 2022 recovery disk or installation disk to access the Windows recovery environment and perform bare metal restore. You will also need a system image that was created when you first used Server 2022. 

1. Insert the Windows Server installation USB or recovery disk to boot the target machine. And select the language and other preferences then click Next.

2. Click Repair your computer.

3. Then, select Windows Server 2022 you want to repair, and click Next.

4. Select System Image Recovery in the Advanced options window.

5. Select the backup image created before to be restored and click Next.

6. Confirm the restore settings and click Finish to start the recovery process. It may take a while and please wait patiently.

After the restart, the Server 2022 will be restored to the state restored in the last backup.

#2. Reinstall Windows Server 2022 with installation media

Compared to having to reinstall and reconfigure Windows Server, having a backup and restoring to factory settings will save you a lot of time. But if you have not created a system backup task before, then you may consider reinstalling Windows Server 2022. Here is how you can finish the task.

1. Click on the Install now button on step 2 in first method to initiate the installation process for Windows Server 2022.

2. Select the operating system you want to install. Here I will choose Windows Server 2022 Standard (Desktop Experience).

3. Next, you need to read the License terms and agree to them for the installation process to continue by checking the “I accept all license agreements” box.

4. Select Custom: Install Windows only (advanced).

5. Select the hard drive to install Windows Server 2022. Then, click Next.

6. Now the installation will begin and can patiently wait for the process. After installation, click Restart now.

7. After a successful installation, the system should immediately reboot and prompt you for an administrator password. Then click Finish to continue.

Wrapping up

If you want to enable Windows Server 2022 factory reset, then you can’t miss this tutorial. And it’s essential to backup Windows Server 2022 before you start the operation or during the daily use to prevent errors occur. Luckily, AOMEI Backupper Server can give you a big favor to backup your Windows Server 2022 regularly.

It offers you other features such as Create Bootable Media, which allows you to create portable Windows 10 USB easily. In addition, if you need to protect unlimited PCs and Servers within your company, you may choose AOMEI Backupper Technician Plus. It offers unlimited billable technical services to clients. So why not try it now?