September 28, 2026, 5:22 am | Read time: 2 minutes
When setting up a new PC, many people use a USB stick with a Windows installation. This workaround might soon become unnecessary. Microsoft is working on “Cloud Rebuild,” a new recovery feature for Windows 11 that reinstalls the operating system directly from the cloud.
Windows Comes Directly from the Internet
The feature is part of the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE). In case of an emergency, the computer downloads the necessary installation files from the internet and automatically sets up Windows, including the appropriate drivers. Users no longer need to prepare a separate installation medium.
More Protection for Personal Data
Another interesting innovation that Microsoft is currently testing in Insider versions is that Cloud Rebuild will not only remove files on request but also specifically clean drives before reinstallation. This will make it significantly harder to recover deleted data.
Also interesting: Windows 11 can soon be reinstalled without a USB stick
So far, Microsoft points out that after a normal reset, data remnants may still remain on the storage. The new “Remove files and clean” option aims to reduce this risk.
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Also Designed for Businesses
In addition to private users, Cloud Rebuild is also aimed at businesses. IT departments will be able to initiate recovery remotely in the future. It can be specified which version of Windows is installed. A complete reinstallation, including data deletion, can also be initiated centrally.
Not Yet a Finished Feature
Currently, Cloud Rebuild is still in the testing phase within the Windows Insider Program. Microsoft therefore recommends using it only on test devices for now. Requirements include Windows 11, a functioning recovery environment, and an active internet connection.