How to use the Dell computer OS reset procedure (OSR)

This article pertains to all employees in Canada and the United States.

Dell Computer reset is completed using the on-board SupportAssist OS Recovery reset or the Reliable Parts-issued USB stick. This stick is only to be used following these instructions at the direction of the Reliable Parts Service Desk.

TIP Newer Dell computers have Dell's computer OS reset built in. Follow the same instructions below from step 3. You do not have to use the OSR stick unless the onboard version of recovery fails.

1. Completely power down the computer.
2. Insert the Dell OS Recovery (OSR) stick into an available USB port.
3. Plug in power to laptops if not already connected.

4. Press the power button and then press and hold/press repeatedly F12 until you see the boot device selection screen. The words preparing onetime boot menu will appear.

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   IMPORTANT If your computer does not respond to the F12 key, you may need to check if your fn lock is set. To disengage the fn lock on your keyboard, press the fn key on the keyboard, then the fn lock key (Esc).

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   1. Not using the USB STICK, look for this button:
      
   2. Using the OSR USB STICK, select the USB symbol under UEFI Boot Devices. This is the OSR stick and it will show the brand of USB it is.
5. The computer reboots and loads the OSR process from the USB stick.

6. Click Start Reset.

   

7. Select Windows 11 Professional 16-bit from the Select Reset options.
8. Click Next.
9. Select No, Do not transfer my settings and personal files and then click Next.
10. Check the box that asks to confirm deleting all the files. You will be asked again to confirm, click Yes, Continue.
11. Click Next.
12. Select the computer drive to setup and click Next.
13. Follow ALL instructions that follow. You're ready to finish setting up Windows once the Windows OOBE begins.

The process will continue to download files to the computer. It will take up to several hours to complete.

It may say the download was unsuccessful. Click Try again and you'll be forced back to step 8.

Follow any further instructions presented on the screen.

During the process you may be asked to RESET the TPM. Press F12 to clear the TPM.