Microsoft tests cloud recovery feature for Windows 11 repairs
Microsoft is testing a new Windows 11 feature called “Cloud rebuild” designed to salvage systems that fail to boot or reset, allowing users to reinstall the operating system directly from the cloud via the recovery screen without the need for a flash drive or ISO file.
The feature was discovered in an experimental Windows 11 Insider preview build, where it operates within the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE), the dedicated system recovery mode.
A key highlight of the Cloud rebuild feature is that it goes beyond merely downloading and reinstalling the operating system; it can also fetch essential device drivers from Windows Update during the recovery process. This ensures that essential hardware, particularly Wi-Fi or LAN connections, functions immediately after installation—a critical step, as lacking internet access post-recovery prevents users from downloading further updates or drivers. (continues below)
Photo: Mauro Huculak
According to available data, the Cloud rebuild option will be located under the Troubleshoot menu within WinRE. When a computer enters recovery mode, users can opt for the cloud-based reinstallation, provided the machine remains connected to the internet throughout the process. While a wired LAN connection is ideal, users can select a Wi-Fi network and enter passwords directly from the recovery interface in certain scenarios.
However, the feature remains strictly in the testing phase and has not yet been rolled out to general Windows 11 users. It also faces limitations, particularly if WinRE lacks the machine’s basic network drivers, which would prevent an internet connection and render the Cloud rebuild function unusable.
If deployed globally, the feature will offer a more straightforward alternative for system recovery, especially for users unfamiliar with manual Windows installation or those without a spare USB drive. Future system failures requiring a complete clean install could be resolved entirely through the cloud, restoring the PC to a fully operational state with necessary drivers pre-installed. Source: Videocardz, Blogs windows
Source – Bangkok News
