Solved Reset vs ISO install using Keep Nothing

What's the difference between Reset PC and clean install by mounting ISO and using the Keep Nothing option for non-OEM systems such as home built PC.

Reset PC is easier, and keeps drivers that are installed. Windows 11 PC reset also allows you to delete other partitions now (however with great power, comes great responsibility...). Reset resets PC to what ever version is installed. I would not use this if pc is virus infected.

A clean install from iso can install any version. It is better when the main OS is fubared or has got viruses etc. Main issue, is you may not have all the drivers you need, so always a good plan to export drivers first (especially nvme drives).

If a factory recovery partition is present, with a reset, Windows resets itself to its factory default state. All the manufacturer installed software and drivers that came with the PC will be reinstalled.
But if you installed Windows yourself, it will use the WinRE and will be a fresh Windows system without any additional software.
Microsoft explains what’s actually going on under the hood like this.
When you reset your PC and remove everything:

1. The PC boots into Windows RE, the Windows Recovery Environment
2. Windows RE erases and formats the Windows partitions before installing a fresh copy of Windows.
3. The PC restarts into the new copy of Windows.

When you choose to keep your files, the same steps occur. However, before erasing your Windows partition, Windows RE scans the hard drive for your files and personal settings. It places them aside, installs a fresh copy of Windows, and puts them back where they were found.
Whether you choose to keep your personal files or not, this process involves a completely fresh Windows system.

Keith Weisshar said:

What's the difference between Reset PC and clean install by mounting ISO and using the Keep Nothing option for non-OEM systems such as home built PC.

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You can't do a clean install by mounting the ISO file. To do a clean install you must boot from an installation media such as Flash Drive or <shudder> DVD.