Windows 11 can now reinstall itself from the cloud, no USB stick required

Windows 11 now allows devices to reinstall the operating system directly from the cloud, eliminating the need for local boot media like USB sticks. This new feature, available in the Windows Insider build 26220.9343, enables both users and IT administrators to reset a device without additional hardware. The Cloud Rebuild option is accessible in the Windows Recovery Environment, which users can enter after multiple failed attempts to boot Windows.

It can also be reached through Settings > System > Recovery > Restart now. After connecting to the internet via Ethernet or Wi-Fi, users can select their preferred Windows build, edition, and language before initiating the download. Cloud Rebuild automatically restores drivers, ensuring the device restarts with essential functionality.

It works even if the current OS is corrupted, thanks to the feature downloading a fresh build. However, network drivers for the Recovery Environment are necessary. Although requiring physical access or an elevated command prompt by a local administrator, remote deployment through enterprise solutions like Microsoft Intune is on the way.

The Windows 11 update also improves the user interface, with AutoPlay supporting Microsoft's new WinUI in light or dark mode, DIB files as desktop backgrounds, and improved personalization settings. Additionally, it enables Wi-Fi profile saving in the Recovery Environment and introduces double backslashes and quotation marks support in the File Explorer address bar.

Lastly, the feature promotes OneDrive, offering an option to automatically back up photos and videos from mobile devices.