Tonight I was playing Diablo 3 (I know, I know) and it started getting very laggy. Then it froze. Then I realized my entire PC had seized up, something that hasn’t happened in a long time. I thought about it, then decided to go ahead and nuke my Windows 11 install, using the handy Reset PC function:
I chose the less destructive first option, Keep my files.
The process went smoothly and a little faster than I expected. When it was done, I was prompted to log in and was greeted by all the yucky Windows 11 defaults and none of my previously installed apps. Windows 11 comes with a fairly large number of apps on its own, however.
I am now following my usual rule (that I always end up breaking) of only installing apps as I need them. We’ll see how it goes.
The list of re-installed software so far:
- Firefox (I got this through the Microsoft Store, so I didn’t even need to open Edge to get it and switch over)
- Discord (I tried getting this through the store, but it threw out an error, so I got it from the Discord site)
- Obsidian (from the website, it’s not on the MS Store)
- MS Office (from the included stub app)
- Diarium (from the store)
- TickTick (from the website)
As of this post, that’s it! This covers the essentials I use on a daily or near-daily basis. After this, I’ll only install an app when I am about to use it and gasp in horror because it is not there. Totally.
There are plenty of apps I’ll continue to install, but only as I use them. I mean it this time. Totally.
In terms of drivers, the only ones I’m really concerned with are for the mouse and video card. I decided to install the GeForce Experience to make the Nvidia drivers easier to install, but logging into it has turned into a gong show because it doesn’t seem to remember me. Or I don’t remember it. Fun! Actually, having investigated some more, I managed to get into my Nvidia account, get logged into the GeForce Experience app…only to have it tell me I already have the latest drivers installed. OK!
Anyway, I think this is enough PC fun for one night.
If Windows 11 continues to misbehave after this, I will do one of the following:
- Go with the full nuke option
- Curl up and cry
- Both
- Donuts!