- Cloud Rebuild installs a fresh version of Windows straight from... the cloud
- It'll even work on PCs where Windows is damaged or files are missing
- Now available in preview, it's being tested ahead of general availability
Microsoft has introduced a new Windows 11 recovery feature that installs a full version of Windows directly from cloud servers, without users having to rely on separate installation media.
The new tool is designed to work even when PCs have become corrupted, giving users a completely fresh install.
Although existing PC resetting tools can already download Windows from the cloud, recovery can fail if local Windows files are damaged or missing, making this a much more comprehensive tool.
Cloud Rebuild
With Cloud Rebuild designed to work even when Windows won't boot at all, it includes everything from the latest compatible Windows image to device-specific drivers, meaning users can skip the faff of downloading drivers from PC manufacturers.
As for the user experience, it eliminates the need for users to configure bootable USB installers and handle complex ISO files.
The upgrade is currently available as a Windows 11 Insider preview, but Microsoft has plans to extend its reach after testing. "Remote initiation from an enterprise endpoint management solution, such as Microsoft Intune, will be available in a later release," the company added in a support page.
Being a preview product, Microsoft also noted that some features, UX and command-line options may change before it hits general availability.
While the two OSs operate differently, with Apple controlling hardware and software and creating a different driver landscape altogether, Microsoft's Cloud Rebuild does bring Windows closer to a recovery model and user experience that macOS users have enjoyed since the company launched Internet Recovery in 2011.
Microsoft hasn't provided any further timeline information for Cloud Rebuild's full release as yet.
