Microsoft adds a cloud rebuild option to reinstall Windows 11 on PCs that won't boot, without a USB drive

Summary

Microsoft has added a Cloud Rebuild feature to Windows 11 that can reinstall Windows on a PC even when it will not boot, and no USB drive is needed. Ars Technica reports that the same update also brings right-click menu improvements, and it ties the release to declining PC revenue.

Timeline

1. Ars Technica

   29 Oct 2026, 20:18 UTCSource ↗

   Ars Technica reports that a Windows 11 update fixes a right-click menu annoyance and adds a cloud recovery option for PCs that won't boot, as Microsoft's PC revenue declines.

2. Digital Trends

   30 Oct 2026, 06:03 UTCSource ↗

   Digital Trends reports that Windows 11's new Cloud Rebuild feature can reinstall Windows on a PC that won't boot, and that no USB drive is required.