I need help resetting my pc and/or fixing.

Question

So i recently encountered a virus on within my pc and tried to remove it, and thought i had done so, but i come to figure out that it impacted me alot more than i would have expected. It has messed up alot of stuff on my pc including the windows search bars

, xbox game bar

, pc xbox app. I'm no longer able to download games from the microsoft store without encountering this Yet when i click download nothing happens, so i figured resetting my pc would help but nope i got this

CAN ANYONE PLEASE HELP ME.

Answer 1

Hi Will,

I understand how frustrating this situation can be, especially when both apps and the reset option aren’t responding after trying to clean a virus. Based on your description, the issue is likely related to system file corruption or a damaged recovery environment, which can prevent Windows reset from working properly.

You can try the following steps:

1, Repair Windows system files

• Open Command Prompt (Admin)
• Run: DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
• Then run: sfc /scannow
• Restart the PC and check again

2, Re-enable the recovery environment

• Open Command Prompt (Admin)
• Run: reagentc /disable
• Then: reagentc /enable
• Restart the PC

3, Try Startup Repair

• Hold Shift + Restart
• Go to Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Repair
• Let it complete, then retry the reset

If reset still fails, please consider using an in-place repair install (keeps files and apps)

Disclaimer: Performing an in-place install or in-place upgrade will refresh your Windows files and operating system without removing files or applications. That being said, we always recommend that if you have important data, you should back it up before making large system changes. If you want to back up your data first, please do so.

• Download Windows installation ISO
• Run setup.exe from within Windows
• Choose Keep personal files and apps

Let me know if you need further assistance, feel free to ask me by clicking "Add Comment" or "Add Answer" if you cannot add comment so your response will be visible. Thanks for your effort.

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Answer 2

Malware has likely damaged core Windows components and the local recovery environment, which is why built‑in reset and several apps no longer work. Use the following order of steps to clean the system and then perform a reset/reinstall.

1. Back up important files

• Copy personal files (documents, pictures, etc.) to an external drive or a cloud service such as OneDrive.
• Do not back up installed programs; they will be reinstalled later.

2. Run Microsoft malware tools

1. Run the Malicious Software Removal Tool

• Press Windows key + R, type: %windir%\system32\mrt.exe
• Select OK and allow it to run.
• Choose a full scan and let it complete, then follow any prompts to remove threats.

2. Run Microsoft Safety Scanner (if available)

• Download and run Microsoft Safety Scanner and perform a full scan to detect and remove remaining malware.

If malware has caused irreversible changes, plan to reset or reinstall Windows afterward.

3. Try a Reset from within Windows (if WinRE becomes available)

• Go to Settings > System > Recovery.
• Under Recovery options, select Reset this PC.
• Choose Keep my files to keep personal files while removing apps and settings.
• Select Cloud download if offered; this pulls a fresh copy of Windows from Microsoft.

If this still reports that it “could not find the recovery environment,” the local WinRE is damaged and an external recovery or installation medium is required.

4. Use external media to reset or reinstall Windows Since the recovery environment is missing, use one of these options:

• Recovery drive (if already created):
  • Insert the USB recovery drive.
  • Boot from it and choose Troubleshoot > Reset this PC.
  • Select Keep my files or Remove everything as needed.
• Installation media (USB/DVD created with the Windows installation files):
  • Boot from the installation media.
  • Choose to reinstall Windows. This usually removes all files, apps, and settings, so ensure backups are complete.

Reinstalling from installation media is also recommended if malware infection is suspected and system damage is extensive.

5. After reset/reinstall

• Restore personal files from the backup (preferably those created before the infection and stored externally or in OneDrive).
• Run Windows Update and install all updates.
• Reinstall apps from trusted sources only.
• Ensure Microsoft Defender Antivirus and Windows Firewall are enabled and that Tamper Protection is turned on to prevent unauthorized changes to security settings.

These steps will both remove remaining malware and repair the damaged Windows components and recovery environment.

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References:

• Troubleshoot problems with detecting and removing malware
• Antivirus and antimalware software: FAQ
• Recovery options in Windows
• Reset your PC
• Protect my PC from viruses
• Microsoft resources and guidance for removal of malware and viruses