Microsoft has introduced Cloud Rebuild, a new feature for Windows 11 currently available in the Insider Beta Preview Build 26220.9343. It allows users to perform a clean OS installation directly from the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) without needing a bootable USB drive.
The tool connects to Windows Update servers to download a fresh system image and necessary drivers. Users can verify the OS edition, language, and build number before starting the process. The feature is designed for scenarios where the local installation is too damaged to boot or recover using standard tools.
To simplify connectivity, the recovery environment can now utilize existing Wi-Fi profiles saved on the device. However, Cloud Rebuild performs a clean install, which wipes all local files, user accounts, and settings from the system disk. Data backup is required before initiation.
For corporate environments, the system supports Windows Autopilot and Microsoft Intune, enabling automatic reconnection to organizational infrastructure to restore policies and applications. The feature is currently limited to testers, with a broader release planned for later in 2026.
