| title | Remote Device Action: Fresh Start |
|---|---|
| description | Learn how to use Fresh Start to remove or uninstall apps with Microsoft Intune. |
| ms.date | 10/27/2025 |
| ms.topic | how-to |
The Fresh Start remote action removes apps from managed Windows devices, helping you remove preinstalled (OEM) apps that typically ship with a new PC.
:::row::: :::column span="1"::: [!INCLUDE platform]
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This remote action supports the following platforms:
- Windows
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[!INCLUDE rbac] :::column-end::: :::column span="3":::
To run this remote action, use an account with at least one of the following roles:
- Help Desk Operator
- School Administrator
- Endpoint Security Manager
- Custom role that includes:
- The permission Remote tasks/Clean PC
- Permissions that provide visibility into and access to managed devices in Intune (for example, Organization/Read, Managed devices/Read) :::column-end::: :::row-end:::
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In the Microsoft Intune admin center, select Devices > All devices.
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From the devices list, select a device.
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At the top of the device overview pane, find the row of remote action icons. Select Fresh Start.
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Select Retain user data on this device to:
- Keep the device Microsoft Entra joined.
- Automatically re-enroll the device in mobile device management when a Microsoft Entra ID-enabled user signs in.
- Preserve the contents of the user's Home folder, while removing apps and settings.
[!IMPORTANT] If you don't retain user data, the device is restored to the default out-of-box experience (OOBE) completed state retaining the built-in administrator account. BYOD devices are removed from Microsoft Entra ID and mobile device management.
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Select OK.
- Configuration service provider (CSP) used to initiate the remote action: CleanPC CSP
- Microsoft Graph API: cleanWindowsDevice action