Whether you want to start over after a malware infectionor clean your computer to recycle or sell, knowing how to factory reset Windows 10 would be helpful put it back working like new.
Factory reset is a last resort when your computer is working, run slowlyor show disturbing error message which software cannot solve.
Windows 10 comes with built-in recovery options which you can use to reset your PC with or without delete all your files.
In this guide, we will walk you through the necessary steps to factory reset Windows 10
Table of Contents
How to factory reset Windows 10
We will be looking at four different ways to reset Windows 10 to factory settings:
- Reset and keep your files
- Reset and erase everything
- Reset your PC from the login screen
- Reset with fresh start option
Note: Back up your files before you reset Windows 10, otherwise you may lose some of your important files and you may not be able to recover the deleted data.
How to factory reset Windows 10 and keep your files
If you want to reset Windows 10 and still keep all your files, you can do so by using the “Keep my files” option. Once the process is complete, the PC will be as good as new. You can then reconfigure your custom settings and reinstall any apps you want.
- To get started, select Start > Settings > Update & Security.
- Next, choose The recuperation.
- Choose Begin bottom button Reset This PC section.
- Next, choose Keep my files.
- Choose how you want to reinstall Windows: Cloud download or Reinstall locally. If you choose Cloud Download, it can use up to 4GB of data to download and install Windows 10 on your PC. With a Local reinstall, you will reinstall Windows 10 from your PC.
- Option Next.
- Choose Reset button.
Your PC will reset to factory settings and keep all your files. Once the reset is complete, check your PC for any Windows Updates to make sure that the operating system is not missing any important patches, security updates, or drivers. what important.
- To check for updates, select Start > Settings > Update & Security and then select Windows Update > Check for updates. If an update is available, Windows 10 will Download and install them on your computer.
- You can quickly update missing drivers through Windows Update by going to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update > Check for updates. Option See optional updates.
- Next, choose Update driver go to the driver you want to update and select Download and install.
Final, reinstall any apps you installed before the reset, then start using your PC as usual.
How to Factory Reset Windows 10 and Erase Everything
With the “Erase Everything” option, you will reset your PC and delete all your personal files, applications, drivers, files, and any changes you have made to settings. It also removes any apps your PC manufacturer installed.
- To do this, select Start > Settings > Update & Security > Recovery.
- Option Begin Below Reset This PC.
- Next, choose Remove everything.
- Choose how you want to reinstall Windows: Cloud download or Reinstall locally.
- If you want to completely delete all your files and personal data, select Change settings.
- Next, convert Clean data switch to Rightand then select Confirm.
Note: This option is useful if you plan to recycle, donate or sell your computer. It may take about an hour or two to complete but makes it difficult for others to recover any files you’ve deleted. Let Clean Data convert to No decrease completion time as it will only delete the files. However, it is less secure.
- Option Next.
- Option Reset.
How to reset Windows 10 from the login screen
If you cannot open Windows settings on PC, you can reset Windows 10 from login screen.
- To do this, use Windows logo key + ERROR short movie to display the login screen.
- Restart your computer by pressing Change key while selecting Source > Restart at the bottom right of the screen.
- After your computer restarts in WinRE (Windows Recovery Environment), select Troubleshoot inside Choose an option screen.
- Option Reset This PC.
- Choose whether or not keep your files, remove everything, or restore factory settings to continue.
- if you see Restore to factory settings on your computer, select it. This will delete your personal files, installed software, and reinstall Windows 10 and any other pre-installed apps that came with your computer. Windows 10 will erase everything from the drive and restore it to its original state. If the option Restore to factory settings is not available, select Remove everything.
How to factory reset Windows 10 using the Fresh Start option
With the new boot option, you can reset Windows 10 and keep your files if you want to start with a fresh copy of the operating system with no bloatware or additional software.
However, instead of using a custom image from your PC manufacturer, the fresh start option uses the original image. Windows 10 image provided by Microsoft.
Note: This may not work for branded computers like Dell, HP, ASUS or Acer as it may not reinstall certain apps or drivers you may need. Additionally, you may not be able to use the custom manufacturer image in subsequent resets.
- To reset Windows 10 with the new boot option, open Windows Security and choose Device performance and health.
- Option additional information Below A new startand then select Start > Next in a new window to start the process. Once the restart is complete, reinstall the apps you want to use.
After you complete the steps, the original Windows 10 image will be used to factory reset your Windows 10 PC, preserving your personal data.
Remove everything and start over
We hope this guide helped you factory reset Windows 10 and get your computer back to its original state. If you’re using a Mac and it suddenly starts behaving strangely, you can reset PRAM and SMC. Check out our other tutorials on how to remove and reinstall Windows 10 or use this easy way to clean install Windows 10 without worrying about the technical details.
Did you manage to reset your computer to factory settings? Share with us in the comments.
