Actions like browsing history, social likes, social shares, news views, search history, seen videos, document auto-saves, temporary backup files, PDF view history, and more get stored on the system and used for specific purposes. Picking Keep my files sets your OS options back to default and removes all your installed apps (such as browsers, Microsoft Office, and games), but keeps your files (like documents and music). 2. Open the Windows 10 Settings Menu by pressing Windows Key+I. Typically, a Windows 10 reset DOES NOT save game data or games. Many applications have come to rely more heavily on the cloud, so your important data is most likely already backed up somewhere online, ready to be redownloaded. As a writer, his specialties include Windows, Android, Gaming, and iPhone explainers and how-tos. It can take several minutes for your laptop to perform this process. For instance, you have an option to restore the factory settings keeping your settings and files, and there is another option to remove everything to resolve problems, such as issues starting up or shutting down, excessive memory usage, performance running apps, battery draining quickly, or removing tough malware. Factory resetting Windows was once an inconvenient process, but Microsoft introduced a much easier way to do so in Windows 8. To install updates for Windows 10, use these steps: Once you complete the steps, Windows Update will download and install any missing updates and drivers (if available). Where are your important photos, videos, and documents? Remember that any software you have installed will also be erased from your laptop. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 100,148 times. Optimize your home life with our Gear teams best picks, from. This is also recommended if youre selling your computer. Click View apps that will be removed if you want to double-check which apps are affected by this process. We're here to help you find the right slate for your needs. Confirm that there's no branch called "Other devices," which usually lists any missing device driver. You're not going to get a worthwhile (i5/8GB) new laptop for under $800. To use the reset feature to remove everything on a computer, use these steps: After you complete the steps, the wizard will wipe out the system drives, depending on your selection, and it'll reinstall a fresh copy of Windows 10, restoring the factory settings. Watch how to reset a laptop. Much of this will depend on the brand and model hard drive that you have. That's it. Back up Windows 10/8/7. Computer Specialist. The process is intended to provide a clean Windows OS, but it does offer an option to save some of your data, such as documents, images, etc. We are no longer racing to upgrade the device that sits at the center of our lives. Many laptops with Windows 7 or 8 installed on them come with recovery discs, which allows you to access the OS through your disc drive. Under Reset This PC, carefully read the description and then select the Get Started button. You'll need to walk through the Windows setup procedure again once it's done. Under the "Devices and drives" section, double-click the storage with the file backup. This article was co-authored by Garnik Ovsepyan. You first need to log out to the main user account screen, then hit Ctrl+Alt+Shift+R. We recommend that you upgrade to a modern version of Windows; don't download Windows 7 from a random website, as it may contain malware. The OS reinstalls the default drivers or ones that Microsoft has in its database, so youll need to reinstall third-party or custom drivers yourself. After the reset is complete, youll be required to upgrade once again to Windows 8.1. However, the backup option is not for licenses and programs; it is for personally saved data. Reset and then go back to 6. Though the Keep my files option will retain your personal data, you should still back up before using it in case something goes wrong. TurboTax coupon: Up to an extra $15 off all tax services, 20% Off All H&R Block 2023 Tax Software | H&R Block Discount Code, Instacart coupon code: $15 off PayPal orders over $60 + free delivery, Extra 20% off sitewide - Dyson promo code, GoPro promo code: 10% off all sitewide purchases + free shipping, 2023 Cond Nast. Depending on your setup and installed version of Windows, you have a few different ways to factory reset a Windows laptop or desktop. This brings up the recovery menu. There are two ways: Cloud download or Local reinstall. Step 2: Select the Update and security option, and then select Recovery. When resetting your Windows PC, you'll have the option to keep your personal files or start from scratch. Also, Windows 10 stores all old data in the Windows.old folder, so you always have that option to extract data from there if needed. That said, make absolutely sure that you've got everything that you need backed up before you get started. Just remember that most applications wont have license information in Windows Explorer, but you can still search for valuable data. Once you have a safe copy of everything, you can proceed with reinstalling Windows. The new algorithm is exclusive to ChatGPT Plus, OpenAIs subscriber-only service. Review the apps to reinstall after the reset to factory settings. Mauro Huculak is technical writer for WindowsCentral.com. Thank you for watching. You have several options for factory resetting a Windows computer. If you're factory resetting a laptop, make sure you plug it in to avoid losing power during the operation. Hit Erase all data (factory reset). It is much easier to do and provides a simpler process for those who may be implementing a reset for the first time. Turn this off and your factory reset won't include any apps that came with your initial setup. Last Updated: October 25, 2022 You'll be greeted with the Windows setup screen, which you can proceed through to install a clean copy. Garnik Ovsepyan. To start, go to the Settings menu of your Everis E0114. Data can accumulate rather quickly and continue to rotate and slow your system down the more you use your PC. If you didn't already make one, you're best off making a new Windows install disk, as described in #2. Resetting gadgets has become something of a clich when it comes to getting them working again, but that's because it's actually an effective tactic. You'll see a Reset this PC header; click the Get started button underneath this to begin. To find the reset options, open the Windows menu on the task bar and click the Settings gear icon. Step 1: After opening your laptop and installing MiniTool ShadowMaker, you can enter an interface to choose to manage the local computer or another computer on the same LAN. To check for missing drivers after reset, use these steps: If you have one or more devices with missing drivers, you can use these instructions to update the components. If you need to factory reset your laptop or PC and get it back to its original default settings, this article guides you through the reset process, and it works on any Windows 10 device. Depending on your choices, and the speed of your system, the reset will take up to an hour. When you purchase through our links we may earn a commission. 2. Readers like you help support MUO. If you're using OneDrive to back up your files, the files may already be syncing in the background. Because of this, Fresh Start avoids clutter by removing all non-standard Windows apps, including manufacturer bloatware. Share your experience with resetting Windows 10 below. Most users only resort to a Windows reset if they are having problems with their PC. Also, its worth checking to see if they have been done recently before you decide to reset your entire computer so you dont end up losing any data by mistake. 6 Click Start in your taskbar. To cover all the bases: there is no way to factory reset Windows from the BIOS. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. When you're ready to factory reset your Windows 10 PC, open the Windows Settings menu by clicking on the Start button and then selecting the Gear icon. Afterward, Windows will be like it is on a brand-new computer. Click the Recovery page on the right. Heres What You Should Know. If you want to reinstall Windows 8.1 from scratch, you can use Microsoft's Windows 8.1 download tool. Whatever the reason may be, the process is fairly simple and straightforward. Click Next and after this, your computer will be ready to reset, which you can start by choosing the Reset option. This lets you download an ISO to burn onto a flash drive or DVD so you can reinstall Windows. In case you can't do either of these, try pressing F11 as you boot, which will open Advanced Startup on some systems. However, if you start over with the device, there are some extra steps, including checking for updates and missing drivers, and you want to reinstall your applications and restore your files from backup. On the next screen, Windows gives you the option of removing everything or keeping your personal filesessentially what you've got saved on the desktop and in the designated user folders (Documents, Pictures, Music, and so on). Finally, make sure to reinstall any app that was previously available on your computer (if applicable). Sure, anyone can use OpenAIs chatbot. This guide will walk you through three different methods to reset Windows 11 to its factory settings by keeping your files or erasing everything. If you backed up your files manually to an external drive, connect the portable drive, and use these steps: Once you complete the steps, you may need to repeat the steps to restore additional files. This guide focuses on using the built-in reset tools, but you can also perform a clean installation of Windows 10 to reset your computer to the factory default settings. In the next window, youll see a message showing you what will happen when you reset your computer. Next, you'll see an Additional settings menu that has a Current settings section, containing a summary of what you've chosen to do so far. While it's not ideal, it can work if you have no other options. Good luck.Other videos: #ResetLaptop, #WindowsReset, #Windows10, #Windows8, #Windows7, #ReinstallWindows. Simply insert the USB drive or disc containing your install media, then boot from the removable device. The only exceptions are Microsoft Store apps that were installed by the manufacturer, which stay. Though this process takes some time, you should use it if you're getting rid of your computer. It is important to note that the reset option may use the original OEM license if you upgraded your version of Windows 10, such as from Home to Pro. How to Factory Reset your Windows 11 Computer Click the Start menu (Windows icon) and select Settings(Gear icon). True to its name, Remove everything is a full factory reset: it puts all options back to factory defaults and removes your files and apps. New York, Learn how to Restore your Computer Using SupportAssist OS Recovery. to erase everything on all drives you have connected to your computer. Choose this option if, after the Reset This PC process is over, you plan on giving the computer away, selling it, or recycling the computer or hard drive. where you can download all of your apps and personal files. You probably don't need to reset a Chromebook quite as often as its Windows and macOS counterparts, but doing so can still be useful. This article has been viewed 100,148 times. The Best iPad to Buy (and a Few to Avoid). Once selected, the Reset This PC window will appear. Users who choose to keep their files will need to decide whether they want to erase the computers preinstalled apps. If you have a speedy internet connection, though, this option can be faster than the local reinstall. The tablet will restart and you will be prompted to perform the initial out of the box setup . Downloading Windows takes several gigabytes of data, so take care if you're on a limited connection. On Windows 11, go to Settings > System > Recovery and click Restart Now next to Advanced Startup. In the search bar, type "reset.". Start by clicking on "Start Menu -> Settings." Then, select "Update & Security." Alternatively, type " Reset " without quotes into the " Cortana search box. If you are missing any applications, now is the time to install them. You don't want to leave anything behind. Here, select the "Update & Security" option found at the bottom of the window. References An OS besides Windows may require different steps in order to accomplish a full factory reset, and its imperative to know which you are using before you begin the process. We're now in Recovery Mode. Resetting your PC (like you might do with your Android smartphone) ensures optimum performance and stability on a continual basis. It may still be worth taking the time to free up space on your computer and delete unnecessary programs. Here is how you can make the network adapter visible: Right-click Start > Device Manager. 3. Thankfully, the process is much easier than it used to be. Type and search [Reset this PC] in the Windows search bar , then click [Open] . Click [Reset PC] in Reset this PC field. One of the best ways to wipe the hard disk clean is to reset your Windows PC, and if youre running Windows 10, its relatively easy to do. Click Restart, and when the computer restarts, choose Powerwash and Continue. Under Refresh your PC without affecting your files, tap or click Get started. The "Reset this PC" feature allows you to reinstall Windows 11 with multiple options to start from scratch with a clean copy. Step 2: In Backup page, by default, you know MiniTool can choose the system drives used to boot the laptop to back up. It is always best to back up any valuable game data before resetting your PC, and this will require research and unique methods based on the game saves and settings you need to preserve. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/6\/6f\/Reset-Your-Computer-Step-1-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Reset-Your-Computer-Step-1-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/6\/6f\/Reset-Your-Computer-Step-1-Version-2.jpg\/aid7132811-v4-728px-Reset-Your-Computer-Step-1-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"
License: Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot) License: Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot) License: Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot) License: Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot) License: Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot) License: Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot) License: Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot) License: Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot) License: Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot) License: Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot) License: Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot) License: Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot) License: Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot) License: Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot) License: Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot) License: Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot) License: Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)
\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/f\/f1\/Reset-Your-Computer-Step-2-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Reset-Your-Computer-Step-2-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/f\/f1\/Reset-Your-Computer-Step-2-Version-2.jpg\/aid7132811-v4-728px-Reset-Your-Computer-Step-2-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"
\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/8\/80\/Reset-Your-Computer-Step-3-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Reset-Your-Computer-Step-3-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/8\/80\/Reset-Your-Computer-Step-3-Version-2.jpg\/aid7132811-v4-728px-Reset-Your-Computer-Step-3-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"
\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/c\/ce\/Reset-Your-Computer-Step-4-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Reset-Your-Computer-Step-4-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/c\/ce\/Reset-Your-Computer-Step-4-Version-2.jpg\/aid7132811-v4-728px-Reset-Your-Computer-Step-4-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"
\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/5\/5b\/Reset-Your-Computer-Step-5-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Reset-Your-Computer-Step-5-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/5\/5b\/Reset-Your-Computer-Step-5-Version-2.jpg\/aid7132811-v4-728px-Reset-Your-Computer-Step-5-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"
\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/6\/67\/Reset-Your-Computer-Step-6-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Reset-Your-Computer-Step-6-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/6\/67\/Reset-Your-Computer-Step-6-Version-2.jpg\/aid7132811-v4-728px-Reset-Your-Computer-Step-6-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"
\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/7\/76\/Reset-Your-Computer-Step-7-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Reset-Your-Computer-Step-7-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/7\/76\/Reset-Your-Computer-Step-7-Version-2.jpg\/aid7132811-v4-728px-Reset-Your-Computer-Step-7-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"
\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/d\/db\/Reset-Your-Computer-Step-8-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Reset-Your-Computer-Step-8-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/d\/db\/Reset-Your-Computer-Step-8-Version-2.jpg\/aid7132811-v4-728px-Reset-Your-Computer-Step-8-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":346,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":547,"licensing":"
\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/d\/d5\/Reset-Your-Computer-Step-9-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Reset-Your-Computer-Step-9-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/d\/d5\/Reset-Your-Computer-Step-9-Version-2.jpg\/aid7132811-v4-728px-Reset-Your-Computer-Step-9-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"
\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/3\/30\/Reset-Your-Computer-Step-10-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Reset-Your-Computer-Step-10-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/3\/30\/Reset-Your-Computer-Step-10-Version-2.jpg\/aid7132811-v4-728px-Reset-Your-Computer-Step-10-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":346,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":547,"licensing":"
\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/b\/bf\/Reset-Your-Computer-Step-16.jpg\/v4-460px-Reset-Your-Computer-Step-16.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/b\/bf\/Reset-Your-Computer-Step-16.jpg\/aid7132811-v4-728px-Reset-Your-Computer-Step-16.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"
\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/8\/8f\/Reset-Your-Computer-Step-17.jpg\/v4-460px-Reset-Your-Computer-Step-17.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/8\/8f\/Reset-Your-Computer-Step-17.jpg\/aid7132811-v4-728px-Reset-Your-Computer-Step-17.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"
\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/5\/59\/Reset-Your-Computer-Step-18.jpg\/v4-460px-Reset-Your-Computer-Step-18.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/5\/59\/Reset-Your-Computer-Step-18.jpg\/aid7132811-v4-728px-Reset-Your-Computer-Step-18.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"
\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/5\/56\/Reset-Your-Computer-Step-19.jpg\/v4-460px-Reset-Your-Computer-Step-19.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/5\/56\/Reset-Your-Computer-Step-19.jpg\/aid7132811-v4-728px-Reset-Your-Computer-Step-19.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"
\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/4\/43\/Reset-Your-Computer-Step-20.jpg\/v4-460px-Reset-Your-Computer-Step-20.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/4\/43\/Reset-Your-Computer-Step-20.jpg\/aid7132811-v4-728px-Reset-Your-Computer-Step-20.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"
\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/c\/c9\/Reset-Your-Computer-Step-21.jpg\/v4-460px-Reset-Your-Computer-Step-21.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/c\/c9\/Reset-Your-Computer-Step-21.jpg\/aid7132811-v4-728px-Reset-Your-Computer-Step-21.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":346,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":547,"licensing":"
\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/1\/1e\/Reset-Your-Computer-Step-22.jpg\/v4-460px-Reset-Your-Computer-Step-22.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/1\/1e\/Reset-Your-Computer-Step-22.jpg\/aid7132811-v4-728px-Reset-Your-Computer-Step-22.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"
\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/8\/8b\/Reset-Your-Computer-Step-23.jpg\/v4-460px-Reset-Your-Computer-Step-23.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/8\/8b\/Reset-Your-Computer-Step-23.jpg\/aid7132811-v4-728px-Reset-Your-Computer-Step-23.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"