Following that, choose “Updates & Security” from the pop-up screen and then “Recovery”.

First, open up the Start Menu and access the Settings menu, represented by the cog icon. It is a fairly straightforward process to reset your Windows 10 installation. How to perform a factory reset on Windows 10 Instead of having to buy a new PC or laptop, you might find that restoring your machine to its factory settings will make it much more lively and easy to use once again. By choosing to reset your equipment, it will not only help your computer to run smoother, but will also potentially fix any other issues with your hardware or software. This feature might help improve your PC or laptop’s performance and hopefully improve your experience of using your device. The good news is that Microsoft has ensured that Windows 10 has the ability to reset your machine to its factory settings without removing any files or applications that you want to keep. However, you can install third-party tools that allow you to do this.Best Windows 10 apps Best Windows 10 tips and tricks for power users How to move Windows 10 from an HDD to an SSD Select either Refresh your PC to repair the PC, or Reset your PC to prepare the PC for another user.įor PCs, there isn't a built-in way to reset a device remotely. This works even if you're not logged into Windows. If the device is not responsive, try restarting it first.Ĭlick the power button, then hold down Shift while choosing Restart. Select either Keep my files to repair the PC, or Remove everything to prepare the PC for a new user. Ways to reset a desktop PCĬlick Settings > Update & security > Recovery > under Reset this PC, click Get started. To return the device to the original factory state, you must flash it with the original factory image.

For example, any packages that were added or modified during an update remain. When you reset a device, it does not return it to the original factory state. An OEM has completed factory testing and wants to reset the device (optionally preserving preloaded map data).

If it isn't starting correctly, use the Repair your computer link after booting from your installation media or recovery drive.

The device has malfunctioned and the user wants to reset the device. If Windows 11 or 10 is starting correctly, the best way to access the menu is via Settings choose Settings from the Start menu (e.g., in Windows 11, go to Settings > System > Recovery ).

For example, when an employee leaves the organization.

The device belongs to an organization, and the organization wants to reset the device.

A user may want to reset a device to transfer it to another owner.

Resetting the device addresses a number of key scenarios:

Windows hard reset