How to Factory Reset a Computer (Windows and Mac)

To factory reset a computer, open the Windows or macOS recovery controls, choose the option that erases all content, and follow the prompts to reinstall or reactivate the operating system. A factory reset deletes local files, installed programs, user accounts, passwords, and settings, so back up anything important before starting.

What does a factory reset do to a computer?

A factory reset on a computer removes personal data and returns the operating system to a clean setup state. On some computers, manufacturer-provided software may also be restored; on newer Macs, the installed version of macOS is generally retained or reinstalled rather than replaced with the version originally shipped.

A reset is not the same as restarting or signing out. Restarting turns the computer off and on without deleting data. Signing out closes the current user session but leaves accounts, files, programs, and settings in place.

Windows also offers a “Keep my files” reset, but that is not a complete wipe. For a full factory reset, choose the option that removes everything.

What should I check before I factory reset my computer?

If you can still sign in, copy important documents, photos, and other local files to an external drive or an available cloud account. Confirm that the backup opens from another device before erasing the computer.

• Have the Microsoft Account or Apple Account credentials associated with the computer.
• Find the BitLocker recovery key for an encrypted Windows computer, if applicable.
• Have the FileVault recovery key for a Mac, if one was created.
• Connect a laptop to power and keep it connected throughout the reset.
• Disconnect storage devices that should not be erased.

A factory reset is one possible route when a forgotten password prevents access, but it sacrifices local data. First try the password, PIN, Apple Account, recovery-key, or security-question options shown on the sign-in screen. A reset does not guarantee that every lock will disappear: device encryption, Windows organization controls, or Apple Activation Lock may still require the associated account or recovery information.

How do I factory reset a Windows computer?

For a Windows 11 computer that you can sign in to, use the built-in Reset this PC control:

1. Open Settings.
2. Select System, then Recovery.
3. Next to Reset this PC, select Reset PC.
4. Select Remove everything for a complete wipe. Keep my files reinstalls Windows but preserves personal files.
5. Choose Cloud download or Local reinstall when prompted. Cloud download retrieves a fresh Windows copy; Local reinstall uses files already on the computer.
6. Review the summary carefully, then confirm the reset and leave the computer connected to power.

On Windows 10, the path is Settings, Update & Security, Recovery, then Get started under Reset this PC. The computer may restart several times. Do not force it off while the reset is underway.

How do I factory reset a Mac?

On a supported Mac running macOS Ventura 13 or later, the direct method is Erase All Content and Settings:

1. Open the Apple menu and select System Settings.
2. Select General, then Transfer or Reset.
3. Select Erase All Content and Settings.
4. Enter administrator information if requested.
5. Review what will be removed, select Continue, and follow the prompts.

On macOS Monterey 12, open System Preferences and choose Erase All Content and Settings from the System Preferences menu. The option is available only on supported hardware. If it is missing, use macOS Recovery and Apple’s model-specific erase and reinstall instructions.

For Apple silicon, shut down the Mac, then hold the power button until startup options appear. Select Options and Continue. For an Intel-based Mac, restart and immediately hold Command-R. Recovery Mode is the Mac’s built-in environment for repairing a disk or reinstalling macOS.

How can I factory reset my computer if I cannot sign in?

A Windows factory reset can be started at the locked sign-in screen without entering the Windows password:

1. Select Power on the sign-in screen.
2. Hold Shift while selecting Restart.
3. When Windows Recovery Environment opens, select Troubleshoot, then Reset this PC.
4. Select Remove everything and follow the prompts.

An encrypted Windows computer may request its BitLocker recovery key. If Windows Recovery Environment does not open, manufacturer recovery controls or official Windows recovery media may be required.

On a locked Mac, first try the password-reset message that may appear after entering a password up to three times. This may let you reset the login password with an Apple Account or FileVault recovery key without erasing the Mac.

If password recovery fails, start macOS Recovery using the Apple silicon or Intel instructions above. When asked to select a user whose password you know, look for Forgot all passwords? If no recovery method works, Recovery Assistant may offer Erase Mac. Confirming that choice permanently deletes every user account and its data. The Mac may still require the linked Apple Account to clear Activation Lock and activate again.

What happens after a factory reset computer process finishes?

After the factory reset, the computer starts with an initial setup assistant. Choose the country or region, keyboard, network, privacy settings, and other requested preferences.

Windows may ask you to sign in with a Microsoft Account or create an account permitted by that edition and setup. Create a new PIN when prompted. A Mac may ask for an Apple Account during activation and setup; then create a new Mac user name and login password.

Once setup is complete, install operating-system updates, reinstall needed programs from their official sources, and restore only the files you intentionally backed up. If another person will set up the computer, stop at the welcome or setup screen instead of creating an account for that person.

When should I contact the computer manufacturer for reset help?

Contact the manufacturer when Reset this PC, Erase All Content and Settings, or the recovery environment is missing, repeatedly fails, or reports a hardware or recovery-partition error. Manufacturer help is also appropriate when the computer cannot start from recovery media or needs a model-specific key combination.

For a managed work or school computer, contact the organization’s administrator because management controls can remain after a reset. For BitLocker, FileVault, firmware passwords, or Apple Activation Lock, be ready to verify ownership and provide the associated account or recovery key. A factory reset cannot legitimately bypass those protections without the required credentials.