Factory Reset Windows 10 PC: Step-by-Step Guide

To factory reset a Windows 10 PC, open Settings, select Update & Security, Recovery, and then Get started under Reset this PC. Choose Keep my files for troubleshooting or Remove everything before selling, recycling, or giving away the computer.

A reset reinstalls Windows 10, removes installed programs, and returns many settings to their defaults. Depending on the choices offered by the computer, manufacturer-installed apps may also be restored.

How should you back up files before resetting Windows 10?

Back up every file you may need before resetting a Windows 10 computer. Keep my files is designed to preserve personal files, but a backup protects you if the reset fails, the drive has a problem, or the wrong option is selected.

Remove everything deletes personal files, installed programs, and settings. Check the Desktop, Documents, Downloads, Pictures, Music, and Videos folders, along with any folders created by your programs.

• Copy important files to an external hard drive or USB drive, and disconnect it before starting the reset.
• Upload files to a cloud storage service and confirm that synchronization has finished.
• Export browser bookmarks, saved email, and program data that is not already synchronized.
• Record license information for programs you plan to reinstall.
• Make sure you have the BitLocker recovery key if device encryption is enabled. BitLocker is a Windows feature that encrypts the drive.

Open several files from the backup location before continuing. Seeing filenames alone does not prove that the files were copied successfully.

Should you choose Keep my files or Remove everything?

Windows 10 offers two main reset choices. Both reinstall Windows and remove programs you installed, so neither option is a complete backup or a simple repair.

• Choose Keep my files when you are fixing persistent Windows problems and will continue using the PC. Windows preserves personal files but removes installed apps and resets settings.
• Choose Remove everything when the computer will be sold, recycled, donated, or given to another person. Windows removes personal files, apps, and settings.

If Windows offers a drive-cleaning option, use it before transferring the PC to someone else. Cleaning the drive takes longer but makes removed files harder to recover. Consumer reset tools may not satisfy an employer, government agency, or other organization with formal data-erasure requirements.

You may also see Cloud download and Local reinstall. Cloud download obtains new Windows files and needs a stable internet connection. Local reinstall uses files already stored on the PC and may fail if those files are damaged.

How do you factory reset a Windows 10 PC from Settings?

Use the Windows 10 Settings method when you can sign in and reach the desktop. Connect a laptop to power and disconnect storage devices that are not needed.

1. Select Start, then select Settings.
2. Select Update & Security.
3. Select Recovery in the left column.
4. Under Reset this PC, select Get started.
5. Select Keep my files or Remove everything.
6. If prompted, choose Cloud download or Local reinstall.
7. Review the summary carefully. Select Change settings if you need to adjust drive cleaning or other available reset choices.
8. Select Reset only after confirming that the displayed choices match your intention.

The wording can vary slightly by PC configuration, but the Windows 10 path is Settings > Update & Security > Recovery > Reset this PC.

How do you reset Windows 10 if you cannot sign in?

Use the Windows Recovery Environment when the Windows 10 sign-in screen appears but you cannot log in. The Windows Recovery Environment, also called Windows RE, is a set of repair and reset tools that runs outside the normal desktop.

1. At the sign-in screen, select the Power icon.
2. Press and hold the Shift key, then select Restart.
3. Keep holding Shift until the computer begins restarting.
4. On the Choose an option screen, select Troubleshoot.
5. Select Reset this PC.
6. Choose Keep my files or Remove everything, then follow the prompts.

An encrypted computer may ask for its BitLocker recovery key. If the sign-in screen never appears, Windows may enter recovery automatically after repeated startup failures. Avoid repeatedly forcing shutdowns once recovery or reset has begun.

How long does a Windows 10 reset take, and what happens?

A Windows recovery commonly takes about 30 minutes to two hours, but the method, drive speed, internet connection, and amount of data can change the duration. Cleaning a drive or using Cloud download can add time.

The PC may restart several times, show changing progress percentages, or display a blank screen. Microsoft notes that a blank screen can sometimes last more than 15 minutes during a reset.

Do not press the power button, close a laptop lid, unplug the PC, or remove power during the reset. A manual interruption can make the reset fail. Wait unless the computer displays an error or remains completely unchanged for an unusually long period beyond the normal recovery range.

What should you do after resetting Windows 10?

After a Windows 10 reset, the initial setup screens ask for the region, keyboard layout, network, and account details. If the computer is leaving your possession, stop at the initial setup screen and let the next owner complete it.

1. Reconnect to Wi-Fi or Ethernet if you are keeping the computer.
2. Run Windows Update repeatedly until no further required updates appear.
3. Open Device Manager and check for devices marked with a warning symbol.
4. Install missing drivers from the computer or hardware manufacturer when Windows Update does not supply them.
5. Reinstall only the programs you need from trusted sources.
6. Restore personal files from the verified backup.

Confirm that sound, display, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, camera, and other essential hardware work before deleting the backup.

What should you do if Reset this PC is stuck or fails?

If Windows reports that it could not reset the PC, write down the exact error message before trying again. Reconnect the charger, disconnect unnecessary USB devices, and make sure the system drive has free space.

• If Local reinstall fails, retry with Cloud download when a reliable connection is available.
• If Cloud download fails, check the connection and try Local reinstall.
• If Windows will not start, open Windows RE and try Startup Repair or System Restore before repeating the reset.
• If the reset repeatedly fails, use a recovery drive that was previously created for the PC.
• If no recovery drive exists, Windows installation media can be created on another working computer and used to reinstall Windows.

A recovery drive or clean reinstall may erase all data. Stop and seek qualified help before proceeding if the files are not backed up, the drive makes unusual sounds, BitLocker requests an unavailable key, or the PC cannot detect its internal drive.