How to Factory Reset a Windows 10 Computer

To factory reset a Windows 10 computer, open Settings, select Update & Security, choose Recovery, and select Get started under Reset this PC. If Windows 10 will not reach the desktop, you can start the same recovery tools from the sign-in screen or Windows Recovery Environment.

What happens to your files when you reset Windows 10?

Reset this PC reinstalls Windows 10 and removes installed desktop programs and apps. Before starting, copy important documents, photos, browser bookmarks, email archives, and other personal files to external storage or another safe location.

• Keep my files reinstalls Windows 10 while preserving files in your personal folders. It still removes installed apps and resets many settings.
• Remove everything removes personal files, installed apps, and settings before reinstalling Windows 10.

Neither choice preserves your installed programs. Have installation files, license information, Wi-Fi details, and any needed account recovery methods ready before beginning. Disconnect external drives that are not needed so you do not select or affect the wrong storage device.

How do you factory reset Windows 10 from Settings?

Use this method when the Windows 10 PC starts normally and you can sign in. Connect a laptop to power and allow enough time for several restarts.

1. Select Start, then open Settings.
2. Select Update & Security.
3. Select Recovery in the left pane.
4. Under Reset this PC, select Get started.
5. Choose Keep my files or Remove everything.
6. If asked, choose a Windows reinstall method. Cloud download obtains fresh Windows files, while local reinstall uses files already on the PC.
7. Review the summary carefully, including which files, apps, accounts, and drives will be affected.
8. Select Reset to begin. Do not turn off the computer while Windows is reinstalling.

This is the standard answer to “how to factory reset on Windows 10” when the desktop remains accessible.

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

You do not need to enter an unavailable password just to open the Windows Recovery Environment. The Windows Recovery Environment, also called WinRE, is a set of repair and reset tools that runs outside the normal Windows desktop.

1. At the Windows 10 sign-in screen, select the Power icon.
2. Press and hold the Shift key, then select Restart.
3. Keep holding Shift until the recovery screen appears.
4. Select Troubleshoot.
5. Select Reset this PC.
6. Choose Keep my files or Remove everything, then follow the displayed instructions.

Windows may ask you to select an account or provide a recovery key when device encryption is enabled. Use only the prompts shown directly by Windows; never give an account password or recovery key to another person.

How do you reset Windows 10 from a black screen or boot loop?

If Windows repeatedly restarts or shows only a black screen, first turn off the PC, disconnect unnecessary accessories, and try starting it again. If Windows still cannot start, use Windows 10 recovery media or installation media prepared on another working computer.

1. Insert the Windows 10 recovery or installation USB drive.
2. Start the computer from that drive. The key used to open the boot-device menu varies by PC maker, so check the computer's documentation.
3. On Windows 10 installation media, select the option to repair the computer instead of starting installation.
4. Select Troubleshoot and look for Reset this PC.
5. If you are using a recovery drive, follow its recovery prompts. Read every warning about affected drives and files before confirming.

If Reset this PC is unavailable, installation media can be used to reinstall Windows 10. A clean installation removes files, apps, and settings, so use it only after confirming that needed files are backed up.

Should you choose Keep my files or Remove everything?

The right factory reset Windows 10 option depends on what will happen to the computer afterward.

• Choose Keep my files when you are fixing crashes, damaged settings, or other software problems and plan to continue using the PC.
• Choose Remove everything when the PC will be sold, given away, recycled, or transferred to another person.
• If Windows offers a drive-cleaning option, use the more thorough cleaning choice before transferring the PC. It takes longer but makes ordinary file recovery more difficult.

A full wipe is not a data-recovery method. Confirm that your backup opens correctly before selecting Remove everything.

How do you set up Windows 10 after the reset?

After the reset, Windows 10 starts its initial setup screens. Complete them as though you were preparing the PC for first use.

1. Confirm the region and keyboard layout.
2. Reconnect to a trusted network when prompted.
3. Create the requested Windows sign-in and a password or PIN you can remember.
4. If you use a Microsoft account, reconnect it through the Windows setup prompts.
5. Run Windows Update until no further Windows 10 updates are offered.
6. Reinstall only the apps you need from trusted sources.
7. Scan your backup, then restore documents and photos to the correct personal folders.

If the computer is going to another person, stop at the first setup screen and let the new owner create the sign-in.

What should you do if the Windows 10 reset will not start or finish?

A reset can fail because Windows recovery files are damaged, the system drive has errors, free space is too limited, or power was interrupted. If the progress percentage does not change, keep the PC connected to power and allow time before forcing a shutdown.

1. Disconnect printers, external drives, memory cards, and other nonessential devices.
2. Try Reset this PC again from the Windows Recovery Environment.
3. If Windows still starts, install pending Windows 10 updates and check the system drive for errors before retrying.
4. If local reinstall fails, retry with cloud download when that option is available and the internet connection is stable.
5. If recovery files are unusable, create official Windows 10 installation media on another computer and use its repair or reinstall choices.

For official recovery guidance, open {site} and look for Microsoft Support information about Windows 10 recovery options and installation media. Also consult the PC manufacturer's support material if the device uses a manufacturer-specific recovery image or recovery key.