How to Reset a Computer to Factory Settings

To reset a computer to factory settings, back up anything you need, open the built-in Windows or macOS recovery controls, and choose the option that erases personal data. A factory reset removes accounts, settings, and installed programs, then prepares the computer for setup again.

The exact result depends on the computer. Windows reinstalls Windows, while a supported Mac can erase personal content without removing the installed operating system. Older Macs may require erasing the startup disk and reinstalling macOS.

What should you back up before resetting your computer?

Before you reset a computer to factory settings, copy anything that cannot be replaced. A backup is a separate copy of your data stored somewhere other than the computer being erased.

• Documents, spreadsheets, downloads, and files saved on the desktop
• Photos, videos, music, and other personal media
• Browser bookmarks and passwords that are not already synchronized
• Email archives or messages stored only on the computer
• Program license details, recovery codes, and authentication keys
• Files belonging to other user accounts on the computer

Use an external drive or a cloud storage service, then open several copied files to confirm that the backup works. Make sure you know the passwords for your Microsoft or Apple Account, email, cloud storage, and other services. If Windows device encryption is enabled, have the BitLocker recovery key available. Keep the computer connected to power during the reset.

How do you factory reset a Windows computer?

Windows 11 and Windows 10 include Reset this PC, a built-in feature that reinstalls Windows. If you are asking, “How do I reset my computer to factory settings?” and you can still sign in, use these steps:

1. Open Settings.
2. In Windows 11, select System, then Recovery. In Windows 10, select Update & Security, then Recovery.
3. Under the reset or recovery options, select Reset PC or Get started.
4. Choose Keep my files or Remove everything.
5. Choose Cloud download or Local reinstall when Windows presents that choice.
6. Review the summary carefully, then follow the on-screen instructions to begin.

Keep my files reinstalls Windows and preserves personal files, but it removes installed apps and resets settings. Remove everything deletes personal files, apps, and settings. Choose Remove everything when the goal is to wipe the computer, but use Keep my files when troubleshooting and retaining personal documents is important.

Cloud download obtains a fresh Windows copy and requires a stable internet connection. Local reinstall uses files already stored on the computer and may be preferable without reliable internet. Neither choice replaces the need for a backup.

How do you factory reset a Mac?

On a Mac with Apple silicon or an Apple T2 Security Chip running macOS Monterey 12 or later, Erase Assistant is the official way to reset the Mac to factory settings.

1. Open the Apple menu and choose 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 on-screen instructions.

In macOS Monterey, open System Preferences and choose Erase All Content and Settings from the System Preferences menu in the menu bar. Erase Assistant removes user accounts, installed apps, data, and settings while retaining the installed operating system.

If Erase All Content and Settings is unavailable, use macOS Recovery. Shut down an Apple-silicon Mac, then hold its power button until startup options appear; select Options and Continue. On an Intel Mac, restart and immediately hold Command-R. In Recovery, open Disk Utility, select the internal startup volume, and use Erase. Quit Disk Utility, choose Reinstall macOS, and follow the prompts. Erasing the wrong disk destroys its data, so confirm that you selected the internal startup volume.

How do you reset a computer when you cannot log in or forgot your password?

You do not need the normal Windows sign-in password merely to open the Windows Recovery Environment. If Windows reaches the sign-in screen, hold Shift while selecting Power and Restart. If Windows repeatedly fails to start, it may open recovery automatically.

1. At the Choose an option screen, select Troubleshoot.
2. Select Reset this PC.
3. Choose Keep my files or Remove everything.
4. Follow the prompts and provide a BitLocker recovery key if the encrypted computer requests it.

For a Mac, start macOS Recovery by holding the power button on an Apple-silicon Mac or Command-R during startup on an Intel Mac. Opening Recovery does not require the normal desktop sign-in, but the Mac may request an administrator password, Apple Account credentials, or an Activation Lock password before it permits erasure or activation. A recovery menu does not bypass device encryption or ownership protections.

What happens after you reset a computer to factory settings?

During a computer reset, the screen may go blank and the computer may restart several times. Do not force it off simply because the display is temporarily black. The reset can take longer when the drive is large, the connection is slow, or the operating system must be downloaded.

When the reset finishes, Windows or macOS displays its initial setup screen. If you are keeping the computer, choose the language and region, connect to a network, create or sign in to an account, and review privacy settings. You must reinstall programs, restore backed-up files, sign back into services, and install available operating-system updates.

If another person will receive the computer, stop at the initial setup screen instead of creating a new personal account.

What should you do if a factory reset is stuck or shows an error?

A computer reset may appear frozen while files are being processed. Windows can show a black screen for an extended period and restart itself, so allow time before interrupting it.

• Confirm that the power adapter is connected and that the computer is not losing power.
• Disconnect unnecessary printers, external drives, docks, and other accessories, but leave the backup disconnected and safe.
• Check that the internet connection is stable if you selected Cloud download or are reinstalling macOS.
• If Windows reports that reset could not be completed, return to recovery and try Local reinstall or Cloud download, whichever was not used first.
• If an encrypted Windows computer requests a BitLocker key, retrieve the correct key instead of repeatedly restarting.
• If Disk Utility reports a Mac drive error, run First Aid in macOS Recovery before trying the erase again.

If the computer repeatedly powers off, cannot detect its internal drive, or returns the same storage error, the problem may involve hardware rather than the reset process. Record the exact error message and computer model before contacting the manufacturer or an authorized repair provider.