How to Reset a Windows Computer: Login Fix Guide

To reset a Windows computer when you cannot log in, open Windows Recovery Environment from the sign-in screen and choose Troubleshoot, Reset this PC. Select Keep my files if you want to preserve personal files, or Remove everything if you want to erase personal files as well as apps and settings.

A reset reinstalls Windows and can solve serious sign-in or startup problems, but it removes installed apps and may require account credentials or a BitLocker recovery key.

When should you reset a Windows computer?

Resetting a Windows computer may be appropriate when a forgotten password cannot be recovered, a damaged user profile prevents every usable account from opening, or persistent sign-in errors remain after ordinary recovery steps. It can also help when Windows repeatedly fails to start and built-in repair options do not solve the problem.

A reset is usually unnecessary if another administrator account works, the problem affects only a PIN, or you can recover the password for the account shown on the sign-in screen. Before resetting, try Sign-in options to switch between a PIN and password. Check the keyboard language, Caps Lock, and internet connection as well.

If the computer belongs to an employer or school, contact its administrator. Resetting a managed computer can remove required software and may not remove organizational controls.

What do you need before resetting a Windows computer?

Prepare as much of the following as possible before starting:

• Your Microsoft account email address and password, or the credentials for a local administrator account.
• The BitLocker recovery key if device encryption is enabled. Windows Recovery Environment may request this key before allowing access to recovery tools.
• A backup of important documents, photos, and other personal files. Keep my files is designed to preserve personal files, but a separate backup is safer.
• A recovery drive or Windows installation media if the built-in recovery environment will not open. Use media created for the correct computer type and Windows edition.
• Reliable power. Connect a laptop to its charger and do not force it off while Windows is resetting.

If you cannot log in and have no backup, choose Keep my files unless you deliberately want to erase the computer. Do not assume files can be recovered after choosing Remove everything.

How do you reset Windows from the sign-in screen?

The Windows sign-in screen can open Windows Recovery Environment, which is the built-in menu for startup repair and reset tools.

1. At the sign-in screen, select the Power icon.
2. Press and hold the Shift key, then select Restart while continuing to hold Shift.
3. When the recovery menu appears, select Troubleshoot.
4. Select Reset this PC.
5. Choose Keep my files or Remove everything.
6. If asked, choose a reinstall method. Follow the explanation shown on the screen and confirm your selection.
7. Select the account requested by Windows and enter its password if prompted.
8. Review the summary carefully, then start the reset.

The computer may restart several times. Leave it connected to power and wait for the setup screen to appear.

How do you reset a Windows computer from Settings?

If you can still reach the desktop, start the Windows reset from Settings. Save your work and close open programs first.

1. Open Settings.
2. Select System, then Recovery.
3. Find the option for resetting the computer and select Reset PC.
4. Choose Keep my files or Remove everything.
5. Choose the available reinstall method that fits your situation.
6. Review any list of apps that will be removed and read the reset summary.
7. Confirm the reset and allow Windows to restart.

Menu wording can differ slightly by Windows release or device configuration. If Recovery is not visible, use the Settings search box to search for “reset this PC.”

How do you reset Windows when the computer will not boot?

When Windows cannot reach the sign-in screen, try opening Windows Recovery Environment through the computer's recovery options.

1. Turn on the computer and look for an automatic recovery or repair screen after Windows fails to start.
2. Select Advanced options when the recovery screen appears.
3. Select Troubleshoot, then Reset this PC.
4. Choose Keep my files or Remove everything and follow the prompts.

If automatic recovery never appears, start the computer from a recovery drive or Windows installation media. On the first setup screen, choose the repair option rather than starting an installation, then open Troubleshoot and Reset this PC if that choice is available.

Startup keys and boot-menu methods vary by computer maker, so use the device's built-in instructions if you must select a recovery drive. If Windows asks for a BitLocker recovery key, the reset cannot continue through that protected drive until the correct key is entered.

Should you choose Keep my files or Remove everything?

The two Windows reset choices affect personal data differently:

• Keep my files: Reinstalls Windows and keeps personal files in your user folders. It removes installed apps and returns many settings to their defaults.
• Remove everything: Reinstalls Windows and removes personal files, installed apps, and settings. Choose it only when you intend to erase the computer or when preserving its files is not necessary.

Neither choice should be treated as a backup method. Read every confirmation screen because Windows may show additional choices about drives or data cleaning. If more than one drive is installed, confirm exactly which drives the selected option will affect.

What happens after a Windows computer reset?

After the Windows reset computer process finishes, the computer opens the Windows setup screens. You may need to select a region and keyboard layout, connect to a network, and sign in or create an account.

1. Complete the setup prompts and create a new PIN or password when requested.
2. Confirm that your personal files are present if you selected Keep my files.
3. Run the built-in Windows update process until no required updates remain.
4. Reinstall the apps you use from their trusted original sources.
5. Sign back in to email, cloud storage, browsers, and other accounts.
6. Restore files from your backup if anything is missing.
7. Check security, privacy, display, printer, and accessibility settings.

If the same login or startup error returns immediately after a reset, the cause may be an account, storage, hardware, or organization-management issue rather than the Windows installation. Record the exact error message before seeking device or account support.