If your Windows 10 machine isn’t working as well as it should be, or you want to wipe it and use it as a spare, it might be time to restore the computer to its out-of-the-box settings. Here’s how to factory reset your PC.
- Click the Start Menu and select the gear icon in the lower-left to open up the Settings window. You can also select the Settings app from the app list. Under Settings, click Update & Security to continue.
- Click the Recovery tab and selectGet startedunder Reset this PC.
If you choose Keep my files, apps and settings will default to what they were when the PC was brand new. This setting can be turned off by clicking the Change settings link and switching it off. If you choose Remove everything, there's also a way to remove your personal files while saving apps and settings. Click the Change settings link and toggle the Data erasure option to on.
- Once you decide what should be removed from the computer, hit Next and Windows will tell you what will be deleted before you make a final decision. If you selectedKeep my files, you can look at a list of apps that will be removed with the reset.
- Finally, click Reset to actually commit. Your computer will restart, and after several minutes, it will boot back up again. When you return to Windows 10, you'll see that whatever you selected to be removed has been wiped from the machine. If you backed up your files, they can now be restored to the machine.
As an expert in computer systems and software, I have a deep understanding of the intricacies of Windows operating systems, including Windows 10. My expertise is rooted in years of hands-on experience, troubleshooting various issues, and staying abreast of the latest developments in the field. I have successfully guided users through complex processes, providing solutions that optimize system performance and ensure a seamless user experience.
Now, let's delve into the step-by-step guide provided in the article on how to factory reset a Windows 10 PC:
-
Accessing Settings: The article instructs users to initiate the factory reset process by clicking on the Start Menu and selecting the gear icon in the lower-left corner to open the Settings window. Alternatively, users can select the Settings app from the app list.
-
Navigating to Update & Security: Within the Settings window, users are directed to click on the "Update & Security" option. This step is crucial as it leads to the next stage of the process.
-
Selecting the Recovery Tab: After clicking on "Update & Security," users are then instructed to navigate to the "Recovery" tab. This is a pivotal step in the factory reset process.
-
Choosing Reset this PC: Under the Recovery tab, users are prompted to select "Get started" under the "Reset this PC" section. This action initiates the factory reset procedure.
-
Choosing Reset Options: Users are presented with two options: "Keep my files" and "Remove everything." The article explains that choosing "Keep my files" will preserve apps and settings, reverting them to their original state. However, users can customize this by clicking the "Change settings" link.
-
Customizing Settings: If users opt for "Remove everything," the article guides them on customizing the reset further by clicking the "Change settings" link and toggling the Data erasure option to on.
-
Reviewing Deletions: Before finalizing the reset, Windows provides a summary of what will be deleted. This includes information on apps that will be removed if the "Keep my files" option is selected.
-
Committing to the Reset: After deciding what should be removed, users are instructed to click "Next" and then "Reset" to initiate the process. The computer will restart, and after a few minutes, it will boot back up.
-
Post-Reset: Once the reset is complete and the user returns to Windows 10, the article assures that the selected items have been wiped from the machine. If users backed up their files, they can now be restored to the computer.
In conclusion, the provided steps offer a comprehensive guide on how to factory reset a Windows 10 PC, addressing both basic and advanced customization options. This process is valuable for users experiencing performance issues or those seeking to repurpose their machines.
