How to Factory Reset a Computer Running Windows 10/11

There are many reasons why you may decide to factory reset your computer. In most scenarios, it usually comes as the last resort option when the computer is getting too slow or some issues won’t just go away. It can also come in handy when you decide to clear clutter on the computer or maybe you are giving it out to a new owner. 

So, whatever your reason is, in this article, you will find all the details regarding how to factory reset a PC on Windows 11 or 10 by yourself.

What Is a Factory Reset?

Factory reset is a built-in feature on Windows 10 or 11 that allows users to restore their computer to its original state. When you activate this feature, it makes the computer look like you just bought it—straight out from the “factory.”

A factory reset removes all of your personal files, device drivers, apps, and settings from the computer. This feature essentially reinstalls your Windows version and gives you a clean slate to work with. Depending on how you go about it, you could keep some of your personal files or do a total clean formatting of your drive.

Preparing to Factory Reset Your Computer

Before I show you how to factory reset a PC, it’s important to take certain measures to ensure you’re ready to set up your computer once the process is complete. These steps include:

• Backing up your files

The most important step is to back up your data. While the factory reset process offers an option to keep personal files, you can’t be too careful. You can back up files to an external hard drive or a cloud storage service. Microsoft also offers backup options that allow you to back up things like themes and app settings to its cloud service.

Also read: Windows 10 Backup Guide: Backing Up to an External Hard Drive

• Listing your installed programs 

Create a list of the applications you have installed so you can reinstall them after the reset. This may not be compulsory, but then the list will come in handy when reinstalling necessary software after you factory reset your computer. It serves as a reminder of all your applications, including those you might forget, and helps you manage licenses and custom settings.

• Gathering your software licenses

Make sure you have access to product keys or licenses for all your purchased software, including your operating system. You may need these to reinstall and activate the software after the reset.

• Checking device drivers 

While Windows often automatically retrieves the most necessary device drivers, certain hardware may require specialized drivers. It’s a good idea to download or back up these drivers ahead of time to ensure device functionality after the reset.

The following steps below will show you how to reset your laptop to factory settings on Windows 11 and 10, including key points you need to know. We’ll also show you how to factory reset a computer without a password and if you can’t access your login screen.

How to Factory Reset Windows 11/10 through the Settings Application

This process involves different steps for Windows 11 and Windows 10.

Follow these steps if you run Windows 10:

1. Open the Settings application. Tap the Win + I keyboard hotkey or right-click the Start button and select Settings.
2. Click the Update & Security icon when the Settings screen appears.
3. Go to the left pane of the Update & Security page and click Recovery.
4. Now, go to the Recovery page to the right and click the Get started button under Reset this PC.

Follow these steps if you run Windows 11:

• Open the Settings application. Tap the Win + I keyboard hotkey or right-click the Start button and select Settings.
• Click System in the left navigation bar.
• Go to the right, scroll down, and select Recovery.

• Now, click the Reset PC button to the right of Reset this PC.

Two ways to reset your PC (for Windows 10 and 11)

Once the Reset this PC window appears, it offers you two options: Keep my files and Remove everything. Let’s go through each of them:

Option 1: Keep my files

This option allows you to keep personal files saved to the hard drive. However, it will remove your applications and settings.

After selecting Keep my files, the next page asks whether you want to download Windows from the cloud or reinstall it locally.

Choose your option and click the Next button. The Ready to reset this PC page will now appear, displaying your reset preferences. Go over everything one more time to confirm your settings before clicking the Reset button to start the process.

Option 2: Remove everything

If you don’t want to keep your files, you can select the Remove everything option to delete all data on your PC. This option gets rid of personal files, programs, and settings. You can also choose it to wipe your hard drive to prevent other people from recovering your files. 

The Remove everything option is ideal for people giving away their computers or trying to fix a badly damaged computer.

Like the Keep my files option, you also have to choose between Cloud download and Local reinstall.

The Additional settings screen will display your current settings. You can click the Change settings option to see and change specific reset preferences.

Turning on the Clean data toggle switch allows the setup wizard to clean your system, but it’s less secure. That means some people can use special recovery software to recover some data.

• Click Confirm after selecting your options.

• Click the Next button, go over your choices one last time, and then select the Reset button.

Further reading: How to Factory Reset an HP Laptop?

How to Factory Reset Windows 10 and 11 without a Password

If you have forgotten your password, you can factory reset your PC to regain access to your computer. The process is similar to what we have described above. The only problem is, you need to start the process using the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE).

Whether you’re running Windows 10 or 11, you can enter the advanced startup environment by holding down the Shift key and clicking Restart. Your PC should immediately reboot into the Windows Recovery Environment. 

If you did that correctly, you should see the Choose an option page, click Troubleshoot, and select Reset this PC. 

From there, you can choose to keep or remove files and continue the process just like we described above.

Further reading: Quick Fix: How to Easily Factory Reset Your Dell Laptop

How to Factory Reset a PC Using a Recovery Drive or Installation Media

Windows 10 and 11 come with the reset option, so you don’t need to reset with a recovery drive. But in cases where Windows is corrupted and cannot boot normally or you can’t access your OS or login screen, you’ll have to use the installation or recovery media. It’s also ideal for situations where you can’t remember your password.

Preparing the installation media  

Before you create a bootable drive, you need to use a USB drive with at least 8GB of storage. 16GB is far better and safer, especially for large files. Once you’ve got the drive, follow these steps:

• Go to the official Microsoft website and download the Windows media creation tool for the version of Windows you want to install. 
• After the installation, run the media creation tool and accept the terms.
• Then, choose the Create installation media (USB flash drive, DVD, or ISO file) option.
• Select the language, edition, and architecture (32-bit, 64-bit, or both) that match your PC’s specs.
• Choose USB flash drive as your media type and click Next.
• Select your USB drive from the list and click Next.

• The tool will download Windows and create a bootable USB drive. Keep in mind that this process might take some time depending on your internet speed. 

Also read: How to Get and Use Windows 10 Media Creation Tool

Booting from the USB drive

After creating the bootable USB drive, follow the steps below: 

• Make sure your PC is turned off and insert the USB drive. 
• Turn on the PC and enter the BIOS/UEFI settings by pressing F2, F10, DEL, or ESC, depending on the brand.
• Change the boot order to start from the drive by going to the boot menu under Boot or Boot options.
• Save changes and restart the computer. This time, it should boot from the USB, which will start the Windows installation process. 

Installing new Windows using the USB drive

• When Windows starts, choose your language and other preferences and click Next.

•  Then, click on Install now.

• Select I don’t have a product key.

• Choose the operating system you want to install from the list.
• Accept the Microsoft Software License Terms by clicking Accept.

• After that, choose Custom: Install Windows only (advanced) under Which type of installation do you want since this is a factory reset.

• Under Where do you want to install Windows, it’s likely that you’ll have several partitions because you already had an operating system running before the factory reset. So, you can delete all the partitions. Then, click Next.

• Finally, wait for the process to complete the factory reset.

Here’s a summary of factory reset solutions covered:

When Should You Factory Reset Your Computer?

Deciding to factory reset a computer is a huge step that you should only consider as a last resort. Like we already mentioned, the process will likely lead to a loss of files and your preferred settings. But then, there are a few scenarios like the following where this might be the best option:

• Performance issues: Over time, a computer might become slow or unresponsive after accumulating large and corrupted files, broken applications, and problematic settings. Resetting can clear these issues and restore the operating system’s original performance.
• Software and hardware issues: Conflicts between applications, system errors, and hardware driver problems can trigger system-level issues that are difficult to diagnose and fix. Doing a factory reset on Windows 11 or 10 can be effective since it removes user-applied settings and installed apps and replaces system files.
• Malware and viruses: Computers can be infected with malicious software that fails to go away after numerous antivirus scans. Resetting the system and wiping the drive can remove malware and restore the computer’s security.
• Selling or giving away the computer: If you’re selling or giving away your old computer to someone else, you may want to ensure certain sensitive data doesn’t fall in the wrong hands. Resetting Windows can be a good idea in this scenario, as it allows you to remove personal data and settings to give the new owner a clean slate.

How to Maintain Your Computer’s Performance after the Factory Reset

Once the reset is complete, you’ll be presented with a new and clean computer. If you reset your laptop to factory settings because of an issue, you need to put things in place to maintain the current performance and security.

Tip 1: Update your Windows

If you used the local reinstall option, there’s a chance that your current installation lacks several critical updates. So, head to the Windows Update client to check for available updates and install them. You can open the Start menu, type “updates,” and click Check for updates to do that.

Tip 2: Install and update drivers

These drivers are not fully optimized and can cause suboptimal performance or even prevent the device from functioning altogether. You can use Auslogics Driver Updater to install and update device drivers and ensure hardware components work efficiently and as intended.

Helpful read: [EASY GUIDE] How to Update Device Drivers on a Windows 10 PC?

Tip 3: Install an updated antivirus program

Malware developers regularly upload millions of malicious applications to the Internet, making it difficult for antivirus programs to defend against certain attacks. That is why it’s crucial that you always install the latest virus definitions for your security software, whether you use Windows Security or other antivirus programs.

Tip 4: Keep temporary and junk files in check

While your newly installed OS isn’t threatened by temporary and junk files just yet, you should prepare for them. As you continue to use your computer and install new applications, these items will continue to accumulate and may cause serious issues in the future, especially when they become corrupt.

How to Factory Reset My PC: Explained

Performing a factory reset on your PC is a great way to remove clutter and get your PC feeling brand new. However, always keep in mind that factory rest is a big decision—so before you take the step, ensure you have tried other means. More importantly, always ensure your important files are safely backed up before you start.

In the meantime, we would love to hear from you. Did you find this easy? Are there any options we missed? Please drop your comments below.

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