[Easy Guide] How to Factory Reset Dell Laptop on Windows 10/11

Want to know how to reset a Dell laptop? We can help! The factory reset process may seem complicated because it involves giving your PC a fresh start and removing your installed apps. However, it can be quite easy if you know the right steps to take.

This article will focus on how to factory reset a Dell laptop, explain why a factory reset may be necessary, and show you things to do before resetting your computer.

Let’s begin.

What Does a Factory Reset Do?

When you factory reset your Dell laptop, it restores the system to its original state by erasing all your settings, data, and apps.

Everything is wiped, leaving it just like when you bought it. That’s why the factory reset is usually the last option to consider.

Remember that a factory reset is different from resetting your Windows. A Windows reset (Reset this PC) reverts your system to a default state. You can, however, choose to keep your personal files or clear all of them.

That said, you’ll lose all your third-party applications, including software packages that came with the PC.

So, if you want to delete everything without any trace, especially if you’re planning to sell the PC, the factory reset is the best option.

Why Do You Need to Factory Reset a Dell Laptop?

Here are some common reasons you may need a factory reset on your Dell laptop:

• Software and hardware problems. One primary reason is resolving persistent software and hardware issues after exhausting other troubleshooting options. These could include your Dell computer not turning on and infinite restart loops.
• Fix most issues plaguing your PC. When you reset a Dell laptop, it helps to resolve almost any problem, as it wipes the slate clean and reinstalls the operating system.
• Selling or giving your laptop away. Preparing computers for new users is another reason for factory resets. It makes sense from a security standpoint to wipe your data and reset the computer before selling or donating it to someone else.

Tips Before You Factory Reset Your Dell Laptop

You should ideally take certain measures before resetting your Dell computer, especially if you plan to use it again.

• Backup your data. Before you proceed with the factory reset, it’s important to back up your essential files, documents, videos, and anything else you don’t want to lose. You can copy them to your external drive or use Windows backup. 
• Note down the programs installed. You’ll have to reinstall the programs after resetting your PC. So, make a list of all the software you would want to install again. 
• Get your license keys and serial numbers for any paid software. You can use a password manager to store your license keys. 
• Sync your passwords, bookmarks, and settings with your preferred browser, like Chrome, Firefox, or Edge. 

Now, let’s find out how to factory reset a Dell laptop. 

Also read: How to Factory Reset an HP Laptop

How to Factory Reset a Dell Laptop Using OEM Tools

You can use the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) tools to reset Dell laptops. And there are three ways to do that. We’ll go over the three steps in this section.

Method 1: Using the Dell OS Recovery Tool

With the Dell OS Recovery Tool, you can create a recovery drive that you can use to install the operating system from scratch at any time.

You will need the following for this process:

• A working computer.
• Your computer’s service tag (if you’re creating the recovery drive on a different computer).
• USB drive with at least 16 GB of free storage space.
• Reliable internet connection.

How to create a recovery drive

Follow these steps to create the recovery drive:

• Head to Dell’s support website (Reinstall Microsoft Windows page) and click the button to download the OS Recovery Tool for your OS architecture.

• Once your browser downloads the package, head to the Downloads folder (or where you saved the file) and install the tool.
• Launch the Dell OS Recovery Tool after installation.
• Once the tool opens, click Switch to Advanced Recovery at the bottom of the page.

• Now, go to the Select from available OS images section on the right and do any of the following:
  • Choose For this computer if you installed the program on the system you want to reset.
  • Choose For another computer if you’re preparing the recovery drive for another system. If you choose this option, enter the service tag of the computer you want to reset.

• Click the Next button to display the recovery images available for the computer you chose.
• Choose Download under the operating system that allows you to reinstall the OS manually. 
• Now, connect your USB drive with at least 16 GB of free space.

• Select the drive on the next page.
• Mark the checkbox for “I understand that selected drive will be reformatted and existing data will be deleted.”
• Go to the bottom-left corner and click the Download button.

• The tool will now download, verify, and mount the recovery image you selected.
• You will see a summary screen once the process is complete. Click the Close button.

How to factory reset a Dell computer using the recovery media

• Insert the USB drive and restart your Dell computer.
• Press the F12 key once you see the Dell logo. You should see the Preparing one-time boot menu message in your screen’s top-right corner.
• Select the USB recovery drive using your keyboard arrow keys and hit the Enter button.
• Select your language and keyboard layout when the Windows Setup box shows up.
• Click Install now.

• Accept the license terms on the next page to proceed.
• Select Custom: Install Windows only (advanced) under Which type of installation do you want?

To perform a clean installation, delete all your partitions under Where do you want to install Windows? Click a partition and select the Delete option.

• Now, select the unallocated partition after deleting all your partitions and click the Next button. Windows will create new partitions for different purposes.
• Allow the Windows setup to complete the installation process, then follow the subsequent instructions to configure your PC for the first time.

What to do: [PRO FIX] There Was a Problem Resetting Your PC Error on Windows 10/11

Method 2: Use SupportAssist OS Recovery

You can also learn how to reset a Dell laptop using the SupportAssist OS Recovery tool. It’s helpful for computers that cannot boot into Windows. 

This tool allows you to diagnose hardware problems, back up personal files, repair operating system problems, and factory reset a Dell laptop from the boot.

You can use the tool to recover your operating system from your hard drive or reset your computer and update it using the cloud install option. 

To run the program, ensure SupportAssist is enabled in your BIOS. To do that, restart your computer and press F2 after the Dell logo flashes. Expand the SupportAssist menu in the left navigation bar and enable the function. Apply your setting.

Now follow these steps:

• Restart your computer and press F2 to load the one-time boot menu.
• Go to Other Options and select SupportAssist OS Recovery.

• Your computer will now open the SupportAssist OS Recovery interface.
• Click the Start Reset button in the Reset panel.

• You will now see two options:

Reset to factory settings: This option resets your computer to factory defaults using the recovery package stored on your hard drive.

Reset and update: This option downloads and installs the latest version of your operating system from the cloud. You must have created a recovery USB drive using the Dell OS Recovery Tool as explained above.

• Select an option and click the Next button.
• You will be given the option to back up your files. 
• Select Yes, give access and transfer my settings data if you want to back up your files. Accept the Microsoft license, click Next, and then follow the instructions to complete the backup.

Click No, do not transfer my settings and data and click the Next button if you do not want to back up your files.

• Click Yes, continue when you see the warning page.
• Allow the recovery process to run its course.
• You should see a message that indicates the process was successful after the tool resets your system.
• Click the Restart button in the Recovery process guide interface to set up Windows.
• Your computer will now reboot multiple times and transfer your data and settings.
• After that, the SupportAssist OS Recovery tool will help you set up Windows, allowing you to agree to the license agreement and retrieve your backed-up files.

What to do if Dell partition is deleted

If your computer’s recovery partition on your hard drive is somehow deleted or corrupt, you may have no way to recover it using the SupportAssist OS Recovery tool if Windows cannot boot. However, you can recover that partition if your computer supports the Dell BIOSConnect feature.

You can head to your BIOS and open the SupportAssist tab to turn on the feature (alongside SupportAssist) if it is available.

Choosing SupportAssist from the one-time boot menu as explained above will launch BIOSConnect if your recovery partition is corrupt or deleted.

How to Factory Reset Dell Laptop Without Password

If you don’t remember your password, you can still factory reset your Dell laptop. Here’s what you need to do:

• Switch your PC on.

• Press the F8 key until you see Advanced Boot Options on the screen.

• Click Repair your computer.

• Choose your language and keyboard input method and click Next.

• Enter “Administrator” in the username field.

• Leave the password field empty, then click OK.

• Select Dell DataSafe Restore and Emergency Backup, then click Next.

• Opt for Restore My Computer, then click Next.

• When the process completes, click Finish to restart your PC.

That’s how to factory reset a Dell laptop without a password.

How to Reset a Dell Laptop from the Boot

The process for the Dell laptop factory reset from the boot is easy to follow. Follow the steps below:

• When you turn on your laptop, initiate the Dell factory reset from the boot with the F12 key until the Boot Option menu appears. 
• Search for SupportAssist OS Recovery or Dell Factory Image Restore.
• Follow the on-screen instructions to begin the factory reset process.

How to Factory Reset a Dell Laptop Using the Settings App

You can also follow the process of how to factory reset a Dell laptop using Settings. Here’s how it works:

• Open the Settings app on your computer. 
• Click Update & Security and select the Recovery tab. 
• After that, click Get started under Reset. 

• Select Remove everything and click Remove files and clean the drive to proceed.
• Choose Reset to start the process.

How to Factory Reset a Dell Laptop: Explained

Dell provides numerous tools that show you how to factory reset a Dell laptop. Remember that this process will always clear your installed programs.

You can prevent unnecessary factory resets by keeping your drivers up to date, protecting your computer against malware, and engaging in regular system maintenance practices.

Please go to the comments section to let us know if the methods above helped you factory reset your Dell laptop.

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