How to Reset or Reinstall Windows on a PC or Laptop

Authored by: Support.com Tech Pro Team

1. Introduction

If you intend to sell or give your computer to someone else, or if there are severe problems with the way the computer is working, you can factory reset it to its defaults to start fresh.

During the process, you'll be asked if you wish to keep your files or remove everything. If you opt to keep your files Windows won't delete your documents, photos, music, etc. To be safe, you should always do a backup of your files before going forward. Windows won't save any programs you've installed, so make sure you have a way to get them installed again, along with any serial keys you may need.

You will lose all programs and customizations you've made to your computer. This is not necessary for normal operation of your computer. Factory reset is permanent, and there is no way to go back.

2. Factory Reset Backup Check

It is important to remember that after the factory reset, your computer will not have any of the custom programs, or settings. It is also very likely you will lose any data, pictures, or videos you have on your computer.

Before proceeding, make sure you have the following:

• Names of all the programs you use on a regular basis, so you can re-install them.
• For any registered software you've purchased, make sure you have the installation disks or download locations, and registration codes associated with them.
• A backup, or second copy, of any data on your computer. This includes, but is not limited to:
• Pictures you have saved on your computer.
• Videos you have saved on your computer.
• Documents you have saved on your computer.
• Bookmarks or favorites from your browser.

Finally, after making your backups, test them to make sure they are current, and that they work.

• Open a few files from your backups, and make sure what you expect to see is there.
• Open a few files you've changed recently in your backups, and make sure they open properly and have the information you changed recently.

While there is an option to save your data files during the factory reset, it is not good to rely on this.
It is safest to assume that anything not backed up will be lost with no way to retrieve it during the factory reset process.

3. Backup

Windows 10 comes with its own backup software.

To begin you'll need an external drive.

1. Select the Start button, then select Settings.
   

1. Select Update & Security.
   

1. Select Backup.
   

1. Make sure your external drive is connected and select Add a Drive.
   

1. Select your drive from the drop down list.
   

1. Backups will start automatically, you do not have to make any other changes.
2. Windows 10 will now make a backup every hour of C:\Users\<your username>.
3. If you want to change these settings click More Options beneath Add a drive.

4. Factory Reset

Resetting your Windows 10 system will return it back to its original state. It will delete any data or programs you have saved so make sure your backups are up to date.

1. Click the Start button, then select Settings.
   

1. Click Update & Security.
   

1. Choose Recovery on the left.
   

1. On the top right, click Get started under Reset this PC.
   

1. In the new window that opens, choose if you want to keep your files, or remove everything.
   

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2. Keep my files should not delete any personal files you have stored on your computer, but will remove all applications you've installed, as well as all settings you've changed.
3. You will be given a short list of programs Windows can find that will be removed, reminding you that you'll need to re-install them after the reset if you want to use those programs. Click Next when you are ready to begin.
   

1. Remove everything will delete your personal files, applications you've installed, and all settings will be set to their default values.
2. You'll be presented with options to just remove files, or clean the drive.
   

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2. If you're keeping the computer and are not worried about someone attempting to retrieve data from the drive, select Just remove my files.
3. If you are selling or giving away the computer, choosing Remove files and clean the drive will make it much harder to retrieve anything. This process will take a very long time to complete.
4. Once you make your choice, you will be given a final list of what will be done. Click Reset when you are ready.
   

1. There is no going back, and no chance to retrieve anything removed during the reset process. Please make absolutely sure your backups are up to date before pressing Reset.
2. Once you click Reset, the process will start.
   

1. Your computer will reboot, and give you the progress of the reset at the bottom.
   

Windows will guide you through setting it up with your username, password and other basic settings, just like when you first purchased your computer.