How to Factory Reset Windows

To fix problems or get ready to sell

Factory resetting Windows means installing or loading a fresh copy of the operating system on your device. Performing a factory reset will fix complex software-related issues,remove stubborn malware, and other problems. It’s also recommended to factory reset a computer you intend to sell or gift to someone.

This tutorial will walk you through different ways to factory reset Windows 11 devices, even if they won’t boot correctly. The process isn’t too different from factory resetting Windows 10 devices.

Reset Windows 11 from the Settings App

This is the easiest way to factory reset a Windows 11 device if you can access or sign in to the Windows interface.

Alternatively, use theWindows key+Ishortcut to access the Settings menu.

You should chooseCloud downloadif yourPC has some corrupt or missing system files. That’ll download a fresh copy of the affected files from Microsoft’s server and fix the malfunction.

Microsoft has a support document that can help you decide the best reset option to select if you’re unsure. SelectHelp me chooseto access the document in your browser.

Note:You cannot factory reset Windows 11 while your PC is running on battery power. Otherwise, you’ll get a “Plug in your PC” error message.

The factory restoration process will resume when you connect your computer to a power outlet.

Your PC should boot into Windows 11 when it’s done resetting your settings or files. Again, note that theCloud downloadoption takes longer minutes or hours thanLocal reinstall. Keep your PC plugged into a power outlet and ensure you have a fast internet connection.

Reset Windows 11 Using a Bootable USB Drive

Use this method if your PC isn’t booting into Windows. First, you have to download the Windows 11 disk image (ISO) file to an external storage device from another computer. Before you proceed, make sure you have a high-speed internet connection.

Additionally, ensure there’s sufficient storage space on your PC or external drive–you’ll need at least 8GB of storage space to download the Windows 11 ISO file. Finally, and most importantly, confirm that the PC you want to factory reset meets theWindows 11 requirements.

Installing Windows 11 on a device that doesn’t meet the requirement may result in performance issues and hardware damage. Mind you, compatibility-related damages aren’t always covered under the manufacturer’s warranty. So, confirm that your PC can handle Windows 11 beforecreating the bootable USB drive.

That’ll redirect you to the “Select the product language” section where you’ll need to select your preferred Windows language.

That’ll finally generate a Windows 11 download link for the selected language. Try again in 24 hours or use another computer if you’re getting an error message. Or, if the downloader fails to generate a link.

Note:Windows 11 is only available for PCs with 64-bit processors, although 32-bit apps will work correctly on the operating system. So you might be unable to factory reset a 32-bit PC using a bootable USB drive.

Plug the USB drive into your PC when the download is complete. Afterward, proceed to step #4 to flash the ISO file to the USB drive using Rufus, a reliable third-party solution for creating USB installation drives.

You’ll get a success message when the bootable drive is created. Rufus will also recommend disabling “Secure Boot” in your BIOS settings before using the bootable drive. Continue to the next step to learn how it’s done.

Now you can factory reset the PC via the Windows Boot Manager via the bootable drive.

That’ll load the Windows 11 setup file on the drive. Follow the prompt and continue with the installation.

We recommend having your PC plugged into a power source during the process. After resetting your PC, make sure you have the latest security patches, updates, and device drivers. Connect your PC to the internet, head toSettings>Windows Update,and install any available cumulative updates on the page.

How to Factory Reset Windows 10

We’ll look at four different ways to reset Windows 10 to factory settings:

Note: Back up your files before you reset Windows 10, otherwise you may lose some of your important files and you may not be able torecover the deleted data.

If you want to reset Windows 10 and stillkeep all your files, you can do so using the “Keep my files” option. Once the process is completed, the PC will be as good as new. Then you can reconfigure custom settings and reinstall any apps you want again.

Your PC will reset to factory settings and preserve all your files. Once the reset is completed, check your PC for any Windows Updates to ensure that the operating system isn’t missing any patches, security updates, or important drivers.

Finally, reinstall any apps you had installed before the reset, and then start using your PC as usual.

With the “Remove Everything” option, you’ll reset your PC and remove all your personal files, apps, drivers, files, and any changes you made to settings. It also removes any apps your PC manufacturer installed.

Note: This option is useful if you’re planning to recycle, donate, or sell your computer. It may take about an hour or two to complete but makes it difficult for others to recover any files you deleted. Leaving the Clean Data toggle at Noreducesthe completion time as it will only remove files. However, it’s less secure.

If you’re unable to open Windows settings on your PC, you can reset Windows 10 from thesign-in screen.

With the fresh start option, you can reset Windows 10 and keep your files if you want to start with a fresh copy of the operating system that doesn’t havebloatwareor extra software.

However, instead of using a custom image from your PC’s manufacturer, the fresh start option uses the originalimage of Windows 10provided by Microsoft.

Note: This may not work for branded computers such as Dell, HP, ASUS or Acer as it may not reinstall certain apps or drivers you may need. Plus, you may not be able to use the custom manufacturer image in subsequent resets.

Once you complete the steps, the original Windows 10 image will be used to factory reset your Windows 10 PC, keeping your personal data.

Sodiq has written thousands of tutorials, guides, and explainers over the past 4 years to help people solve problems with Android, iOS, Mac, and Windows devices. He also enjoys reviewing consumer tech products (smartphones, smart home devices, accessories, etc.) and binge-watching comedy series in his spare time.Read Sodiq’s Full Bio

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How to Factory Reset Windows#

Reset Windows 11 from the Settings App#

Reset Windows 11 Using a Bootable USB Drive#

How to Factory Reset Windows 10#

How to Reset Windows 10 From the Sign-in Screen#