A Windows 10 factory reset reinstalls Windows and clears many software problems at once. You can keep personal files or remove everything for a clean start.
This guide uses the built-in Reset this PC feature. Back up important files before starting.
Does This Affect You?
Reset is useful when Windows is slow, cluttered, infected, broken, or easier to rebuild than troubleshoot. It removes installed programs, so be ready to reinstall apps afterward.
Reset from Settings
- Back up important files to an external drive, USB drive, or cloud storage.
- Open Settings > Update & Security > Recovery.
- Under Reset this PC, click Get started.
- Choose Keep my files or Remove everything. Use Remove everything if selling or giving away the PC.
- Choose Cloud download for fresh Windows files or Local reinstall to use files already on the PC.
- Review the summary and click Reset. Do not turn off the PC while it restarts and reinstalls.
Reset from Recovery
- If Windows will not start, interrupt startup two or three times to reach Automatic Repair.
- Choose Troubleshoot > Reset this PC.
- Choose Keep my files or Remove everything.
- Follow the same prompts as the Settings method.
Before and After Reset
What Happens to Files and Apps
Keep my files preserves user folders but removes apps and many settings. Remove everything wipes personal files too unless backed up.
Activation
If Windows was activated before, it should reactivate automatically when connected to the internet.
If Reset Fails
If Windows says there was a problem resetting the PC, create Windows installation media on another computer and perform a clean install from USB.
After the Reset
Run Windows Update, reinstall only needed apps, restore files carefully, and set up File History, OneDrive, or another backup routine.
Sources
- Microsoft Support: Recovery options in Windows
- Microsoft Support: Back up your Windows PC
- Microsoft Support: Create a recovery drive