Resetting a Windows PC can be a lifesaver when faced with technical issues, slow performance, or malware infections. It can restore the system to its original state, fixing problems and wiping out unwanted data. Learning about how to reset your PC is important, as you can mess things up if you don’t know what to do.
Key Takeaways
- Resetting Windows using the Settings app method is a convenient solution for users who want to quickly reset their PC without needing to create bootable media or use advanced tools.
- It is essential to back up important files before resetting a Windows PC, as all installed programs, apps, and drivers will be removed during the process.
- The method you choose for resetting your Windows PC will depend on factors such as the cause of the issue, the desired outcome, and the user’s technical expertise.
How To Reset PC
There are multiple ways through which you can reset PC, which include:
- Using Windows Settings
- Using Installation Media
- Using The Refresh Tool
- Using Fresh Start
- Using Command Prompt
Using Windows Settings
Steps to Reset PC using Settings:
Open Windows Settings
To reset Windows using Settings, the first step is to open the Windows Settings app. To achieve this, choose the settings option by clicking the Windows Start button. This will open the Windows Settings app.
Select Update & Security
Click on the “Update & Security” option in the Windows Settings app.
Click On Recovery
In the Windows Update & Security section, you will see a section called “Recovery.” To access the recovery options, click on it.
Go To Reset This PC
Under the Recovery section, you will see an option called “Reset this PC.” To start the reset procedure, click it.
Choose An Option
When you reset your Windows computer, you can choose “Keep my files” or “Remove everything.”
Keep My Files
If you choose the “Keep my files” option, your files and settings will be kept, but all the installed apps and programs will be removed.
Remove Everything
If you choose the “Remove everything” option, all the personal files, apps, programs, and settings will be removed. The computer will be reset to its initial settings.
Confirm The Reset
To begin the reset procedure, click “Reset.” You will be prompted to confirm the Reset, and once approved, Windows will start the reset process.
Wait For The Reset Process
The reset process could take some time, depending on how much data there is and how quickly your PC is. You might have to wait for a short time or even a few hours.
Finish The Reset Process
Once the reset process is complete, Windows will restart, and you will be asked to set up Windows as if you were setting up a new PC. To complete the reset procedure, adhere to the on-screen instructions.
Note: It is advised to back up your crucial data, files, and settings before resetting Windows. The reset process will erase all the data from your PC, and you may not be able to recover it.
Reset PC Using Installation Media
Steps to Factory Reset PC using Installation Media:
Prepare Installation Media
To factory reset Windows using Installation Media, you need a Windows installation media, such as a bootable USB drive or a DVD.
Boot From Installation Media
Insert the installation media into your PC and restart your computer. You might need to modify the BIOS settings for the boot order to boot from the installation media.
Select Language And Other Preferences
After the installation, you will be prompted to choose your preferred language, time zone, and keyboard or input method. Choose the appropriate options and click on “Next.”
Click On Install Now
Click the “Install Now” option on the screen to begin the installation procedure.
Enter Product Key
If prompted, enter your product key to activate Windows. This step can be skipped if you don’t have a product key; you can do it later.
Accept The License Terms
You must read and agree to the license conditions for the installation procedure to continue.
Choose The Installation Type
To perform a clean installation of Windows, select “Custom” on the screen.
Select The Disk To Install Windows
You will be asked to choose the disk where you want to install Windows. Choose the appropriate disk, and click on “Next.”
Wait For The Installation Process
The installation process could take some time, depending on how fast your PC is. Several minutes of waiting can be needed.
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Configure Windows Settings
Once the installation process is complete, Windows will restart, and you will be asked to set up Windows as if you were setting up a new PC. Finish the setup procedure and set up your Windows settings by following the on-screen instructions.
Using The Refresh Tool (Windows 8 and 8.1)
Steps to reset PC using the Refresh Tool:
Open The Refresh Tool
The first step is to open the tool to refresh Windows using the Refresh Tool. Press Windows key + X and choose “Control Panel” to do this. Click “System and Security,” then “Recovery,” in the Control Panel. Under “Recovery,” choose “Refresh your PC without affecting your files.”
Start The Refresh Process
Once you have opened the Refresh Tool, click “Next” to start the refresh process. Following your approval, Windows will begin the refresh process when you are prompted to confirm it.
Wait For The Refresh Process
Depending on the volume of data and the speed of your PC, the refresh process could take some time. Several minutes or even hours of waiting can be required.
Finish The Refresh Process
Once the refresh process is complete, Windows will restart, and you will be asked to sign in to your account. Your files and settings will be kept, but all the installed apps and programs will be removed.
Reinstall Apps And Programs
After the refresh process, you will need to reinstall any removed apps and programs. You can reinstall them from the Windows Store or their original installation media.
Note: The Refresh Tool is available in Windows 8 and Windows 8.1. This tool will reset your PC by removing the installed apps and programs, but your files and settings will be kept. The refresh process may erase some data from your PC, and you may not be able to recover it.
Using Fresh Start
Steps to Reset PC using Fresh Start:
Open Windows Settings
The first step to reset Windows using Fresh Start is to open Windows Settings. To do this, select Settings by clicking on the Windows Start button.
Go to Update & Security
In Windows Settings, click on “Update & Security.” This will open the Update & Security settings.
Select Device Performance & Health
Under the “Update & Security” section, click “Device performance & health.”
Click On Fresh Start
In the device performance and health settings, click on the “Fresh start” button. By doing this, the Fresh Start procedure will start.
Confirm The Fresh Start
You will be prompted to confirm the Fresh Start process. Once approved, Windows will begin the Fresh Start process.
Wait For The Fresh Start
The duration of the Fresh Start process will depend on the amount of data and the speed of your PC. Several minutes of waiting can be needed.
Finish The Fresh Start
Once the Fresh Start process is complete, Windows will restart, and you will be asked to sign in to your account. Your files and settings will be kept, but all the installed apps and programs will be removed.
Reinstall Apps And Programs
After the fresh start, you will need to reinstall any removed apps and programs.
Note: Fresh Start is available in Windows 10 version 1703 and later. This feature will reset your PC by removing the installed apps and programs, but your files and settings will be kept.
Using Command Prompt
Steps to Reset PC using Command Prompt:
Open Command Prompt
To open the Command Prompt, go to the Start menu and search for “Command Prompt.” Right-click on the result and select “Run as administrator.”
Use The “systemreset” Command
In the Command Prompt, type the following command and press Enter:
“systemreset.”
The hard drive will be reset, and all data will be deleted when you execute this command.
Confirm The reset
The system will prompt you to confirm the reset process. To confirm the reset, enter “Y” and hit Enter.
Wait For The Reset To Complete
The reset process may take some time, so be patient and wait for the process to complete.
Set Up Windows
Once the reset is complete, you can follow the on-screen instructions to set up Windows on your PC.
Note: The Command Prompt reset method is available in all Windows 10. This method will erase all personal files, settings, and installed apps and programs, so it is recommended to back up all your important data before using it.
Conclusion
In conclusion, resetting a PC can be helpful when faced with technical issues, slow performance, or malware infections. With multiple methods to choose from, you can reset your system in the way that best suits your needs. Whether you prefer to use the built-in Settings app, Installation Media, the Refresh Tool, Fresh Start, or the Command Prompt, each method has its benefits and limitations.
This article has provided comprehensive guides to each technique, including step-by-step instructions, explanations of the options available, and information on which versions of Windows support each process. By following these guides, you can reset your Windows PC confidently, restoring it to its original state and fixing any problems. In any case, we hope that you have learned about how to reset your PC through our guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Resetting Windows using the Refresh Tool will reinstall Windows but will preserve personal files, settings, and Metro-style apps. Refreshing Windows will maintain your files and settings while removing all other software and apps not preinstalled on the PC.
Yes, when resetting Windows using the Settings app, you can keep or remove your files. You can choose to keep your files, but this option may take longer, and there is a chance that some files may not be recoverable.
When you perform a clean install of Windows using Installation Media, all data on your hard drive will be erased, including personal files. Before completing a clean install, it’s crucial to back up your files.
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