How to factory reset Windows 10 or 11 PC: A detailed guide

Why should you factory reset your Windows 10 or 11?

You might want to reset your PC to its factory settings for several reasons:

• You hope to resolve recurring performance issues, glitches, or crashes.
• You need to remove malware and unwanted software.
• You need to prepare your computer for sale or donation.
• You want to give your PC a fresh start.

Keep in mind that resetting your PC will delete all your apps, settings, files, and accounts. If you’re keeping the computer, don’t forget to back up your important data first. Also, note that a factory reset is not the same as wiping a hard drive — it removes most data while keeping the operating system intact.

What to do before factory resetting your Windows PC

Before you reset your PC, make sure you’re fully prepared.

1. 1.Back up your files and data. Transfer important documents, photos, and videos to an external hard drive, USB stick, or cloud storage like OneDrive or Google Drive.
2. 2.Check your Windows product key. Most systems activate automatically after the reset, but keep your product key handy if you have an older PC or customized setup.
3. 3.Use cloud storage. Upload essential files to the cloud for easy access after a reset. Cloud solutions also prevent total data loss in case of hardware issues.
4. 4.Sign out of accounts. Log out of licensed apps like Microsoft Office and Adobe to avoid issues with reactivation on your freshly reset device.
5. 5.Create a recovery drive (optional). Use a blank USB drive to create a recovery tool in case anything goes wrong during the reset process.

How to factory reset Windows 10

If your Windows 10 PC has persistent issues or needs a fresh start, follow these quick steps to reset it to factory settings:

1. 1.

   Open the “Start” menu and select “Settings.”

   
2. 2.

   Go to “Recovery” under “Update and security.”

   
3. 3.

   Under “Reset this PC,” click “Get started.”

   
4. 4.

   Select one of the following options: “Keep my files” or “Remove everything.”

   
5. 5.

   Choose a reinstallation method, either "Cloud download" or "Local reinstall."

   
6. 6.

   Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the reset.

How to factory reset Windows 11

To reset your Windows 11 PC to factory settings, follow these steps:

1. 1.

   Go to “Start” and open the “Settings” app.

   
2. 2.

   Navigate to “System” > “Recovery.”

   
3. 3.

   Under “Recovery options,” click “Reset PC.”

   
4. 4.

   Choose one of the following options: “Keep my files” or “Remove everything.”

   
5. 5.

   Next, select your preferred reinstallation method: "Cloud download" or "Local reinstall."

   
6. 6.

   Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the reset.

After the reset, your PC will restart. If you saved your files earlier, you can restore them afterward.

What additional options can you choose during a factory reset on a Windows PC?

When resetting your Windows PC, you have several additional options that affect how the reset process works:

• “Cloud download.” If you select “Cloud download,” a window with additional settings will appear. This option lets you download a fresh copy of Windows from the cloud. It ensures you get the latest version with all updates, but it requires the internet and around 4 GB of data. It's useful if your local files are corrupted or missing.

• “Local reinstall.” If you opt for the “Local reinstall,” a window with additional settings will appear. This option lets you reinstall Windows using the existing files stored on your PC. It’s faster and doesn’t need an internet connection, but it won’t work if your system files are damaged.

  

• “Clean data?” If you’re selling, recycling, or donating your PC, set the toggle to “Yes” to wipe your drive and overwrite your data. This option makes it almost impossible for other people to recover your personal files.

  

• “Restore preinstalled apps?” This option allows you to reinstall factory-default apps and settings that originally came with your PC. Removing them leaves you with a completely bare installation of Windows.

  

• “Change settings.” This option lets you customize additional options, like whether to clean just the system drive or all connected drives. It’s especially useful for advanced users or those handling sensitive data.

  

What should you do after a factory reset on a Windows PC?

After resetting your PC, you still need to complete some important tasks to ensure it runs smoothly, stays secure, and fits your needs.

Phase 1: Get your PC ready to use

Start with these essential tasks:

1. 1.Install any pending Windows updates to keep your system secure and up to date.
2. 2.Check your internet connection.
3. 3.Install antivirus software to secure your PC immediately.
4. 4.Check your keyboard, speakers, webcam, and other hardware to confirm they function properly.

Phase 2: Restore your files and personalize your PC

Next, restore your files and personalize your system:

1. 1.Recover personal files from backups (OneDrive or external drives).
2. 2.Reinstall the apps you need, like browsers and Office tools.
3. 3.Adjust system settings like display resolution, power preferences, and privacy controls.
4. 4.Add or manage user accounts for everyone using the PC.

Phase 3: Optimize performance

Lastly, optimize your system for speed and efficiency:

1. 1.Update drivers to the latest versions.
2. 2.Set up a backup routine to protect against future data loss.
3. 3.Adjust power settings and configure auto-maintenance tasks.
4. 4.Configure visual effects to balance appearance with speed.