How to Factory Reset Windows 10 and 11

June 14, 2024 By Nancy William No Comments 4 minutes

Is there a reason you’d want to know how to factory reset Windows 10 and 11? Are you looking for a fresh start on your device or trying to sell it? Whatever the reason may be, I will show you how to reset your Windows device.

How to factory reset Windows 10 and 11

NOTE – If you’re planning on keeping your newly factory reset Windows clean and secure, consider getting the FastestVPN app for Windows. It allows better device health, preventing malware from intruding. Plus, with it, you can access numerous websites and apps safely.

Before we get to the tutorials, let’s discuss why a Windows factory reset is sometimes necessary.

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Reasons to Run a Factory Reset for Windows Computer

There are a few reasons why you would want to reset your Windows 10 or 11 computer. It’s usually the case when your PC is not working smoothly or when you would like to sell it. Some devices usually fest up with bugs, which often causes lagging issues and other setbacks.

A factory reset for your PC helps prevent your device from crashing. Before you begin, you need to keep in mind that once you factory reset your device, you lose all your previous settings, apps, software, files, and more. This also includes all your login information for social media accounts, etc.

It’s important to note that a factory reset for Windows 10 or 11 PCs is a significant step. It’s best to consider it if you’re truly planning on giving your device a fresh start, regifting it, or selling it. However, be aware, as mentioned, this process erases all your data, so it’s crucial to create backups.

It’s important to differentiate between a factory reset and a hard drive wipe. When you factory reset Windows 10 and 11, the operating system remains intact. Only your personal files, downloads, and settings are wiped out. This is a drastic step to take when you’ve exhausted other troubleshooting solutions.

With that in mind, let’s head to the tutorials.

How to Factory Reset Windows PC 10 and 11

Once you’ve saved and backed up all your data, take a look below at how to get started, giving your devices a completely fresh start:

Factory Reset Windows 10

If you are experiencing issues with your Windows 10 and other solutions don’t seem to work, you could try factory resetting it. To begin, go to “Start” > “Settings” > “Update & security” > “Recovery” > “Reset this PC” > “Get started.” Need more details? Take a look below:

Open your Windows PC.
Click on the “Start” menu.
Find and open the “Settings” app.
From the list, click on “Update & Security” followed by “Recovery” > “Get Started.” You will find the option under “Reset this PC.”

This next step is crucial! Decide what to do with your files. While wiping out programs and settings, you can select “Keep my files” to preserve your personal information, such as your documents, music, and pictures.

This is ideal if you’re sprucing up your own PC. On the other hand, “Remove everything” completely wipes the drive clean, including your files. Consider selecting this option if you’re selling out or allowing another to use your PC. This is to make sure that no information or files are stored or misused.

Factory Reset Windows 11

Now that you’re done with factory resetting your Windows 10, let’s move to performing a factory reset on Windows 11. On your device, click on the “Start” menu. Next, go to the “Settings” app > followed by “System.” Now select “Recovery” > and then “Reset PC.” Before you proceed to these settings, ensure that you’ve tried other solutions or fixes. If none work, proceed to the tutorial below:

Open your Windows, and click on the “Start” button.
Next, go to the “Settings” app.
Select “System” and then click on “Recovery.”
Depending on your PC model, click on “Reset PC” or “Reset this PC.”
There will be two options; “Keep my files” or “Remove Everything.”
Select “Remove Everything” if you’re looking for a factory reset.

For either tutorial, you will need to reinstall Windows. After rebooting (the lock screen appears), if you are selling the PC, shut it down completely to erase your data. Otherwise, sign in and reinstall any apps.

FAQs – Factory Reset Windows

What happens when I factory reset my Windows computer?

When you factory reset your PC or Laptop, it automatically restores the device to its first factory settings, meaning exactly how you first received the device. This process will wipe out all your apps, personal data, and other information. Most users perform this when there is malware on their devices or other intrusions.

How do I wipe Windows reset?

Go to your PC Settings app, click on Update & Security, select Recovery, followed by Reset this PC, and then click on Get Started.

How do you completely wipe a PC hard drive?

Go to “Settings” > “System” > “Recovery” > “Reset PC” > select “Keep my files” to wipe out apps and settings and keep personal data. Alternatively, you can select “Remove everything” to wipe out all information. Next, click on “Local reinstall” or “Cloud download.” Now, under the “Additional settings” menu, click on “Change settings” > “Clean data?” > “Yes.” Lastly, click on “Next” > “Reset,” and you’re done.

If I factory reset Windows will it also uninstall?

No, that’s only if you select the reinstall option after a factory reset. When you factory reset your device, you will lose all saved data, apps, settings, and more. However, if you only uninstall and reinstall Windows, all your personal files are saved, but the installed apps, drivers, etc., are reverted back to the previous settings.

How do you factory reset Windows without a password?

To factory reset Windows without using a password, you have to press down on the SHIFT key while initiating to press on the restart command. Once you see the “Please wait” screen, let go of the SHIFT key. You will see a few options on the next page. Select “Troubleshoot.” Choose the “Reset this PC” option. Now, on the next page, select either “Keep my files” or “Remove everything.” Keeping your files option will remove only installed apps but preserve personal data. Now, select how you’d prefer to reinstall Windows. You can choose to download any installed files from the cloud or select to download any Windows-installed data on your PC. Go to “Reset this PC” > “Fully clean the drive” or “Just remove my files.” The process will now begin.

To Conclude

And there you have it; you now know how to factory reset Windows 10 and 11 successfully. Again, always consider other options first before attempting to factory reset any device, be it Android, Mac, or other devices. If you’re only doing it for a fresh start, consider using FastestVPN on your device for extra security and data encryption.