However, the Local reinstall option may not be able to repair Windows 10 if it’s too broken, too corrupted.

It’s Microsoft’s “ imageless recovery” system so installation media doesn’t need to lurk on a hidden partition, taking up space. In both cases, it rebuilds Windows 10 using the current installation. Your settings, such as the Start Menu arrangement, will go back to their defaults. Whichever you choose, you will need to reinstall all apps and programs acquired outside the Microsoft Store.

Here you need to decide whether you want to keep all of your files and folders intact, or truly start from scratch and then use your backup to restore those files and folders.

You can also click the start button followed by the Gear icon on the Start Menu. Step 1: Click the Notifications icon on the taskbar (or press the Windows button + A) and then click the All settings tile in the Action Center. The manufacturer might have special partitions set up on the hard drive or might be able to provide a factory restore image on bootable media. Check your documentation or give technical support a call if you want to return your PC to how it was when you first pulled it out of the box. Note that this might be technically different from a “factory reset” option provided by manufacturers. It can rebuild a fresh copy of Windows 10 if you so choose, replacing all drivers and resetting all settings. Windows 10’s reset feature is found in the settings panel. Make sure that you know all of your saved passwords, export all of your browser bookmarks, and have installation files for all the software you’ll want to reinstall - or know where to get them.Īlso, make sure you back up app-specific data, like custom filters saved in a photo utility, save files from your favorite games, and back up emails if using an offline client. This includes documents, photos, music, and movies, but there are other items to back up as well. First, back up your stuff!īefore you reset your system, you’ll want to back up important information that you don’t want to lose. And if you’re running into regular slowdowns, check out our guide on how to speed up Windows, too. Before you ditch your computer and spend hundreds, or even thousands, of dollars on a new one, there’s one last trick that can save you time and money: A factory reset.įollow the steps below to easily and successfully reset your Windows 10 or 11 PC to its clean factory setting. While your misery is understandable, don’t throw in the towel just yet. If you’re dealing with a sluggish or unresponsive computer, you may be close to just giving up.

Reset pc to factory settings windows 7