Over time, your Windows 10 computer might start to feel sluggish, overloaded with unnecessary files, or just not performing like it used to. Sometimes, the quickest fix is to give it a fresh start by performing a factory reset. This process reinstalls Windows 10 and removes all your personal files, apps, and settings—or, if you choose, keeps your personal files while still refreshing the system.
In this step-by-step guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about factory resetting Windows 10, whether you’re preparing to sell your computer, fixing performance issues, or just starting fresh.
When Should You Factory Reset Windows 10?
Before jumping into the reset process, it’s important to understand when it makes sense:
-
Performance issues – If your PC feels slow or keeps crashing.
-
Virus or malware infections – Resetting wipes harmful software.
-
Selling or giving away your PC – Ensures your personal data is erased.
-
Starting fresh – A clean slate without apps and clutter.
Things to Do Before Resetting Your PC
A factory reset erases a lot of data, so make sure you’re prepared:
-
Backup your important files – Use an external hard drive or cloud storage like OneDrive or Google Drive.
-
Save your software keys – For apps like Microsoft Office, jot down license keys.
-
Unlink your accounts – Sign out of Microsoft account, OneDrive, and other synced services.
-
Plug in your device – A reset can take a while, and you don’t want your laptop dying mid-process.
How to Factory Reset Windows 10
Here’s the exact step-by-step process you’ll need to follow.
Step 1: Open Settings
Click the Start Menu and select Settings (the gear icon).
Step 2: Go to Update & Security
In the Settings window, click on Update & Security.
Step 3: Select Recovery
From the left-hand menu, choose Recovery.
Step 4: Click “Reset this PC”
Under the “Reset this PC” section, click Get Started.
Step 5: Choose an Option
You’ll get two choices:
-
Keep my files – Removes apps and settings, but keeps your personal files.
-
Remove everything – Wipes everything, including your files. (Best if selling or donating your PC.)
Step 6: Reinstallation Method
Windows will ask how you want to reinstall:
-
Cloud download – Downloads the latest Windows 10 version from Microsoft.
-
Local reinstall – Reinstalls Windows using files already on your device.
Tip: Cloud download ensures the newest updates but requires internet. Local reinstall is faster but uses existing system files.
Step 7: Confirm and Reset
Review the summary of what will happen, then click Reset. Your PC will restart, and the reset process will begin.
How Long Does a Factory Reset Take?
-
Keep my files option → Around 30–60 minutes.
-
Remove everything option → 1–3 hours (depends on your storage and files).
What Happens After Resetting?
Once your PC restarts, you’ll go through the Windows setup screen just like when you first bought the computer. You’ll need to:
-
Choose your region and language.
-
Sign in with your Microsoft account.
-
Reinstall your apps.
Alternative Ways to Reset Windows 10
Using Advanced Startup
If you can’t access the Settings app (for example, your PC won’t boot properly), you can reset using Advanced Startup:
-
Turn on your PC and press Shift + Restart from the login screen.
-
Go to Troubleshoot > Reset this PC.
-
Follow the same steps as above.
Using Installation Media
If your system is corrupted, use a Windows 10 USB installation drive to reset your PC. Boot from the USB, then choose Repair your computer > Troubleshoot > Reset this PC.
Troubleshooting Reset Issues
-
Reset stuck at a percentage → Be patient, but if it’s frozen for hours, restart and try again.
-
Can’t find Reset option → Ensure your Windows is updated.
-
Error messages during reset → Use installation media to force a clean reinstall.
Tips After Factory Reset
-
Update Windows – Install the latest updates for security and performance.
-
Reinstall essential apps – Like Microsoft Office, browsers, or work tools.
-
Restore backups – Copy your files back from your external drive or cloud.
-
Enable antivirus – Make sure Windows Defender or another antivirus is active.
Conclusion
A factory reset in Windows 10 is like giving your computer a fresh coat of paint—it clears away the clutter, fixes stubborn problems, and brings back that “new PC” feel. Whether you’re troubleshooting issues or preparing your device for resale, following this step-by-step guide will make the process simple and stress-free.
FAQs
Q1: Will a factory reset remove Windows 10?
No, the reset reinstalls Windows 10—it doesn’t remove it.
Q2: Do I need a product key after resetting?
Usually, no. If your PC already had Windows 10 activated, it will reactivate automatically.
Q3: Can I undo a factory reset?
No, once you reset and wipe data, it’s gone unless you backed it up.
Q4: Is factory reset the same as formatting?
Not exactly. Reset reinstalls Windows, while formatting wipes the drive completely.
Q5: Does factory resetting remove viruses?
Yes, in most cases. Since it removes apps and reinstalls Windows, most malware will be wiped out.