Has your laptop been feeling a bit sluggish lately, or are you planning to pass it on to someone else? A factory reset can be a great way to give your Windows 10 machine a fresh start. This process restores the laptop to its original system state, just like when you first took it out of the box, wiping away all your personal files, apps, and settings.
Getting Your Laptop Ready for a Reset
Before you begin, the most important step is to back up your important files. A full factory reset will remove everything, so save your documents, photos, and any other personal data to an external hard drive or a cloud service. Also, make sure your laptop is plugged into a power source to prevent any interruptions during the reset process.
Two Main Paths to a Fresh Start
Windows 10 offers two primary reset options, and choosing the right one depends on your goal. You can find both by going to Settings > Update & Security > Recovery.
Keeping Your Files or Removing Everything
The first option, “Keep my files,” is a gentler approach. It reinstalls Windows 10 and removes apps and settings that might be causing problems, but it preserves your personal files in a folder on the desktop. This is ideal for troubleshooting performance issues.
The second option, “Remove everything,” does a complete wipe. It deletes all your personal files, apps, and settings. If you’re recycling, selling, or donating the laptop, this is the safest choice to protect your privacy.
When You Can’t Access Windows Settings
If your laptop isn’t starting up correctly, you can still trigger a reset. From the sign-in screen, hold down the Shift key while you select the Power button and then Restart. Continue holding Shift until you see a blue screen with several options. Choose Troubleshoot > Reset this PC to begin the process.
What to Expect After the Reset
Once the reset is complete, your laptop will restart. The process can take an hour or more. You’ll be guided through the initial setup screens, just like with a new computer, where you can create a user account and adjust your preferences.
By following these steps, you can confidently refresh your laptop, ensuring it runs smoothly or is ready for its next owner with all your personal information securely erased.
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