how to factory reset pc

February 26, 2026

To factory reset a Windows 10 or 11 PC, you use the built‑in “Reset this PC” feature in Settings or the recovery/advanced startup screen, then choose whether to keep your files or fully wipe everything.

Key warnings

Back up important files to an external drive or cloud before you start, because a full reset can erase apps and data.

Make sure the PC is plugged in so it does not power off during the reset.

Reset from within Windows

Use this if you can still log into Windows normally.

Open Settings from the Start menu.

Go to Update & Security > Recovery (Windows 10) or System > Recovery (Windows 11).

Under Reset this PC , click Get started or Reset PC.

Choose Keep my files (removes apps and settings but keeps personal files) or Remove everything (full wipe).

Select Cloud download (downloads a fresh copy of Windows) or Local reinstall (uses files already on your device).

Confirm the options shown and click Reset to begin; the PC will restart and run the reset automatically.

Reset from login/advanced startup

Use this if you can reach the login screen but not the desktop, or if you forgot the password.

Turn on the PC and go to the Windows login screen.

Click the power icon, then hold Shift on the keyboard while clicking Restart.

When the blue menu appears, choose Troubleshoot > Reset this PC.

Pick Keep my files or Remove everything , then follow the prompts to complete the reset.

If Windows won’t load at all

If Windows fails to boot repeatedly, or you want the cleanest possible reset:

Interrupt startup (power the PC off as Windows starts) 2–3 times to trigger the recovery environment, or boot from Windows installation media (USB).

In the recovery menu, select Troubleshoot > Reset this PC and choose your reset options; or reinstall Windows fully from the USB installer.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.