What a factory reset does and when to use it

A factory reset erases everything on your computer's hard drive and reinstalls the original operating system that came with it. All your files, programs, settings, and accounts are deleted. After the reset completes, your computer looks and works exactly as it did the day it left the factory.

You might factory reset a computer that runs slowly because of malware, before selling or giving it away, after a major software problem, or when you want a completely clean start. The process takes 30 minutes to two hours depending on your computer's speed and which reset method you use.

A factory reset is permanent and cannot be undone. Before you start, back up any files you want to keep to an external drive, cloud storage, or another computer. Write down any program license keys or passwords you will need after the reset, because you will have to reinstall everything.

Key Takeaways

  • Back up all your files to an external drive or cloud storage before starting, because a factory reset deletes everything on your computer.
  • Windows computers use Settings > System > Recovery > Reset this PC, while Mac computers use System Settings > General > Transfer or Reset.
  • Choose "Keep my files" on Windows if you want to erase programs and settings but save your documents, or "Remove everything" to delete all data.
  • The reset process takes 30 minutes to two hours and your computer will restart several times; do not turn it off during the process.
  • After the reset finishes, you will need to reinstall your programs, sign into your accounts, and restore any backed-up files.

How to factory reset a Windows computer

On Windows 10 or Windows 11, open Settings by pressing the Windows key and typing "Settings," then click the Settings app. Go to System in the left menu, then scroll down and click Recovery. Under "Reset this PC," click the Reset PC button.

Windows will ask whether you want to "Keep my files" or "Remove everything." Choose "Keep my files" if you want to erase all programs and settings but save your documents, photos, and other personal files. Choose "Remove everything" if you want the computer completely wiped clean. If you are selling or giving away the computer, choose "Remove everything."

Next, Windows asks whether you want to reinstall from the cloud or use local reinstall. Cloud reinstall downloads a fresh copy of Windows from Microsoft's servers and takes longer but is more reliable if your hard drive is damaged. Local reinstall uses files already on your computer and is faster. Choose whichever option your internet connection supports.

Click Next, review the summary of what will happen, and click Reset. Your computer will restart and show a progress screen. Do not turn off the computer or unplug it. The process usually takes 45 minutes to two hours. Your computer will restart several times on its own. When it finishes, you will see the Windows setup screen asking you to choose your language and region.

How to factory reset a Mac computer

On a Mac running macOS 12 (Monterey) or newer, click the Apple menu in the top left corner and select System Settings. Click General in the left sidebar, then scroll down and click Transfer or Reset. Click Erase All Content and Settings.

macOS will warn you that this action cannot be undone and will delete all your files, programs, and settings. Click Continue. If you have a password set on your Mac, you will need to enter it. Click Continue again.

Choose whether you want to keep your Apple ID or remove it. If you are keeping the Mac, choose "Keep my Apple ID" so you can sign back in after the reset. If you are selling or giving away the Mac, choose "Remove my Apple ID." Enter your Apple ID password if prompted.

Click Erase to start the process. Your Mac will restart and show a progress bar. Do not turn off the Mac or close the lid. The process usually takes 30 minutes to one hour. When it finishes, you will see the macOS setup screen asking you to choose your language and region.

What to do after the factory reset completes

When your computer finishes resetting, it will ask you to set up Windows or macOS as if it were brand new. Choose your language and region, create or sign into a user account, and connect to your Wi-Fi network. This setup usually takes 10 to 15 minutes.

After setup finishes, your desktop will be empty. Reinstall the programs you need by downloading them from their official websites or from the Microsoft Store (Windows) or App Store (Mac). Sign into your email, cloud storage, and other accounts. Restore any files you backed up before the reset by copying them from your external drive or cloud storage back to your computer.

Your computer will likely need software updates now that it has a fresh operating system. On Windows, go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and click Check for updates. On Mac, click the Apple menu and select System Settings > General > Software Update. Let these updates install completely before using your computer for important work.

Common mistakes to avoid during a factory reset

The biggest mistake is not backing up your files first. Once the reset starts, there is no way to recover deleted files unless you have a backup. Spend 30 minutes copying your important documents, photos, and other files to an external drive or cloud storage before you begin.

Do not turn off your computer or unplug it while the reset is running. The process needs to complete fully or your computer may not work correctly afterward. If the reset seems stuck on the same screen for more than 30 minutes, wait another 30 minutes before deciding something went wrong. Resets often pause without showing progress.

Do not assume your programs will reinstall automatically. After the reset, you will need to read and install each program you want to use. Write down which programs you use regularly before you start the reset so you remember what to reinstall.

When to use "Keep my files" instead of "Remove everything"

On Windows, "Keep my files" erases all your programs and settings but saves your documents, photos, videos, music, and other personal files. This option is useful if your computer is running slowly because of too many programs or corrupted settings, but your files are fine. It is faster than "Remove everything" because Windows does not have to erase as much data.

"Keep my files" is not find enough if you are selling or giving away your computer, because someone with technical knowledge might be able to recover deleted programs or settings. For a computer you are giving to someone else, always choose "Remove everything."

If you are not sure which option to pick, choose "Remove everything." It takes a bit longer but guarantees a completely clean computer with no leftover files or settings.

What to do if the factory reset fails or gets stuck

If your computer gets stuck on the same screen for more than an hour, try restarting it by holding the power button for 10 seconds until it shuts down completely. Wait 30 seconds, then turn it back on and try the reset again from the beginning.

If the reset fails with an error message, write down the exact error code and search for it on Microsoft's support website (for Windows) or Apple's support website (for Mac). These sites have troubleshooting steps for specific errors.

If your computer will not start at all or keeps restarting during the reset, you may need to use a recovery drive. On Windows, you can create a recovery drive on another computer using the Media Creation Tool from Microsoft's website. On Mac, you can restart while holding Command + R to enter Recovery Mode. These advanced options are complex, so search for detailed instructions specific to your computer model if you reach this point.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will a factory reset remove viruses and malware?

Yes, a factory reset removes all viruses and malware because it deletes everything on your hard drive and reinstalls a clean operating system. However, if the malware is on an external drive or USB stick you plug in after the reset, it can infect your computer again. Scan any external drives with antivirus software before connecting them to your newly reset computer.

Can I factory reset my computer without losing my files?

On Windows, yes—choose "Keep my files" during the reset process. This erases all programs and settings but saves your documents and personal files. On Mac, the reset process deletes everything, so you must back up your files first and restore them after the reset finishes.

How long does a factory reset take?

A factory reset usually takes 30 minutes to two hours depending on your computer's speed and hard drive size. The actual reset process takes 45 minutes to an hour, but setup and reinstalling programs afterward can add another hour or more. Do not turn off your computer during this time.

Do I need the original Windows or Mac installation disc?

No. Windows downloads a fresh copy from Microsoft's servers during the reset, and Mac does the same with Apple's servers. You only need an internet connection. If your internet is very slow, choose the local reinstall option on Windows, which uses files already on your computer.

What should I do with my old programs after a factory reset?

You will need to reinstall any programs you want to use. read them from the official websites or from the Microsoft Store (Windows) or App Store (Mac). If you have license keys for paid software, you will need them to reinstall. Keep a list of your programs before the reset so you remember what to reinstall.