What factory reset means and when to use it
A factory reset wipes your ASUS computer and reinstalls the original operating system and drivers that came from the manufacturer. Everything you installed after purchase — programs, files, settings, user accounts — gets deleted. The computer returns to the state it was in when it left the factory.
You might reset your ASUS if it runs slowly, has persistent software problems, you're selling or giving it away, or you want to start fresh. A reset is different from a restart: restarting just reboots the system, while a reset erases and rebuilds it.
Before you start, back up any files you want to keep. Copy them to an external drive, cloud storage, or another computer. Once the reset begins, recovery is difficult.
Key Takeaways
- ASUS computers running Windows have a built-in reset tool in Settings under System > Recovery that does not require installation media.
- You can choose to keep your files and remove only programs, or erase everything and reinstall Windows completely.
- The reset process takes 30 minutes to two hours depending on your computer's speed and which option you choose.
- If your computer will not start or the Settings reset fails, you can create a Windows installation USB drive on another computer and reset from that.
- After reset, you will need to reinstall programs, sign back into accounts, and restore any files you backed up beforehand.
Using the built-in Windows reset tool
The easiest path is the reset tool built into Windows itself. This works on ASUS computers running Windows 10 or Windows 11 and does not require any installation media or downloads.
Open Settings by pressing the Windows key and typing "Settings," then select it. Go to System in the left menu, then scroll down and click Recovery. Under "Reset this PC," click the button labeled Reset PC.
Windows will ask whether you want to Keep my files or Remove everything. If you choose Keep my files, Windows removes all programs but leaves your personal documents, photos, and music. If you choose Remove everything, the entire drive gets wiped and Windows reinstalls from scratch. For a true factory reset, choose Remove everything.
Next, Windows asks whether to reinstall from the cloud or from local files. If your internet connection is stable, cloud reinstall is faster. If your connection is slow or unreliable, choose local reinstall. The process then begins and your computer will restart several times. Do not turn it off during this time.
Creating a Windows installation USB if Settings reset fails
If your ASUS computer will not start, or if the Settings reset tool does not work, you can reset using a Windows installation USB drive. You will need another working computer and a USB drive with at least 8 GB of space.
On the working computer, go to microsoft.com/software-read/windows (for Windows 11) or microsoft.com/software-read/windows10 (for Windows 10). Click read tool now and run the file. Select Create installation media for another PC, choose your language and Windows version, then select USB flash drive.
Plug the USB drive into the working computer and follow the prompts. The tool downloads Windows and writes it to the USB. This takes 15 to 30 minutes depending on your internet speed.
Once the USB is ready, plug it into your ASUS computer. Restart the computer and press the key that opens the boot menu — this is usually Delete, F2, F12, or Esc, depending on your ASUS model. The key appears on the screen for a few seconds when you first power on. Select the USB drive from the boot menu.
Windows setup will start. Click Repair your computer at the bottom left, then Troubleshoot, then Reset this PC. From here, follow the same steps as the Settings reset: choose Remove everything, select cloud or local reinstall, and let the process complete.
What happens after the reset finishes
When the reset is complete, your ASUS computer restarts and shows the Windows setup screen. You will create or sign into a Microsoft account, choose privacy settings, and set your time zone. This takes 10 to 15 minutes.
After setup, you have a clean Windows installation with no third-party programs. ASUS drivers for your specific model are usually included, so hardware like your touchpad, keyboard, and audio should work. However, programs you had before — Microsoft Office, Chrome, Zoom, antivirus software — are gone and must be reinstalled.
If you backed up files before the reset, copy them back from your external drive or cloud storage. If you kept your files during the reset, they will be in a folder called Windows.old on your C: drive, but it is easier to restore from your backup.
Troubleshooting a reset that gets stuck
Occasionally a reset stalls or fails partway through. If your computer is stuck on a loading screen for more than an hour, or if you see an error message, try a hard restart: hold the power button for 10 seconds until the computer shuts down completely, then turn it back on.
If the reset fails again, the issue is usually a corrupted Windows file or a failing hard drive. At this point, the USB installation method is more reliable. If the USB method also fails or gets stuck, your hard drive may need replacement — this is a job for an ASUS service center or a local computer repair shop.
If you see a message that says Windows cannot find installation files, make sure the USB drive was created correctly on a working computer and that you selected the same Windows version (Home, Pro, etc.) that your ASUS originally had. Check your original ASUS documentation or the Windows set up screen to confirm your version.
Protecting your data before you reset
The most important step happens before the reset starts: backing up your files. If you have documents, photos, videos, or anything else you want to keep, copy them to an external USB drive, a cloud service like OneDrive or Google Drive, or another computer on your network.
Do not rely on the "Keep my files" option as your only backup. That option is meant as a convenience, not a safety net. If something goes wrong during reset, those files can be lost. A separate backup gives you a second copy in case the reset fails.
Also note any programs you have installed and their license keys or login information. After reset, you will need to read and install them again. For programs you paid for, keep the license key or serial number somewhere safe.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will factory reset remove viruses or malware?
A full factory reset that removes everything will eliminate most viruses and malware because it erases the entire drive and reinstalls Windows. However, some advanced malware can survive even a factory reset if it has infected your BIOS or firmware. If you suspect a serious infection, a factory reset is a good first step, but consider having a professional scan your computer afterward.
Can I cancel a factory reset once it starts?
You can cancel during the initial setup phase before the actual deletion begins. Once Windows starts removing files, canceling is not safe and can leave your system in an unusable state. If you change your mind, let the reset finish rather than stopping it partway through.
How long does a factory reset take?
A full reset usually takes 30 minutes to two hours. The time depends on your computer's speed, how much data is on the drive, and whether you choose cloud or local reinstall. Cloud reinstall is faster if your internet is quick, but local reinstall is more reliable on slower connections.
Do I need the original ASUS installation disc?
No. Modern ASUS computers have the reset tool built into Windows and do not need a disc. If your computer will not start, you can create a Windows installation USB on another computer instead. ASUS recovery discs are rarely necessary.
What if I forgot my Windows password?
If you cannot sign in, you can still reset your computer. At the Windows login screen, click I forgot my password and follow the recovery steps using your Microsoft account email or phone number. If that does not work, use the USB installation method, which does not require you to sign in first.