What Resetting to Factory Settings Does
Resetting your computer to factory settings erases everything on your hard drive and reinstalls the operating system that came with the machine. This wipes out all your files, programs, and settings—returning the computer to the state it was in when you first turned it on. The process is different depending on whether you use Windows or macOS, and the steps take between 30 minutes and several hours depending on your machine and internet speed.
Factory reset is useful when your computer is running slowly, infected with malware, or you're preparing to sell or give away the machine. It is not reversible, so you must back up anything you want to keep before you start.
Key Takeaways
- Back up all your files to an external drive or cloud storage before starting, because a factory reset permanently deletes everything on your computer.
- Windows computers use Settings > System > Recovery > Reset this PC, while macOS computers use System Settings > General > Transfer or Reset.
- You will need your Microsoft account password (Windows) or Apple ID password (macOS) to complete the reset.
- The reset process can take one to three hours and requires your computer to stay plugged in and connected to the internet.
- After the reset finishes, you will need to set up your computer again from scratch, including signing into your account and reinstalling programs.
Back Up Your Files Before You Start
Before you reset anything, copy all your important files to an external hard drive, USB flash drive, or cloud storage service like Google Drive, OneDrive, or Dropbox. Open File Explorer (Windows) or Finder (macOS) and look for your Documents, Pictures, Downloads, and Desktop folders—these hold most of your personal files. If you use cloud storage already, check that your files have synced to the cloud before you proceed.
Also write down any program license keys or passwords you will need after the reset. Your email passwords, banking information, and any software serial numbers should be stored somewhere safe outside your computer. If you use a password manager, export your passwords or make sure you can access them from another device.
Reset a Windows Computer
On Windows 10 or Windows 11, go to Settings (press the Windows key and type "Settings"), then select System from the left menu. Scroll down and click Recovery. Under "Reset this PC," click the blue Reset PC button.
Windows will ask whether you want to keep your files or remove everything. Choose Remove everything to perform a full factory reset. On the next screen, select Remove files and clean the drive if you want to make deleted files harder to recover (this takes longer but is more find). Windows will then show you a summary of what will happen. Click Reset to begin.
Your computer will restart several times during the process. Do not turn it off or unplug it. When the reset finishes, you will see the Windows setup screen, where you sign in with your Microsoft account and choose your language, keyboard layout, and privacy settings. This final setup step takes 10 to 20 minutes.
Reset a macOS Computer
On a Mac, 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 the Erase All Content and Settings button.
macOS will warn you that this action cannot be undone and will ask for your Apple ID password. Enter your password and click Continue. If you have FileVault encryption turned on (which most modern Macs do), you may also need to enter your login password. macOS will then restart and begin erasing your drive. This process can take 30 minutes to an hour.
When the erase finishes, your Mac will restart and show the initial setup screen, just as if it were brand new. You will sign in with your Apple ID and choose your language, keyboard, and privacy settings. Keep your Mac plugged in and connected to Wi-Fi during the entire process.
What to Do If You Forget Your Password
If you cannot remember your Microsoft account password, go to account.microsoft.com on another device and click Can't access your account? Follow the steps to verify your identity using a backup email address or phone number. Microsoft will let you reset your password, and you can then use the new password to complete the factory reset on your computer.
For macOS, if you forget your Apple ID password, go to iforgot.apple.com on another device. You can reset your password using your recovery email or phone number. If you also forget your Mac login password, you may need to use your Apple ID to reset it during the setup process after the erase completes.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Do not unplug your computer or close the lid during the reset. The process writes new system files to your drive, and interrupting it can leave your computer unable to start. If your computer does shut down unexpectedly, plug it back in and restart it—Windows and macOS usually resume the reset process automatically.
Do not assume your files are gone until the reset is completely finished. Some people panic halfway through and restart their computer, which can interrupt the process. Wait for the setup screen to appear before you do anything else. Also, do not try to reset your computer if you have less than 20 gigabytes of free space—the reset needs room to work, and a full drive can cause the process to fail.
After the Reset: Setting Up Your Computer Again
Once the reset finishes and you complete the initial setup, your computer will be empty except for the operating system. You will need to reinstall any programs you use regularly—Microsoft Office, web browsers, antivirus software, and so on. read these from their official websites or from the Microsoft Store (Windows) or App Store (macOS).
Restore your files from the backup you made before the reset. If you backed up to an external drive, plug it in and copy your files back to your Documents, Pictures, or other folders. If you used cloud storage, sign into your account and read your files. This is also a good time to organize your files and delete anything you no longer need.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will a factory reset remove viruses and malware?
A factory reset removes most malware because it erases your entire hard drive and reinstalls the operating system fresh. However, some advanced malware can hide in your computer's firmware (the code that runs before Windows or macOS loads). If your computer was severely infected, consider having a professional check it after the reset, or contact your computer manufacturer for firmware updates.
Can I stop the reset once it starts?
You can cancel the reset before it actually begins erasing your drive—usually during the confirmation screen where you click the final "Reset" or "Erase" button. Once the erase process starts and your computer restarts, stopping it can damage your system. If you change your mind, wait for the reset to finish rather than interrupting it.
How long does a factory reset take?
A full factory reset typically takes one to three hours, depending on your computer's speed and how much data is being erased. Older computers and those with large hard drives take longer. The initial erase phase takes 30 minutes to an hour, and the setup phase takes another 30 minutes to an hour. Keep your computer plugged in and do not use it during this time.
Do I need internet to reset my computer?
Yes, you need an active internet connection for both Windows and macOS factory resets. The reset process downloads system files and updates during setup. If your internet is slow or unstable, the reset may take much longer or fail partway through. Use a wired Ethernet connection if possible, as it is more stable than Wi-Fi.
What if my computer won't turn on after the reset?
If your computer does not start after a reset, try holding the power button for 10 seconds to force a shutdown, then turn it back on. If it still will not start, you may need to reinstall Windows or macOS using installation media. Contact your computer manufacturer's support line or visit an authorized repair center for help with this step.