What factory reset means and when to use it

A factory reset wipes your computer back to the state it left the manufacturer — all your files, programs, and settings are removed, and the operating system is reinstalled fresh. This is different from a regular restart. You are erasing the entire contents of your hard drive and starting over.

Factory reset is useful when your computer has become slow, infected with malware, or unstable after years of use. It is also the right choice before selling or giving away a computer, because it removes all your personal data permanently. However, it takes time — usually 30 minutes to two hours depending on your machine — and you cannot undo it once it starts.

Before you begin, back up any files you want to keep. Copy them to an external drive, cloud storage, or another computer. Once the reset completes, those files will be gone from your machine.

Key Takeaways

  • Factory reset removes all files, programs, and settings and reinstalls the operating system from scratch, so back up anything you need first.
  • Windows computers use Settings > System > Recovery > Reset this PC, while Mac computers use System Settings > General > Transfer or Reset.
  • The reset process takes 30 minutes to two hours and requires your computer to stay plugged in and undisturbed the entire time.
  • After reset, your computer will restart and ask you to set up Windows or macOS as if it were brand new, including creating a user account.
  • If your computer will not start at all, you may need to use a bootable recovery drive instead of the built-in reset option.

Factory reset on Windows 10 and Windows 11

On Windows, the reset tool is built into Settings. Open Settings by pressing the Windows key and typing "Settings", then click the Settings app. Go to System in the left menu, scroll down, and click Recovery.

Under "Reset this PC", click the blue Reset this PC button. Windows will ask whether you want to keep your files or remove everything. Choose "Remove everything" for a true factory reset. Then choose whether to reinstall Windows using your internet connection or using local reinstall files already on your computer. Internet reinstall is slower but more reliable if your connection is stable.

Windows will show you a summary of what will happen, then ask you to confirm. Click Reset. Your computer will restart several times during the process. Do not turn it off or unplug it. When it finishes, you will see the Windows setup screen, where you will create a new user account and configure your preferences as if the computer were new.

Factory reset on Mac

On Mac, the process depends on whether your machine uses an Intel processor or Apple's own silicon (M1, M2, M3, or later). To check, click the Apple menu in the top left, select About This Mac, and look at the Processor line.

For Intel Macs, restart your computer and hold Command + R while it boots to enter Recovery Mode. Once Recovery Mode loads, click Utilities in the menu bar, then Terminal. Type diskutil secureErase freespace 0 /Volumes/Macintosh\ HD and press Enter. This erases the drive and reinstalls macOS. For Apple silicon Macs, the process is similar but uses a different recovery partition. If you are unsure, use System Settings instead: go to General, click Transfer or Reset, then choose Erase All Content and Settings.

The Mac reset process is faster than Windows, usually 15 to 30 minutes. Your Mac will restart and show the setup screen when finished.

What to do if your computer will not start

If your computer will not boot into Windows or macOS at all, you cannot use the built-in reset tool. Instead, you need a bootable recovery drive — a USB stick containing the operating system installation files.

On another working computer, read the Windows or macOS installer. For Windows, go to microsoft.com/software-read/windows11 (or windows10 for older machines) and read the Media Creation Tool. For Mac, go to the App Store, search for macOS, and read the latest version. Follow the tool's instructions to create a bootable USB drive.

Insert the USB drive into your broken computer, restart it, and press F12, F2, Esc, or Del during startup to enter the boot menu (the key varies by manufacturer). Select the USB drive from the list. The installer will load, and you can choose to reinstall the operating system from there. This process is slower and more technical than using the built-in reset, but it works when nothing else will.

Reinstalling programs and restoring your setup

After the factory reset completes and you finish the initial setup, your computer will be empty except for the operating system. You will need to reinstall any programs you use regularly.

For Windows, go to Microsoft Store or the websites of the programs you need (Chrome, Firefox, Office, Zoom, etc.) and read them one by one. For Mac, use the App Store for Apple programs and third-party apps, or visit the websites of programs not in the store. Keep a list of what you had before the reset so you do not forget anything.

Your files will not come back automatically. Restore them from the backup you made before the reset by copying them from your external drive or cloud storage back onto your computer. This is why backing up before you start is essential.

How long a factory reset takes and what to expect

The time varies widely. A Windows reset on a fast solid-state drive (SSD) can finish in 30 to 45 minutes. On an older hard disk drive (HDD), it may take two hours or more. Mac resets are usually faster, often 15 to 30 minutes.

During the reset, your computer will restart multiple times. You will see progress bars, status messages, and possibly a black screen for several minutes. This is normal. Do not interrupt the process by restarting, unplugging, or closing the lid. If the reset appears to be stuck on the same screen for more than 10 minutes, you can try a hard restart by holding the power button for 10 seconds, then starting again.

Once the reset finishes, your computer will boot into the setup screen. This is where you create your first user account, set your language and timezone, and connect to Wi-Fi. The setup itself takes another 10 to 20 minutes depending on how many options you configure.

Protecting your data before and after reset

Before you reset, copy your important files to an external drive or cloud service. On Windows, the easiest method is to open File Explorer, select the folders you need (Documents, Pictures, Desktop, Downloads), right-click, and choose Send to, then select your external drive. On Mac, open Finder, select the files, and drag them to an external drive icon in the sidebar.

Cloud storage like OneDrive (Windows) or iCloud (Mac) can also back up your files automatically if you set it up before the reset. After the reset, sign back into your cloud account and the files will sync back to your computer.

After the reset, your old files are gone from the computer, but they remain on your backup drive. Keep that drive in a safe place. If you are selling or donating the computer, the factory reset ensures that no one else can recover your old files from the hard drive.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will factory reset remove viruses and malware?

Yes. Factory reset erases everything on the drive and reinstalls the operating system fresh, so any malware is removed. However, if the malware is on an external drive or came from a file you restore after the reset, it can come back. Only restore files from backups you made before the infection, or scan external drives with antivirus software first.

Can I cancel a factory reset once it starts?

Not safely. Once the reset process begins, stopping it mid-way can leave your computer in an unusable state. Let it run to completion, even if it takes longer than expected. If something goes wrong, you can try the reset again from the beginning.

Do I need the Windows or Mac installation disc?

No. Modern computers have the installation files built in, so you can reset without a disc. You only need a bootable USB drive if your computer will not start at all. For most users, the built-in reset tool in Settings is all you need.

What happens to my product key or license after factory reset?

Windows product keys tied to your Microsoft account will reactivate automatically when you sign in after the reset. If you have a standalone product key, you will need to enter it again during setup. For other software like Office or Adobe, you will need to sign in with your account or enter your license key again.

How do I know if my computer has an SSD or HDD?

On Windows, open Settings, go to System > Storage, and look at the drive listed. If it says "SSD" or "Solid State Drive", you have an SSD. If it says "HDD" or "Hard Disk Drive", you have an older drive. On Mac, click the Apple menu, select About This Mac, go to Storage, and look at the drive type listed. SSDs reset much faster than HDDs.