What a factory reset does and when you need one

A factory reset wipes your hard drive and reinstalls the operating system that came with your computer, removing all your files, programs, and settings. It returns the machine to the state it was in when it left the factory. You should consider a factory reset if your computer is running very slowly, has persistent virus or malware infections that antivirus software cannot remove, is freezing or crashing constantly, or you are selling or giving away the machine and want to erase your personal data.

A factory reset is not the same as restarting your computer. Restarting closes all open programs and reboots the operating system while keeping your files intact. A factory reset erases everything and starts fresh. Once you begin a factory reset, you cannot undo it, so back up any files 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.
  • The steps differ between Windows and Mac computers, and the exact menu locations vary depending on which version of the operating system you have.
  • A factory reset takes between 30 minutes and two hours depending on your computer's speed and the size of your hard drive.
  • After the reset completes, you will need to reinstall your programs and restore your files from your backup.

How to factory reset a Windows computer

On Windows 10 or Windows 11, open the Settings app by pressing the Windows key and typing "Settings," then pressing Enter. Click on "System" in the left sidebar, then scroll down and click "Recovery." Under "Reset this PC," click the "Reset PC" button. Windows will ask whether you want to keep your files or remove everything. Choose "Remove everything" for a full factory reset.

Windows will then ask whether you want to remove your files locally or cloud-connected accounts. If you are keeping the computer, choose "Remove files locally" — this is faster. If you are selling or giving away the computer, choose "Remove files and clean the drive" to make deleted data harder to recover. Windows will restart your computer and begin the reset process. Do not turn off your computer during this time, even if it appears to be frozen. The reset can take one to two hours.

If your computer will not start or you cannot reach the Settings menu, you can reset Windows from the login screen. Restart your computer and watch for the "Reset your PC" option that appears during startup. If you do not see it, restart again and press the F11 key repeatedly as the computer boots. This opens the Windows Recovery Environment, where you can choose "Reset this PC" from the menu.

How to factory reset a Mac computer

On a Mac running macOS Big Sur or newer, click the Apple menu in the top-left corner and select "System Settings." Click "General" in the sidebar, then scroll down and click "Transfer or Reset." Click "Erase All Content and Settings." Your Mac will ask you to sign in with your Apple ID. Enter your credentials and click "Continue." Mac will warn you that this action cannot be undone. Click "Continue" again to proceed.

Your Mac will restart and begin erasing the drive. The process takes 15 to 30 minutes. When it finishes, your Mac will restart and show the setup screen, just as it did when new. Do not turn off your Mac during the erase process.

If you have an older Mac running macOS Monterey or earlier, the process is different. Click the Apple menu, select "System Preferences," then click "System Preferences" again and choose "Erase All Content and Settings." If that option does not appear, you will need to use macOS Recovery instead. Restart your Mac and hold Command + R as it boots. When Recovery Mode opens, click "Utilities" in the menu bar, then "Disk Utility." Select your hard drive from the list on the left, click "Erase" at the top, and follow the prompts.

Backing up your files before you reset

Before you start a factory reset, connect an external hard drive to your computer and copy all your important files to it. On Windows, open File Explorer, click "This PC," and drag your Documents, Pictures, Desktop, and Downloads folders to the external drive. On a Mac, open Finder, click "Locations" in the sidebar, and drag the same folders to the external drive. This process can take 30 minutes to several hours depending on how many files you have.

Alternatively, you can back up to cloud storage like Google Drive, OneDrive, or iCloud. Sign into your cloud account on your computer, upload your files, and they will be available after your reset. Cloud backup is slower than an external drive but does not require you to own a second device.

What to do after the factory reset is complete

When your computer finishes the reset, it will restart and show the initial setup screen. Follow the on-screen prompts to create a user account, connect to Wi-Fi, and set your preferences. This takes 10 to 20 minutes. Once setup is complete, your computer is ready to use, but it will have no programs or files except the operating system.

Restore your files by connecting your external drive or signing into your cloud account and downloading your backed-up folders. Reinstall your programs by visiting the websites where you originally downloaded them or by using the Microsoft Store (Windows) or App Store (Mac). If you have product keys or license numbers for paid software, you will need them to reinstall. Write these down before you reset if you do not have them saved elsewhere.

When to call a professional instead

If your computer will not start at all, or if you see error messages during the reset process, a factory reset may not be possible without professional help. A technician can diagnose hardware problems like a failing hard drive or damaged motherboard that prevent the reset from working. If your computer has a virus so severe that it blocks access to the Settings menu or Recovery Mode, antivirus removal tools or professional malware removal may be necessary before you can reset.

If you are not comfortable backing up your files or following the reset steps, a local computer repair shop can do it for you. This typically costs between $50 and $150 depending on how many files need backing up and how long the reset takes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will a factory reset remove viruses and malware?

Yes, a factory reset removes all viruses and malware because it erases the entire hard drive and reinstalls a clean copy of the operating system. However, if malware is preventing your computer from starting or accessing the reset menu, you may need antivirus removal tools or professional help first.

Can I stop a factory reset once it has started?

No. Once the reset process begins, you should not stop it. Interrupting it by turning off your computer can damage the operating system and make your computer unusable. Let the reset run to completion, even if it takes longer than expected.

Do I need the original Windows or Mac installation disc?

No. Modern computers have the operating system stored on the hard drive, so the reset downloads and reinstalls it automatically. You do not need a disc or USB drive unless your computer cannot start at all.

What if I forget my password before resetting?

On Windows, you can reset your password from the login screen by clicking "I forgot my password" and answering your security questions. On a Mac, restart in Recovery Mode (Command + R) and use the password reset utility in Utilities. If you cannot remember your security answers, you may need professional help to access your account.

How much storage space do I need for a factory reset?

You need at least 20 to 30 gigabytes of free space on your hard drive for the reset to work. If your drive is nearly full, delete large files or programs before you start, or the reset may fail.