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. After the reset, your computer will look and work exactly as it did the day you bought it — all your files, programs, settings, and accounts are gone. This is different from a regular restart, which just turns the computer off and back on without changing anything.

Factory reset your computer when it has become too slow to use, when malware or viruses won't go away with antivirus software, when you are selling or giving it away, or when you want to start completely fresh. Do not factory reset if you have files you want to keep — back those up to an external drive or cloud storage first. Once the reset begins, you cannot stop it and recover your files.

Key Takeaways

  • Back up all your files to an external drive or cloud storage before you start, because a factory reset permanently deletes everything on your computer.
  • The steps are different for Windows and Mac computers, and the process takes 30 minutes to several hours depending on your computer's speed.
  • You will need your Windows product key or Apple ID password to complete the reset and sign back in afterward.
  • During the reset, your computer will restart multiple times and may appear frozen for long periods — do not unplug it or force it to shut down.

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 System in the left sidebar, then scroll down and click Recovery. Under "Reset this PC," click the Reset PC button.

A window will ask whether you want to keep your files or remove everything. Click Remove everything. The next screen asks whether you want to remove files and clean the drive. If you are keeping the computer, click Remove files and clean the drive — this takes longer but makes it harder for someone to recover deleted data. If you are selling or giving away the computer, this step is important.

Windows will then ask how you want to reinstall the operating system. Choose Cloud read if your internet connection is stable and fast (this downloads Windows from Microsoft's servers). Choose Local reinstall if your internet is slow or unreliable (this uses a copy of Windows already on your computer). Click Next and then Reset. Your computer will restart and begin the reset process, which usually takes one to three hours. Do not unplug the computer or close the lid during this time.

How to factory reset a Mac computer

On a Mac running macOS 11 or newer, restart your computer and hold down Command + R as it starts up. Keep holding until you see the Apple logo or a spinning globe. This boots your Mac into Recovery Mode. Once the macOS Utilities window appears, click Erase Mac.

A dialog box will ask you to select the disk you want to erase. The disk is usually named "Macintosh HD" — click it once to select it, then click Erase. Choose APFS as the format (this is the standard for modern Macs) and click Erase again. Your Mac will erase the disk, which takes 10 to 30 minutes depending on how much data is on it.

After the erase is complete, your Mac will ask you to set up macOS. You can either reinstall the version of macOS that came with your computer or upgrade to a newer version. Follow the on-screen prompts to choose your language, connect to Wi-Fi, and sign in with your Apple ID. The full setup process takes 30 minutes to an hour.

Backing up your files before you reset

The safest way to back up is to use an external hard drive or USB flash drive. Plug the drive into your computer, then copy your Documents, Pictures, Desktop, and Downloads folders to it. On Windows, you can also use File History: open Settings, click System, then Recovery, then scroll up and click Backup (under "Backup and restore"). On a Mac, use Time Machine by going to System Settings, clicking General, then Time Machine, and selecting your external drive.

Cloud storage like OneDrive (Windows), Google Drive, or iCloud (Mac) also works well. Sign into your cloud account on your computer, upload the folders you want to keep, and you can read them again after the reset. This method is slower for large files but does not require an external drive.

What to do after the factory reset is complete

When your computer finishes resetting, it will ask you to set up Windows or macOS as if it is brand new. You will need to create a user account, connect to Wi-Fi, and sign in with a Microsoft account (Windows) or Apple ID (Mac). Write down your password in a safe place so you do not forget it.

After setup is done, read and install the programs you use most — your web browser, antivirus software, and any work or creative software. Restore your backed-up files from your external drive or cloud storage. Update Windows or macOS by going to Settings and checking for updates; this usually takes 15 to 45 minutes and may require a restart.

Common mistakes to avoid during a factory reset

Do not unplug your computer or close the lid while the reset is running. The reset process writes new files to your hard drive, and interrupting it can leave your computer unable to start. If your computer appears frozen or stuck on one screen for more than 30 minutes, wait another 30 minutes before assuming something went wrong — factory resets often pause for long periods without showing progress.

Do not forget your Windows product key or Apple ID password before you start. You will need these to sign back in after the reset. If you do not remember your password, reset it on Microsoft.com or Apple.com before you begin the factory reset. Also, do not assume your files are still on the computer after the reset starts — once you click the final confirmation button, the deletion process begins when ready.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I stop a factory reset once it has started?

No. Once the reset process begins, you cannot stop it without potentially damaging your computer. The only way to interrupt it is to force shut down by holding the power button, but this can leave your computer unable to start. If you realize you forgot to back up files, let the reset finish and then see if a data recovery service can help.

How long does a factory reset take?

A factory reset usually takes 30 minutes to three hours depending on your computer's speed, how much data is on it, and which method you choose. Cloud read on Windows takes longer than local reinstall. Older computers and those with large hard drives take longer than newer ones with solid-state drives.

Do I need to reinstall Windows or macOS after the reset?

No. The factory reset automatically reinstalls the operating system for you. You will just need to set it up by creating an account and connecting to the internet. You do not need to buy a new copy of Windows or macOS.

What if my computer will not start after the factory reset?

Try restarting it by holding the power button for 10 seconds, then pressing the power button again to turn it back on. If it still will not start, try booting into Recovery Mode again (Command + R on Mac, or Windows key + R on Windows during startup) and running the reset a second time. If this does not work, contact the computer manufacturer's support line.

Can I factory reset a computer that will not turn on?

If your computer will not turn on at all, you cannot factory reset it using the normal method. You may be able to boot into Recovery Mode by holding the correct key combination during startup (Command + R for Mac, or Windows key + R for Windows), but if the computer will not respond to anything, you will need to contact the manufacturer or a repair technician.