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 are left with a blank computer that boots up as if it were brand new.

Factory resets solve problems that smaller fixes cannot touch: malware that hides in system files, corrupted Windows or macOS installations that cause constant crashes, or a computer so cluttered with old programs that it barely runs. If you are selling or giving away the computer, a factory reset ensures the next owner does not inherit your data.

A reset is not the same as a restart. Restarting closes programs and reboots the operating system but leaves everything else intact. A factory reset erases the entire drive and starts over.

Key Takeaways

  • Back up all your files to an external drive or cloud storage before you start, because a factory reset deletes everything on your computer.
  • Windows computers use Settings > System > Recovery > Reset this PC, while Mac computers use System Settings > General > Transfer or Reset.
  • You can choose to keep your Windows files and remove only programs, or erase everything and reinstall the operating system completely.
  • The reset process takes 30 minutes to several hours depending on your computer speed and which option you choose.
  • After the reset completes, you will need to sign in with your Microsoft or Apple account and reinstall your programs from scratch.

Back up your files before you do anything

A factory reset erases every file on your computer. Before you touch any reset button, copy everything you want to keep to an external location. This means documents, photos, videos, music, downloads, and any work files stored on your desktop or in your user folder.

The fastest way is to plug in an external hard drive and drag your entire user folder to it. On Windows, open File Explorer, navigate to C:\Users\[Your Username], and copy the whole folder. On Mac, open Finder, go to Users, and copy your home folder (the one with your name and a house icon). This takes 10 minutes to an hour depending on how much data you have.

If you do not have an external drive, use cloud storage instead. Google Drive, OneDrive, iCloud, or Dropbox all work. Upload your important folders and files there. Make sure the upload finishes completely before you proceed—check your cloud storage account on another device to confirm the files arrived.

Factory reset on Windows 10 and Windows 11

Open Settings by pressing the Windows key and typing "Settings," then click the app that appears. Go to System in the left menu, then scroll down and click Recovery.

You will see a button labeled "Reset this PC." Click it. Windows will ask whether you want to "Keep my files" or "Remove everything." Choose based on what you need: Keep my files removes programs and settings but leaves your documents, photos, and downloads alone. Remove everything erases the entire drive and reinstalls Windows from scratch. Most people choose Remove everything when they are selling the computer or dealing with malware.

Windows will ask whether you want to read the latest version of Windows or use the version already on your computer. If your internet connection is fast and stable, choose "Cloud read" to get the newest version. Otherwise, choose "Local reinstall" to use what is already there. The process takes 30 minutes to two hours. Your computer will restart several times. Do not turn it off or unplug it during this time.

When the reset finishes, your computer will boot to the Windows sign-in screen. Sign in with your Microsoft account. Windows will reinstall your Microsoft Store apps automatically, but you will need to read and install all other programs yourself from their websites or the Microsoft Store.

Factory reset on Mac

On a Mac running macOS 13 (Ventura) or newer, 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. You will see an option to "Erase All Content and Settings." Click it.

On older Macs running macOS 12 or earlier, 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. The process takes one to three hours.

After the erase completes, your Mac will restart and show the setup screen, just like when it was new. Sign in with your Apple ID. Your Mac will restore your Apple apps and settings from iCloud if you choose to do so, but third-party programs must be reinstalled manually.

What to do if you cannot access the reset menu

If your computer will not start up normally or you cannot log in, you can still factory reset it. On Windows, restart the computer and press F8 or Shift + F8 repeatedly as it boots. This opens the Advanced Startup Options menu. Choose "Troubleshoot," then "Reset this PC." Follow the same steps as above.

If F8 does not work, you can create a Windows installation media on another computer. Go to microsoft.com/software-read/windows11 (or windows10 if your computer is older), read the Media Creation Tool, and follow the instructions to create a bootable USB drive. Plug the USB drive into your broken computer, restart it, and boot from the USB. The Windows installer will give you the option to repair or reset your installation.

On a Mac that will not start, restart and hold Command + R to enter Recovery Mode even if the Mac appears frozen. If that does not work, try Command + Option + R to read and reinstall macOS from Apple's servers. This requires an internet connection but does not depend on files stored on your Mac.

After the reset: what to reinstall and what to skip

Your computer is now blank. Before you start downloading programs, think about what you actually use. Many people reinstall software they never opened. Start with the essentials: your web browser (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Edge), your email client if you use one, and any work or creative software you need.

Avoid downloading toolbars, browser extensions, or "optimizer" programs that claim to speed up your computer. These often slow it down or install unwanted software. Stick to programs from official websites or the Microsoft Store and Mac App Store.

Restore your files from your backup. If you backed up to an external drive, plug it in and copy your files back to your user folder. If you used cloud storage, sign in and read your files. Do this before you install most other programs so you do not accidentally overwrite anything.

When to call a professional instead

If your computer will not start at all, the screen is black, or you see error messages before Windows or macOS even loads, a factory reset may not fix it. The problem could be a failing hard drive, a damaged motherboard, or corrupted firmware that a reset cannot touch. A computer repair technician can diagnose this with hardware tests.

If you are not comfortable backing up your files or navigating the reset menus, a local repair shop can do the entire job for you. They will back up your data, perform the reset, and restore your files afterward. This costs between $100 and $300 depending on how much data you have and how long the process takes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will a factory reset remove viruses and malware?

Yes, a factory reset removes almost all malware because it erases the entire drive and reinstalls the operating system from scratch. Malware cannot hide from a complete wipe. However, if malware infected files you backed up before the reset, you could reinfect your computer when you restore those files. Scan your backup with antivirus software before copying it back.

How long does a factory reset take?

A factory reset usually takes 30 minutes to two hours on a modern computer with a solid-state drive. Older computers with traditional hard drives may take three to four hours. The time depends on your computer speed, how much data is on the drive, and whether you choose to read the latest operating system version. Do not interrupt the process or turn off your computer while it is running.

Can I undo a factory reset?

No. A factory reset is permanent and cannot be undone. This is why backing up your files first is critical. If you realize after the reset that you deleted something important, a data recovery service may be able to retrieve it, but this is expensive and not always successful. Always back up before you start.

Do I need my Windows or Apple password to factory reset?

Yes. Windows and Mac both require you to sign in with your account password before you can reset the computer. This is a security feature to prevent someone else from wiping your machine without permission. If you forgot your password, you can reset it using your Microsoft or Apple account recovery options before you start the factory reset.

What if I see an error message during the reset?

Common errors include "The operation could not be completed" or "Something went wrong." Try restarting your computer and running the reset again. If the same error appears, your hard drive may be failing or corrupted. Stop and take your computer to a repair technician rather than trying again, because repeated reset attempts can damage a failing drive further.