What Resetting to Factory Settings Does

Resetting your computer to factory settings erases everything on your hard drive and reinstalls the original operating system that came with the machine. This means all your files, programs, photos, and documents will be deleted. Your computer will look and run exactly as it did when you first took it out of the box.

People reset their computers for different reasons: to fix persistent software problems, to remove malware that won't go away, to clear out years of clutter before selling the machine, or to start fresh after a major crash. The process is the same whether you use Windows or macOS, though the exact steps and menu names differ between them.

Key Takeaways

  • Resetting to factory settings deletes everything on your computer, so back up all files you want to keep before you start.
  • Windows computers use the Settings app under System > Recovery, while Mac computers use System Settings under General > Transfer or Reset.
  • The reset process takes 30 minutes to several hours depending on your computer's speed and how much data is being erased.
  • Your computer will restart multiple times during the reset, and you should not turn it off or unplug it while the process is running.
  • After the reset completes, you will need to go through the initial setup again, including creating or signing into a user account.

Back Up Your Files Before You Start

Before you reset anything, copy every file you want to keep to an external hard drive, USB flash drive, or cloud storage service like Google Drive or OneDrive. This includes documents, photos, videos, music, and any other personal files. Do not rely on your memory of what matters—go through your Documents, Downloads, Pictures, and Desktop folders and move anything important to your backup location.

If you use cloud storage already (Google Drive, Dropbox, OneDrive), check that your important files have actually synced to the cloud. Open the service on your computer and confirm the files are there. If you have a password manager like LastPass or Bitwarden, export your passwords to a file and save them somewhere safe. Write down any software license keys or product codes you might need later, since you will have to reinstall programs after the reset.

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. You will see a section labeled "Reset this PC" with a blue button that says Reset PC. Click that button.

A window will appear asking whether you want to keep your files or remove everything. Choose Remove everything if you want a complete factory reset. The next screen will ask whether you want to remove files and clean the drive, or just remove files. Choosing Remove files and clean the drive takes longer but is more thorough—it overwrites the deleted data so it cannot be recovered. For most people, Remove files only is fast enough.

Windows will then show you a summary of what is about to happen. Click Reset to confirm. Your computer will restart and begin the reset process. You will see a progress screen that may say "Resetting your PC" or show a percentage. Do not turn off your computer or unplug it. The process typically takes 30 minutes to two hours, depending on your computer's speed and how much data needs to be erased.

When the reset finishes, your computer will restart and show the Windows setup screen, just like when you first bought it. You will need to choose your language, accept the license agreement, and create a new user account or sign in with a Microsoft account. After setup completes, your computer will be ready to use, but it will have no programs except the ones that came with Windows.

Reset a Mac Computer

On a Mac running macOS Monterey 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. You will see a button labeled Erase All Content and Settings. Click that button.

Your Mac will ask you to sign out of your Apple ID and iCloud. If you are signed in, you will need to enter your Apple ID password. After you sign out, click Continue. Your Mac will warn you that erasing will delete everything and cannot be undone. Click Erase to confirm.

Your Mac will restart and begin the erase process. You will see a progress bar on the screen. This process is usually faster on a Mac than on Windows—typically 15 to 45 minutes. Do not turn off your Mac or close the lid while it is running. When the erase finishes, your Mac will restart and show the setup screen. You will need to choose your language, connect to Wi-Fi, and sign in with your Apple ID or create a new account.

If you have an older Mac running an earlier version of macOS, the steps are slightly different. Open System Preferences instead of System Settings, click Erase and Reinstall, and follow the prompts. The process is the same—your computer will erase everything and reinstall the original operating system.

What to Do If the Reset Gets Stuck

If your computer appears frozen during the reset and has not shown any progress for more than 30 minutes, try waiting a bit longer first. Some computers take a long time, especially older ones or ones with large hard drives. If you are certain it is stuck, you can force restart your computer, though this may cause problems.

On Windows, hold the power button for 10 seconds until the computer shuts down completely. Wait 30 seconds, then turn it back on. On a Mac, hold the power button for 10 seconds until you see "Loading startup options," then release and wait for the startup screen.

If your computer will not start up at all after a forced restart, you may need to reinstall the operating system using installation media. For Windows, you can create a bootable USB drive using the Windows Media Creation Tool on another computer. For Mac, you can restart while holding Command-R to enter Recovery Mode and reinstall macOS from there. These steps are more advanced, and you may want to contact the computer manufacturer's support line if you get stuck.

After the Reset: Reinstalling Programs and Files

Once your computer finishes setup and you are logged in, you will have a blank desktop with no programs except the ones that came with the operating system. You will need to reinstall any programs you use regularly. read them from the official websites or from the Microsoft Store (Windows) or App Store (Mac).

Copy your backed-up files from your external drive or cloud storage back onto your computer. If you backed up to an external hard drive, plug it in and drag the files to your Documents or Desktop folder. If you backed up to cloud storage, sign in to your account and read the files. This is a good time to organize your files into folders so they stay tidy.

If you have a Microsoft account on Windows or an Apple ID on Mac, sign in to it so your computer syncs your settings, email, and other preferences. Install any antivirus software you use, and make sure Windows Update or macOS Software Update is turned on so your computer gets the latest security patches.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will resetting my computer fix viruses and malware?

A factory reset will remove most malware because it deletes everything on your hard drive and reinstalls a clean operating system. However, some advanced malware can survive a reset if it is stored in your computer's firmware. If you suspect a serious infection, run a malware scan on another computer before you reset, or contact a professional.

Can I undo a factory reset after it is done?

No. Once the reset completes and you go through setup, your old files are gone. This is why backing up before you start is so important. If you accidentally deleted something important and did not back it up, data recovery software might be able to retrieve it, but there is no may provide.

How long does a factory reset actually take?

Most resets take between 30 minutes and two hours. Older computers or computers with large hard drives may take longer. Mac computers are usually faster than Windows computers. Do not interrupt the process by turning off your computer or unplugging it, even if it seems to be taking a long time.

Do I need the original Windows or macOS installation disc?

No. Modern computers have the operating system stored on the hard drive, so you can reset without a disc. If something goes wrong and your computer will not start, you can create a bootable USB drive on another computer to reinstall the operating system.

What happens to my software licenses after a reset?

Programs you bought will need to be reinstalled and reactivated. If you have product keys or license files, save them before you reset. Some programs tied to your Microsoft or Apple account will automatically reactivate when you sign in. Subscription services like Microsoft 365 will need you to sign in again.