How to Reset Your Computer to Factory Settings

What a factory reset does and when to use it

A factory reset wipes your hard drive and reinstalls the operating system that came with your computer, removing all your files, programs, and settings. After the reset completes, your computer looks and works exactly as it did the day you bought it — no personal data, no installed software, no customizations.

Factory resets solve specific problems: malware that won't uninstall, a system so slow it's unusable, or preparing a computer to sell or give away. They do not fix hardware failures like a broken screen or failing hard drive. If your computer won't turn on or makes clicking sounds from the hard drive, a factory reset will not help.

Before you start, back up anything you want to keep — documents, photos, email — to an external drive or cloud storage. Once the reset begins, that data is gone. The process takes 30 minutes to two hours depending on your computer's speed.

Key Takeaways

• A factory reset removes all files and programs and reinstalls your original operating system, so back up anything you need first.
• Windows and Mac have built-in reset tools you can reach from Settings without needing a disc or USB drive.
• The reset process is automatic once you confirm — you do not need to do anything while it runs except let the computer stay plugged in.
• After the reset finishes, your computer will ask you to set up a new user account, just like when it was new.

How to reset a Windows computer

On Windows 10 or 11, open Settings by pressing the Windows key and typing "Settings", then click the app. Go to System, 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. On the next screen, choose Local reinstall (not Cloud read) — this is faster and does not require a strong internet connection. Windows will show you a summary of what will happen. Click Reset to begin.

Your computer will restart several times and show a progress bar. Do not turn it off or unplug it. When the reset finishes, you will see the Windows setup screen asking you to choose a language and create a new user account. Complete these steps, and your computer is ready to use.

How to reset a Mac computer

On a Mac running macOS 11 or newer, click the Apple menu in the top left corner and select System Settings. Click General, then click Transfer or Reset on the right side. Click Erase All Content and Settings.

Your Mac will ask you to sign in with your Apple ID. Do this — Apple uses it to verify you own the computer. After you sign in, click Continue. Your Mac will warn you that this action cannot be undone. Click Erase to confirm.

Your Mac will restart and show a progress bar. This process takes longer than Windows, sometimes 45 minutes to an hour. When it finishes, you will see the macOS setup screen. Complete the language and account setup, and your Mac is reset.

What happens if you cannot access Settings

If your computer will not start normally or you cannot log in, you can reset it from the boot screen. On Windows, restart your computer and watch for a message saying "Press F11" or "Press Del" (the key varies by manufacturer). Press that key repeatedly as the computer starts. Look for an option called Recovery, System Recovery, or Factory Reset. Follow the on-screen steps.

On a Mac that will not start, restart and hold Command + R when ready. This opens Recovery Mode. Click Utilities, then Terminal. Type csrutil disable and press Enter. Restart again, then go to System Settings and complete the erase process described above. After the reset finishes, restart and hold Command + R again, open Terminal, type csrutil enable, and press Enter.

If you see a login screen but cannot remember your password, try resetting the password first before attempting a factory reset. On Windows, click "I forgot my password" on the login screen. On a Mac, restart and hold Command + Q at the login screen to access password reset options.

Preparing your computer before the reset

Disconnect any external drives, USB devices, or printers before starting. These can interfere with the reset process or cause it to fail partway through. Leave only your keyboard and mouse connected.

Make sure your computer is plugged into power. A factory reset uses a lot of battery, and if your computer shuts down during the process, you may need to repeat it or take it to a repair shop. Plug it in and leave it plugged in until the reset is completely finished and you have logged in to the new account.

Close all open programs and browser windows. This is not strictly necessary — the reset will close them anyway — but it removes one more thing that could go wrong. Restart your computer once before beginning the reset, just to clear temporary files from memory.

After the reset is complete

Your computer will ask you to create a new user account. You can use your Microsoft account (Windows) or Apple ID (Mac) to sign in, or create a local account with just a username and password. If you plan to use this computer for work or school, use the account type your organization requires.

Once you are logged in, you can restore your files from the backup you made before the reset. Copy them back from your external drive or cloud storage. Then reinstall the programs you use — read them from the publisher's website or the Microsoft Store (Windows) or App Store (Mac).

Your computer will read and install updates automatically. This may take an hour or more the first time. Let it finish before you rely on the computer for important work. Once updates are done, your reset is truly complete.

When a factory reset will not solve the problem

If your computer has a hardware problem — a broken hard drive, failing motherboard, or damaged screen — a factory reset will not fix it. Signs of hardware failure include clicking or beeping sounds, a computer that shuts down randomly even after reset, or a screen that stays black even though the computer is running.

If you suspect hardware failure, do not attempt a factory reset. Instead, take your computer to a repair technician who can diagnose the problem. Attempting a reset on a failing hard drive can make the problem worse and may prevent recovery of your files.

If your computer is very old and runs an operating system older than Windows 7 or macOS 10.7, the reset process may not work or may not be available. In that case, you may need to purchase a new operating system disc or USB drive from the publisher, or consider upgrading to a newer computer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will a factory reset remove viruses and malware?

Yes. A factory reset wipes the entire hard drive and reinstalls the operating system, which removes nearly all malware. However, some advanced malware can hide in the computer's firmware (the code that runs before the operating system loads). If malware returns after a reset, your computer may have a firmware infection, and you should take it to a professional.

Can I undo a factory reset?

No. Once the reset finishes, your files are gone permanently. This is why backing up before you start is critical. If you realize you need files after the reset is done, a data recovery service may be able to retrieve some of them, but this is expensive and not always successful.

How long does a factory reset take?

Most factory resets take 30 minutes to two hours. Windows resets are usually faster than Mac resets. The time depends on your hard drive speed and how much data was on the computer. Do not interrupt the process — let it run to completion even if it seems to be taking a long time.

Do I need the original Windows or Mac disc to reset my computer?

No. Both Windows and Mac have built-in reset tools that do not require a disc. The reset downloads or uses a copy of the operating system already stored on your computer. You only need a disc if the built-in reset fails and you need to reinstall manually.

What if my computer is still slow after the reset?

A slow computer after a reset usually means you have reinstalled the same programs that were slowing it down before. Reinstall only the programs you actually use. If the computer is slow even with few programs installed, you may have a hardware problem like a full hard drive or failing memory, and you should have it checked by a technician.