What factory reset means and when to use it

A factory reset wipes your computer back to the state it left the manufacturer — all your files, programs, and settings are removed, and the operating system is reinstalled clean. This is different from a regular restart, which just reboots the machine without erasing anything.

Factory reset is useful when your computer runs slowly, has persistent software problems, or you are selling or giving it away and want to remove your personal data. It is not reversible, so back up anything you want to keep before you start.

The steps differ between Windows and Mac, and the time required varies depending on your drive speed and internet connection — expect 30 minutes to two hours from start to finish.

Key Takeaways

  • Back up all your files to an external drive or cloud storage before starting, because factory reset deletes everything on your computer.
  • Windows 10 and 11 have a built-in reset tool in Settings under System > Recovery that does not require a separate installation disc.
  • Mac computers use Recovery Mode, accessed by holding Command and R during startup, then select Reinstall macOS from the Utilities menu.
  • After reset completes, your computer will restart and ask you to set up Windows or macOS as if it were brand new, including creating a user account.
  • Keep your computer plugged in and connected to the internet throughout the entire process to avoid interruption.

How to factory reset Windows 10 and Windows 11

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

Under "Reset this PC", click the button labeled "Reset PC". A window will appear asking whether you want to keep your files or remove everything. Choose "Remove everything" for a full factory reset. If you choose "Keep my files", Windows will remove programs and settings but preserve your personal documents — this is a lighter reset that solves some problems without erasing data.

Windows will then ask whether you want to remove files locally or cloud-connected accounts. For a complete wipe, choose "Remove files and clean the drive". The process will take 30 minutes to an hour depending on your drive size and speed. Your computer will restart several times during this process — do not turn it off.

When the reset finishes, your computer will boot into the Windows setup screen. You will create a new user account, choose privacy settings, and set up Windows as though it were fresh from the store.

How to factory reset a Mac

Shut down your Mac completely. Turn it back on and when ready hold down Command and R together until you see the Apple logo or a spinning globe — this enters Recovery Mode. Release the keys and wait for the macOS Utilities window to appear.

Click "Reinstall macOS" (or "Reinstall OS X" on older machines). Follow the on-screen prompts to select your startup drive — usually called "Macintosh HD" — and click Install. Your Mac will read the operating system files, which can take 20 to 45 minutes depending on your internet speed. Keep your Mac plugged in and do not close the lid.

Once the read finishes, the installation begins automatically. Your Mac will restart and show a progress bar. This phase takes another 20 to 30 minutes. When it completes, your Mac will restart again and show the setup screen where you create a new user account and configure system preferences.

If you have an Apple silicon Mac (M1, M2, M3 or newer), the process is the same but may be slightly faster because the recovery files are stored on a separate partition built into the chip.

Backing up your files before you start

The safest method is to use an external hard drive. Connect the drive to your computer, then on Windows open File Explorer and drag your Documents, Pictures, Desktop, and Downloads folders to the external drive. On Mac, open Finder, click your external drive in the sidebar, then drag the same folders there.

Alternatively, use cloud storage: upload important files to Google Drive, OneDrive, Dropbox, or iCloud. This method is slower for large amounts of data but works from anywhere and does not require a physical drive. If you have photos or videos, cloud backup can take several hours depending on file size and upload speed.

Write down any software license keys or passwords you use regularly — you will need them to reinstall programs after the reset. Take a screenshot of your installed programs list so you remember what to reinstall: on Windows, open Control Panel > Programs > Programs and Features; on Mac, open Applications folder and note what is there.

What to do if your computer will not start normally

If your computer will not boot into Windows or macOS at all, you can still factory reset it, but the process requires a bootable installation drive. For Windows, you need a USB drive with at least 8 GB of space and access to another working computer. Go to microsoft.com/software-read/windows11 (or windows10 for older machines), read the Media Creation Tool, and follow the prompts to create a bootable USB drive.

Insert the USB drive into the broken computer, restart it, and press F12, Delete, or Esc during startup to enter the boot menu — the exact key varies by manufacturer. Select the USB drive from the list, and Windows setup will start. Choose "Repair your computer" at the bottom left, then "Troubleshoot", then "Reset this PC".

For Mac, the process is simpler: hold Command and R during startup to enter Recovery Mode even if macOS will not load normally. The recovery partition is built into the drive and does not require a separate USB.

After the reset: reinstalling programs and restoring files

Once your computer finishes setup and you log in, connect your external backup drive or sign into your cloud storage account. Copy your backed-up files back to your Documents, Pictures, and other folders. This usually takes 10 to 30 minutes depending on how much data you have.

Reinstall the programs you use regularly. On Windows, visit the official websites for each program — Microsoft Office, Adobe Creative Suite, antivirus software, web browsers — and read the latest version. On Mac, use the App Store for Apple-approved software, or visit developer websites for others. Install one program at a time and restart your computer after each major installation to avoid conflicts.

Update Windows or macOS when ready after setup: on Windows, go to Settings > Update & Security > Check for updates; on Mac, go to System Settings > General > Software Update. This ensures you have the latest security patches and bug fixes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will factory reset remove a virus or malware?

Yes, factory reset removes almost all malware because it deletes every file on the drive and reinstalls the operating system fresh. However, some advanced malware can hide in the firmware or boot sector. After reset, install antivirus software when ready and run a full scan to be certain.

Can I stop a factory reset once it starts?

On Windows, you can cancel the reset during the initial setup phase before the actual deletion begins — look for a "Cancel" button in the reset window. Once the deletion phase starts, stopping it mid-process can leave your computer in an unusable state. On Mac, do not force shut down during Recovery Mode or installation, as this can corrupt the drive. Let the process complete.

How much free space do I need to factory reset?

You need at least 20 GB of free space on your drive for Windows to complete the reset, and 15 GB for Mac. If your drive is nearly full, delete large files or programs before starting, or the reset may fail partway through.

Will factory reset remove my Windows or Mac license?

No. Your Windows license is tied to your hardware, so it remains active after reset. If you have a Mac, your Apple ID and iCloud account will still work after setup. You may need to sign in again, but you will not lose access to your software.

What if I forgot my password before resetting?

On Windows, you can reset without knowing your password — during the reset process, you create a new account with a new password. On Mac, you need your Apple ID and password to complete setup after recovery, so if you have forgotten both, you will need to reset your Apple ID password at iforgot.apple.com before you start the Mac reset.