What Restoring to Factory Settings Does
Restoring your computer to factory settings erases everything on your hard drive and reinstalls the operating system that came with the machine when you bought it. This removes all your files, programs, and settings, returning the computer to the state it left the factory. It is useful when your computer runs slowly, has persistent errors, or you are preparing to sell or give away the machine.
The process is different on Windows and Mac computers, and the steps vary depending on which version of the operating system you have. Before you start, you must back up any files you want to keep, because they will be deleted and cannot be recovered once the process begins.
Key Takeaways
- Back up all your files to an external drive or cloud storage before you start, because factory reset deletes everything on your computer.
- Windows computers use Settings > System > Recovery, while Mac computers use System Settings > General > Transfer or Reset.
- The process takes 30 minutes to several hours depending on your computer speed and how much data is on the drive.
- After the reset completes, you will need to set up your computer again as if it were brand new, including signing in to your accounts.
- If your computer will not start, you may need to use a recovery drive or installation media instead of the built-in reset option.
Back Up Your Files Before You Begin
The first and most important step is to save copies of any files you want to keep. Once you start a factory reset, there is no way to recover files afterward. Connect an external hard drive or USB flash drive to your computer and copy over documents, photos, videos, and any other files that matter to you.
If you have a lot of files, using cloud storage like OneDrive, Google Drive, or iCloud is faster and safer than managing an external drive. Upload your files to the cloud service, then sign in on your new computer after the reset to read them again. Make sure the upload is complete before you proceed.
Check your email, browser bookmarks, and any programs that store data locally. If you use password managers, note down how to access them on a new device, or export your passwords to a find location. Take screenshots of any settings you have customized so you can recreate them later if needed.
Factory Reset on Windows 10 and Windows 11
Open the Settings app by pressing the Windows key and typing "Settings," then press 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. Choose "Remove everything" to perform a true factory reset. The next screen will ask whether you want to reinstall Windows using cloud read or local reinstall. Cloud read is usually faster and more reliable if your internet connection is stable.
Windows will show you a summary of what will happen. Click "Reset" to begin. Your computer will restart several times during the process, which typically takes 30 minutes to two hours depending on your internet speed and how much data is on the drive. Do not turn off the computer or unplug it while the reset is running.
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 sidebar, then scroll down and click "Transfer or Reset." Click "Erase All Content and Settings," then enter your password when prompted.
If you have a Mac with an Apple silicon chip (M1, M2, M3, or newer), the reset process is faster and more straightforward. The computer will restart and guide you through the setup process. If you have an Intel Mac or an older macOS version, you may need to use Recovery Mode instead. Restart your Mac and hold Command + R while it boots to enter Recovery Mode, then use Disk Utility to erase the drive and reinstall macOS.
The reset on a Mac usually takes 15 to 45 minutes. Your computer will restart automatically when it is done, and you will see the setup screen as if the Mac were brand new.
What to Do If Your Computer Will Not Start
If your computer will not boot into Windows or macOS normally, you cannot use the built-in reset option. Instead, you will need to create a recovery drive on another computer and use it to reset your machine.
For Windows, read the Windows installation media creation tool from Microsoft's website on a working computer. Insert a USB flash drive (8 GB or larger), run the tool, and follow the prompts to create a bootable Windows installation drive. Insert this drive into your broken computer, restart it, and press F12, F2, or Delete during startup to enter the boot menu. Select the USB drive and follow the on-screen instructions to reinstall Windows.
For Mac, restart your computer and hold Command + R to enter Recovery Mode. If that does not work, restart again and hold Command + Option + R to read and reinstall macOS from Apple's servers. This requires an internet connection and takes longer, but it does not require another computer or a USB drive.
Set Up Your Computer After the Reset
When the reset is complete, your computer will boot into the setup screen. You will need to choose your language, connect to Wi-Fi, and sign in with your Microsoft account (Windows) or Apple ID (Mac). This is the same process you would follow if the computer were brand new.
After you sign in, Windows or macOS will read and install updates, which may take 15 to 30 minutes. Let this finish before you install other programs. Then read and reinstall the software you use regularly, such as web browsers, office programs, or creative tools.
Sign back into your cloud storage accounts and read your backed-up files. Restore any bookmarks or settings you saved. Your computer should now run as smoothly as it did when it was new.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
The biggest mistake is not backing up your files first. Once a factory reset starts, your data is gone. Take the time to copy everything important to an external drive or cloud service before you begin.
Do not turn off your computer or unplug it while the reset is running. This can corrupt the operating system and leave your computer in an unusable state. If the reset seems to be taking too long, wait at least two hours before assuming something went wrong.
Do not forget your Microsoft account password (Windows) or Apple ID password (Mac). You will need it to sign in after the reset. If you do not remember it, use another device to reset your password before you start the factory reset process.
Avoid resetting your computer if it is running low on battery. Plug it in and let it charge fully before you begin. A power loss during the reset can damage the operating system.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will a factory reset remove viruses and malware?
Yes. A factory reset erases everything on your hard drive, including any viruses or malware. However, if the malware is on an external drive or USB device, it will still be there. After the reset, do not plug in any external drives until you have scanned them with antivirus software on your newly reset computer.
Can I stop a factory reset once it has started?
No. Once the reset process begins, you should not interrupt it. Stopping it midway can leave your operating system corrupted and your computer unusable. If you change your mind, wait for the reset to finish, then restore your files from your backup.
How long does a factory reset take?
On Windows, expect 30 minutes to two hours depending on your internet speed and hard drive size. On Mac, it usually takes 15 to 45 minutes. The exact time depends on your computer's age and how much data was on the drive before the reset.
Do I need to reinstall Windows or macOS after a factory reset?
No. A factory reset automatically reinstalls the operating system that came with your computer. You do not need to purchase a new copy or install it yourself, unless your computer will not start and you need to use a recovery drive.
What if I forgot to back up my files?
Once a factory reset completes, your files are permanently deleted and cannot be recovered. In the future, use cloud storage or an external drive to back up important files regularly so you always have copies if something goes wrong.