What resetting your computer means and when to do it

A reset clears out temporary files, removes software you installed, and returns your operating system to a clean state. It is not the same as restarting—restarting just turns the machine off and back on. A reset wipes the slate and can fix problems like constant freezing, crashes, or malware that won't go away.

You should reset when your computer has become so slow or unstable that normal troubleshooting (restarting, uninstalling programs, running antivirus scans) has not worked. A reset is also worth doing before you sell or give away a computer, so the next person does not inherit your files or accounts.

Know that a reset will erase everything on your hard drive unless you back up first. This is permanent. Before you start, save any files you want to keep to an external drive, cloud storage, or another computer.

Key Takeaways

  • Back up all your files to an external drive or cloud storage before you reset, because the process erases 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 files and remove only programs, or erase everything—decide before you start.
  • The reset process takes 30 minutes to several hours depending on your computer speed and which option you choose.
  • After reset, your computer will ask you to set up Windows or macOS again, just like it was new from the store.

How to reset a Windows computer

On Windows 10 or Windows 11, go to Settings (the gear icon in your Start menu). Select System, 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. If you choose Keep my files, Windows removes all programs you installed but leaves your documents, photos, and music alone. If you choose Remove everything, the drive is wiped completely. Pick the option that matches what you need.

Next, Windows asks whether you want to reinstall from the cloud or from local files. Cloud reinstall downloads a fresh copy of Windows from Microsoft's servers (requires a good internet connection). Local reinstall uses files already on your computer (faster if your internet is slow). Either way works.

Click Next, review the summary, and click Reset. Your computer will restart several times during the process. Do not turn it off. The whole thing usually takes 30 minutes to two hours. When it finishes, you will see the Windows setup screen, just like you are setting up a new computer.

How to 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 options to erase your Mac. Click Erase All Content and Settings. macOS will warn you that this action cannot be undone and will ask for your Apple ID password. Enter it. Your Mac will restart and begin the erase process, which usually takes 15 to 45 minutes.

If you are using an older Mac (macOS Big Sur or earlier), the process is different. Restart your Mac and hold Command + R while it boots to enter Recovery Mode. Click Utilities in the menu bar, then Disk Utility. Select your hard drive, click Erase, and confirm. This erases the drive. Then close Disk Utility, click Reinstall macOS, and follow the prompts.

Back up your files before you reset

The safest way to back up is to use an external hard drive. Plug it in, then on Windows use Settings > System > Storage > Advanced storage options > Backup options and select your external drive. On Mac, open System Settings > General > Time Machine and click Add Backup Disk, then select your external drive.

If you do not have an external drive, use cloud storage. Windows users can save files to OneDrive (built into Windows). Mac users can use iCloud Drive. Both let you upload files from your computer and read them later on any device. Upload your most important files—documents, photos, financial records—before you reset.

Make a list of programs you use regularly so you can reinstall them after the reset. Write down the names and where you got them (Microsoft Store, Adobe, your bank's website, etc.). After your computer resets and you set it up again, you can read and reinstall these programs one by one.

What to do after your computer resets

When the reset finishes, your computer will ask you to set up Windows or macOS as if it were brand new. You will need to enter your Microsoft account (Windows) or Apple ID (Mac), choose your language and timezone, and create a password. Take your time with this—you are setting up a clean machine.

Once setup is done, read and reinstall the programs you use. Start with your web browser, antivirus software, and any work or banking programs. Then add other software one at a time. This slow approach helps you notice if any program causes problems.

Restore your backed-up files. If you used an external drive, plug it in and copy your files back. If you used cloud storage, sign into your account and read your files. Check that everything is there before you consider the reset complete.

When to call a professional instead of resetting

If your computer will not start up at all, or if it is stuck in a restart loop, a reset may not be possible without help. A technician can run diagnostics to see whether the problem is a failing hard drive, a corrupted system file, or hardware damage. These issues sometimes require repair or replacement, not a reset.

If you are not comfortable backing up your files or following the reset steps, a local computer repair shop can do it for you. They will charge a fee (usually $75 to $150), but they will handle the backup, reset, and reinstall so you do not lose anything.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will resetting my computer remove viruses?

A full reset (erase everything) removes viruses because it wipes the entire hard drive and reinstalls a clean operating system. A reset that keeps your files may not remove all viruses if they are hiding in your documents or programs. If you suspect malware, choose the option to erase everything.

Can I stop a reset once it starts?

You can cancel a reset before it begins, but once the process starts, stopping it mid-way can damage your operating system and make your computer unusable. Let it run to completion, even if it takes a few hours. Do not turn off your computer or unplug it.

Do I need the Windows or Mac installation disc to reset?

No. Modern Windows and Mac computers can reset using files already on your hard drive or by downloading a fresh copy from the internet. You do not need a disc or USB drive unless your computer will not start up at all.

How long does a reset take?

A reset usually takes 30 minutes to two hours, depending on your computer's speed and hard drive size. Older computers or those with large hard drives may take longer. Do not interrupt the process—let it finish completely.

What if I forgot my password before resetting?

If you cannot log into your computer, you cannot access the reset menu. You will need to contact Microsoft (Windows) or Apple (Mac) support, or take your computer to a repair shop. They can help you regain access or reset the computer for you.