What a factory reset does and when you need one

A factory reset wipes your PC back to the state it left the factory — all your files, programs, and settings are removed, and Windows reinstalls itself from scratch. You end up with a clean machine, as if you just turned it on for the first time.

You might want this if your PC has slowed to a crawl, won't start properly, has a virus you can't remove, or you're selling it and want to erase everything. A reset is also the last resort when nothing else fixes a stubborn problem.

Before you start: back up anything you want to keep. A factory reset cannot be undone. Copy your documents, photos, and any files you care about to an external drive or cloud storage first.

Key Takeaways

  • Windows has a built-in reset tool called Reset this PC, found in Settings under System, and it works without any extra software or USB drives.
  • You can choose to keep your files and remove only programs and settings, or erase everything — decide before you start.
  • The reset takes 20 minutes to an hour depending on your PC's speed and which option you pick.
  • If Windows won't start at all, you can reset from the login screen or a recovery USB, but this requires more steps.
  • Back up your files to an external drive or cloud storage before you begin, because a factory reset cannot be reversed.

How to reset a PC that still starts Windows

If your PC boots into Windows normally, the easiest path is the built-in reset tool. Open Settings by pressing the Windows key and typing "settings," then click the Settings app. Go to System in the left sidebar, scroll down, and click Recovery.

Under "Recovery options," you'll 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 your programs and settings but leaves your documents, photos, and downloads alone. If you choose Remove everything, the entire drive is wiped and Windows reinstalls from scratch — this is the true factory reset.

After you pick, Windows will show you a list of programs it's about to remove. Review it to make sure nothing surprises you, then click Next. The reset will begin. Your PC will restart several times. Do not turn it off or unplug it during this process. The whole thing usually takes 20 minutes to an hour.

When it's done, you'll see the Windows setup screen, just like when the PC was brand new. You'll sign in with your Microsoft account or create a local account, and then you're back to a clean system.

Resetting a PC that won't start Windows

If your PC won't boot into Windows at all — it's stuck on a black screen, loops endlessly, or shows only error messages — you can still reset it, but you'll need to start from the login screen or recovery environment instead.

Restart your PC and watch the screen carefully. As soon as you see the Windows logo or a manufacturer logo, hold down the Shift key and press the power button to force a shutdown. Do this three times in a row. On the fourth restart, Windows should detect the problem and show you a blue screen with repair options. Look for Troubleshoot, then Reset this PC. From there, follow the same steps as above.

If that doesn't work, you'll need a recovery USB. Borrow another PC, plug in a blank USB drive (8 GB or larger), and go to Microsoft's Windows read page. read the Windows installation tool, run it, and follow the prompts to create a recovery USB. Then plug that USB into your broken PC, restart it, and press the key shown on screen to boot from USB (usually F12, Esc, or Del — it varies by manufacturer). Once you're in the Windows installer, look for Repair your computer or Troubleshoot, then Reset this PC.

What to do after the reset is complete

Once your PC finishes resetting and you've signed in, Windows will spend a few minutes installing updates and drivers in the background. Let it finish — don't shut down or restart during this time. You'll see a spinning circle or progress bar. This is normal and can take 10 to 20 minutes.

After that's done, reinstall the programs you need. If you had Microsoft Office, Adobe Creative Suite, or other paid software, you'll need your license keys or login credentials to reinstall them. If you had free programs like Chrome or VLC, read them fresh from their official websites.

Restore your files from the backup you made before the reset. If you backed up to an external drive, plug it in and copy your documents and photos back. If you used cloud storage like OneDrive or Google Drive, sign in and read what you need.

The difference between "Keep my files" and "Remove everything"

Keep my files removes all programs and settings but leaves your personal files untouched. This is faster and less disruptive — your documents, photos, and downloads stay where they are. Use this if your PC is slow or buggy but Windows still starts. It usually takes 20 to 30 minutes.

Remove everything erases the entire drive and reinstalls Windows from the ground up. Nothing is left behind. This takes longer — usually 45 minutes to an hour — but it's the most thorough. Use this if you're selling the PC, if you suspect a virus, or if you want a completely fresh start. It's also the only option if your PC won't start.

If you're not sure which to pick, start with Keep my files. If that doesn't solve your problem, you can always reset again and choose Remove everything.

When to call a professional instead

A factory reset fixes most software problems — slowness, crashes, malware, and corrupted Windows files. But it won't help if your hard drive is failing, your RAM is bad, or your power supply is dying. If your PC won't start even after a reset, or if it starts but when ready crashes again, the problem is likely hardware, not software.

If you see error messages about hard drive failure, hear clicking or beeping sounds from inside the PC, or the reset process itself fails partway through, stop and take it to a repair shop. Continuing might make things worse. A technician can run hardware diagnostics and replace parts if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will a factory reset remove viruses?

Yes. A factory reset wipes the entire drive and reinstalls Windows, so any virus or malware goes with it. Use the "Remove everything" option to be thorough. After the reset, install antivirus software and keep Windows updates turned on to prevent reinfection.

Can I cancel a factory reset once it starts?

Not safely. Once the reset begins, stopping it mid-process can leave your PC in an unusable state. Let it finish, even if it takes longer than expected. If something goes wrong during the reset, you may need to start over or seek professional help.

Do I need the Windows installation disc or USB to reset my PC?

No, not if Windows still starts. The built-in reset tool has everything it needs. You only need a USB drive if Windows won't boot at all and you need to create a recovery USB on another PC.

What happens to my Microsoft account after a reset?

Your Microsoft account itself is not affected — it lives in Microsoft's servers, not on your PC. After the reset, you sign in with the same account and your OneDrive files, email, and settings sync back down. Programs you bought from the Microsoft Store can be reinstalled.

How long does a factory reset actually take?

If you choose "Keep my files," expect 20 to 30 minutes. If you choose "Remove everything," expect 45 minutes to an hour. Older PCs or those with large drives may take longer. Don't interrupt the process — let it run to completion.