What a factory reset does and when to use it

A factory reset wipes your PC back to the state it left the factory — all your files, programs, and settings disappear, and Windows reinstalls itself fresh. This is different from a restart or a regular uninstall. Use it when your PC is running slowly due to clutter, when malware won't go away, when you're selling or giving away the machine, or when Windows itself has become unstable.

Before you start, understand that a factory reset is permanent. Everything you have not backed up will be gone. If you have photos, documents, or anything else you want to keep, copy them to an external drive or cloud storage first. This step takes time but saves regret.

Key Takeaways

  • Back up all your files to an external drive or cloud storage before starting, because a factory reset deletes everything on your PC.
  • Windows 10 and 11 both have a built-in reset tool in Settings under System, so you do not need a disc or USB drive unless the tool fails.
  • You can choose to keep your files and remove only programs, or remove everything — decide this before you begin.
  • The reset process takes 30 minutes to two hours depending on your PC speed and which option you choose.
  • After the reset finishes, you will need to sign in with your Microsoft account and reinstall any programs you want to keep.

Back up your files before you start

Open File Explorer and look at what you have. Your personal files are usually in Documents, Pictures, Downloads, Desktop, and Music. Plug in an external hard drive or USB drive with enough space — if you are unsure how much you need, right-click your C: drive, select Properties, and look at the "Used space" number.

Copy your folders to the external drive by dragging them over, or use the built-in backup tool. In Windows 10 and 11, go to Settings, then System, then About, then scroll down and click "Advanced options" under "Related settings", then "Backup options". This opens the backup tool where you can set it to run automatically. If you have time, let it finish before you reset — if not, at least copy your most important folder manually.

Also write down any program license keys or passwords you use regularly. Your browser may have saved them, but after the reset you will be starting fresh and may need to sign in again.

Open the factory reset tool in Settings

Click the Windows Start button (bottom left), type "reset this pc" into the search box, and press Enter. The "Reset this PC" window will open. If it does not appear, go to Settings (press Windows key + I), click System on the left, scroll down to Recovery, and click "Reset PC".

You will see two buttons: "Reset this PC" and sometimes "Go back". Click "Reset this PC". The tool will ask you to choose between two options: "Keep my files" or "Remove everything". Read the next section to decide which one fits your situation.

Choose between keeping files or removing everything

Keep my files removes all your programs and settings but leaves your Documents, Pictures, Downloads, and Desktop folders in place. Choose this if you want to clean up your PC but do not want to lose files. This takes about 30 to 45 minutes. After it finishes, you will need to reinstall your programs.

Remove everything deletes all your files, programs, and settings. Windows reinstalls itself completely clean. Choose this if you are selling the PC, giving it away, or if you have already backed up everything you need. This takes 45 minutes to two hours. It is the more thorough option and is what most people mean when they say "factory reset".

If you chose "Keep my files" but later realize you want to remove everything, you can run the reset again and pick the other option. There is no penalty for running it twice.

Complete the reset and wait for it to finish

After you choose your option, the tool will show you a summary of what will happen. Read it, then click "Reset". Windows will ask you to confirm — click "Reset" again. Your PC will restart and show a progress screen. Do not turn off your PC or unplug it during this time, even if it looks frozen. The reset can take a long time on older machines or large drives.

Your screen may go black for several minutes. This is normal. You may see "Resetting your PC" with a percentage counter, or you may see a spinning circle. Leave it alone. If nothing has changed after three hours, your PC may have frozen — in that case, hold the power button for 10 seconds to shut it down, wait 30 seconds, and turn it back on. It will usually resume where it left off.

Sign in and reinstall your programs

When the reset finishes, your PC will restart and show the Windows setup screen. You will see a language and keyboard layout choice, then a sign-in screen. Sign in with your Microsoft account email and password. If you do not have a Microsoft account, you can create one during setup or use a local account (though a Microsoft account makes future resets easier).

Windows will read and install updates, which can take 15 to 30 minutes. Let this finish. After that, your desktop will appear mostly empty. Open Microsoft Store or go to the websites of programs you use — such as Chrome, Firefox, Office, or Zoom — and read them again. Reinstalling takes time, but you now have a clean PC with only what you actually want.

Troubleshooting if the reset fails

If the reset tool does not open or gives you an error, try restarting your PC first. If it still does not work, you may need to use the Windows installation media. Go to microsoft.com/software-read/windows on another computer, read the Windows installation tool, and follow the steps to create a bootable USB drive. Then plug that drive into your PC, restart, and choose to boot from the USB drive. This method works even if Windows is too broken to run normally.

If your PC is very old or has a very full hard drive, the reset may run out of space partway through. In that case, plug in an external drive, copy any remaining files to it, delete them from your PC, and try the reset again. Freeing up at least 10 gigabytes of space usually solves this problem.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will a factory reset remove viruses or malware?

Yes, in most cases. A factory reset wipes the entire drive and reinstalls Windows, so malware that lives in your files or programs will be gone. However, if malware is in your BIOS or firmware (the code that runs before Windows loads), a factory reset will not remove it — this is extremely rare and usually only happens on targeted systems.

Can I stop the reset once it starts?

You can restart your PC during the reset by holding the power button, but this may leave Windows in a broken state. If you change your mind before the reset begins, close the reset window and do not click the final "Reset" button. Once the progress screen appears, let it finish.

What if I forgot my Microsoft account password?

Go to account.microsoft.com on another device, click "Sign in", then "Can't access your account", and follow the steps to reset your password. Write down the new password before you start the factory reset so you have it ready when Windows asks you to sign in.

Do I need the Windows installation disc that came with my PC?

No. The reset tool is built into Windows 10 and 11, so you do not need a disc. If the tool does not work, you can create a bootable USB drive using another computer, but the disc is not necessary.

How long does a factory reset take?

Between 30 minutes and two hours, depending on your PC's speed, how much data is on the drive, and whether you chose "Keep my files" or "Remove everything". Older PCs and full drives take longer. Plan for at least an hour and do not interrupt the process.