What a factory reset does and when you need one

A factory reset removes all your files, programs, and settings and returns your PC to the state it was in when it left the factory. Everything you installed or created after you first turned it on gets deleted. Windows itself is reinstalled fresh.

You should factory reset when your PC is running slowly due to accumulated clutter, when malware has infected it and you want a clean start, when you are selling or giving away the machine, or when Windows has become so unstable that repairs are not working. It is also the right move if you have forgotten your Windows password and cannot log in any other way.

A factory reset is not the same as restarting your PC. A restart turns it off and back on. A factory reset erases the hard drive and reinstalls the operating system.

Key Takeaways

  • Back up all your files to an external drive or cloud storage before you start, because everything on your PC will be deleted.
  • Windows 10 and Windows 11 both have a built-in reset tool in Settings that does not require a separate installation disc.
  • You can choose to keep your files and remove only programs and settings, or erase everything — decide 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 completes, you will need to reinstall your programs and sign back into your accounts.

Back up your files before you start

Before you do anything else, copy all your important files to an external hard drive, USB flash drive, or cloud storage service like OneDrive, Google Drive, or Dropbox. A factory reset deletes everything on your PC, so if you do not back up first, those files are gone permanently.

The fastest way is to plug in an external drive, open File Explorer, and drag your Documents, Pictures, Downloads, and Desktop folders to the external drive. If you have a lot of files, this can take 15 to 30 minutes. If you prefer cloud storage, upload your folders to OneDrive or Google Drive instead — this takes longer but the files are accessible from any device.

Do not skip this step. Once the reset begins, there is no way to recover your files.

How to factory reset Windows 10

Open the Start menu and type "reset this pc" into the search box. Click the result that says "Reset this PC". A window will open with the heading "Reset this PC".

Click the blue button labeled "get your free guide". Windows will ask you to choose between two options: "Keep my files" or "Remove everything". If you choose "Keep my files", your Documents, Pictures, Downloads, and Desktop folders stay on your PC, but all programs and settings are removed. If you choose "Remove everything", the entire hard drive is erased and Windows is reinstalled from scratch. For a PC with malware or one you are selling, choose "Remove everything".

After you choose, Windows will show you a list of programs that will be removed. Review it to make sure nothing surprises you. Then click "Reset". The process will take 30 minutes to two hours. Your PC will restart several times. Do not turn it off or unplug it during this time.

When the reset finishes, you will see the Windows setup screen. Sign in with your Microsoft account or create a local account. Then reinstall your programs from the Microsoft Store, your email, or the websites where you downloaded them originally.

How to factory reset Windows 11

Open the Start menu and click the Settings icon (it looks like a gear). In Settings, click "System" on the left side, then scroll down and click "Recovery". Under "Reset this PC", click the blue button that says "Reset PC".

Windows will ask whether you want to "Keep my files" or "Remove everything". Choose based on your situation: "Keep my files" if you want to erase programs and settings but preserve your documents, or "Remove everything" if you are selling the PC or dealing with malware.

Click "Next". Windows will show you which programs will be removed. Review the list, then click "Reset". Your PC will restart and the reset will run in the background. This takes 30 minutes to two hours. Do not interrupt the process.

When it finishes, sign in with your Microsoft account and reinstall your programs.

What to do if you cannot log in to Windows

If you have forgotten your password and cannot start the reset from Settings, you can reset your PC from the Windows login screen. On the login screen, click "I forgot my password" and follow the prompts to reset your password using a recovery email or phone number. Once you can log in, follow the steps above.

If you do not have access to a recovery email or phone, you can use a Windows installation disc or USB drive to reset your PC. This is more complex and usually requires help from a professional. Contact a local computer repair shop if you are in this situation.

Reinstalling programs and signing back in after the reset

After your PC restarts and the reset is complete, you will need to reinstall the programs you use. Open the Microsoft Store and search for programs you had before — many are free. For programs you purchased, go to the website where you bought them and read the installer again. You will need your product keys or login information for paid software.

Sign back into your email, cloud storage, and other accounts. If you backed up files to OneDrive or Google Drive, sign in and read them back to your PC. If you used an external drive, plug it in and copy your files back to your Documents, Pictures, or other folders.

This process usually takes a few hours depending on how many programs you had and how fast your internet is.

When to call a professional instead

If your PC will not start at all, shows a black screen with error messages, or is so infected that you cannot open Settings, a factory reset may not be possible without professional help. A computer repair technician has tools to diagnose the problem and can reset your PC from outside Windows if needed.

Also call a professional if you have a work computer or a PC with sensitive data. Some workplaces have policies about how data must be erased, and a technician can make sure those policies are followed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will a factory reset remove a virus?

Yes. A factory reset erases the entire hard drive and reinstalls Windows, so any malware is removed. However, if the virus came from a file you downloaded or an email attachment, you could get infected again if you read the same file. Be careful about what you open after the reset.

Can I stop the reset once it starts?

You can cancel the reset before it begins by closing the Settings window. Once the reset starts and your PC begins restarting, do not interrupt it — stopping the process mid-way can leave your PC in an unusable state. Let it run to completion even if it takes a couple of hours.

Do I need a Windows installation disc to factory reset?

No. Windows 10 and Windows 11 both have a built-in reset tool in Settings that does not require a disc. You only need a disc if your PC will not start at all or if you are resetting from outside Windows.

What if I forgot to back up my files?

Once a factory reset completes, your files are permanently deleted and cannot be recovered through Windows. If you have not backed up, stop and contact a data recovery service before you reset. They may be able to recover files, though this is expensive and not always successful.

How long does a factory reset take?

A factory reset usually takes 30 minutes to two hours depending on your PC's speed and hard drive size. Older PCs and large hard drives take longer. Do not turn off your PC during the process, even if it seems stuck — it may just be running slowly.