What a full PC reset does and when to use it

A full reset wipes your PC back to the state it came in from the factory — all your files, programs, and settings are deleted, and Windows reinstalls itself fresh. This is different from a restart (which just reboots the system) or a refresh (which keeps your personal files but removes programs). Use a full reset when your PC is running slowly due to clutter, you plan to sell or give away the machine, you have a virus that won't go away, or Windows itself has become unstable.

The process takes 30 minutes to two hours depending on your internet speed and how much data is on the drive. During the reset, your PC will restart several times and show a progress bar. You will not be able to use the computer while it is running. Before you start, back up any files you want to keep — they will be gone after the reset completes.

Key Takeaways

  • Back up all files you want to keep to an external drive or cloud storage before starting, because a full reset deletes everything on your PC.
  • On Windows 10 or 11, open Settings, go to System, select Recovery, and click "Reset this PC" to start the built-in reset tool.
  • Choose "Remove everything" when prompted, then select whether to reinstall Windows from the cloud or from local files.
  • The reset process takes 30 minutes to two hours and requires your PC to stay plugged in and connected to power the entire time.
  • After the reset finishes, you will need to set up Windows again with a Microsoft account or local account, just like a new PC.

Back up your files before you start

A full reset erases everything on your PC's hard drive. Before you begin, move any files you want to keep to an external USB drive, an external hard drive, or a cloud storage service like OneDrive, Google Drive, or Dropbox. This includes documents, photos, videos, music, and any other personal files.

If you have programs you paid for or custom settings in programs, write down the names and license keys now — you will need to reinstall them after the reset. Windows itself will reinstall for free, but third-party software will not. Check your email for license keys or receipts from software you bought.

Open the Reset tool in Windows Settings

On Windows 10 or 11, click the Start button (the Windows logo in the bottom left corner). Type "Settings" and press Enter. In the Settings window, click "System" on the left side, then scroll down and click "Recovery."

Under the "Recovery" section, you will see a button labeled "Reset this PC." Click it. Windows will ask you to confirm — click "get your free guide" when the dialog appears. The reset tool will open and walk you through the next steps.

Choose "Remove everything" and select your reinstall method

The reset tool will ask you two questions. First, it will ask whether you want to keep your files or remove everything. Click "Remove everything" — this is the full reset. If you click "Keep my files," Windows will keep your personal documents but remove programs, which is a lighter reset.

Next, Windows will ask how you want to reinstall Windows: "Cloud read" or "Local reinstall." Cloud read downloads a fresh copy of Windows from Microsoft's servers — this takes longer but gives you the cleanest version. Local reinstall uses files already on your PC — this is faster but may leave some old files behind. For a true full reset, cloud read is the better choice if your internet is stable.

Let the reset run without interruption

Once you click through the prompts, Windows will begin the reset. Your PC will restart multiple times, and you will see a progress bar on a blue or black screen. Do not turn off your PC, unplug it, or close the lid during this process — interrupting it can leave your PC in an unusable state.

Keep your PC plugged into power the entire time. If you are on a laptop, plug it in now and do not unplug it until the reset is finished. The process usually takes 30 minutes to two hours. If it takes longer than three hours, something may have gone wrong — you can try restarting and running the reset again.

Set up Windows after the reset completes

When the reset finishes, your PC will boot into the Windows setup screen, just like a brand-new computer. You will be asked to choose your language, accept the license agreement, and create or sign in with a Microsoft account. You can also set up a local account (one without a Microsoft email) if you prefer.

After setup, Windows will read and install updates, which may take another 15 to 30 minutes. Let this finish — do not turn off your PC. Once updates are done, your PC is fully reset and ready to use. You can now reinstall your programs and restore your backed-up files.

What to do if the reset fails or gets stuck

If the reset stops responding or gets stuck on the same screen for more than 30 minutes, force shut down your PC by holding the power button for 10 seconds. Wait a minute, then turn it back on. Windows may restart the reset process automatically, or it may boot into a recovery screen — if so, look for an option to "Reset this PC" or "Troubleshoot" and try again.

If the reset keeps failing, your hard drive may be damaged. In that case, you can try a reset from a Windows installation USB drive, but this requires a second computer to create the USB drive and is more technical. Contact the PC manufacturer's support line if you need help with a damaged drive.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will a reset remove viruses from my PC?

Yes, a full reset removes viruses because it deletes everything on the hard drive and reinstalls Windows fresh. However, if the virus is on an external drive or USB stick you plug in after the reset, it can come back. Scan any external drives with antivirus software before you use them again.

Can I cancel the reset after it starts?

You can cancel the reset before it begins deleting files — the tool will ask for confirmation before it starts. Once the deletion begins, you should not cancel it, because stopping it mid-process can leave your PC unable to boot. If you need to cancel, do it in the first few minutes while you still see the confirmation prompts.

Do I need a Microsoft account to set up Windows after the reset?

No, you can set up a local account without a Microsoft email. However, a Microsoft account lets you sync settings across devices and recover your account if you forget the password. If you do not have a Microsoft account, you can create one during setup or skip it and use a local account instead.

What if I forgot to back up my files before resetting?

Once the reset completes, your files are gone and cannot be recovered through Windows. If you need them, you may be able to recover them using data recovery software, but this is not may provide and can be expensive. Always back up important files before resetting.

How long does a full reset take?

A full reset usually takes 30 minutes to two hours from start to finish, depending on your internet speed and how much data was on your PC. Cloud read resets take longer than local reinstalls because they read Windows from the internet. Keep your PC plugged in and do not use it during the reset.