How to Reboot Your PC to Factory Settings

What Happens When You Reset Your PC to Factory Settings

A factory reset removes all your files, programs, and settings and returns your PC to the state it was in when it left the manufacturer. Windows calls this a "reset" or "fresh start." Everything you installed after you first turned on the computer will be gone — your documents, photos, downloaded programs, browser history, email accounts, and custom settings all disappear. Windows itself stays on your PC, but it reverts to its original configuration.

This is different from a restart or shutdown. A restart closes everything and boots the system back up with all your files and programs still there. A factory reset erases the hard drive (or solid-state drive) and reinstalls Windows from scratch. You should back up any files you want to keep before you start, because once the reset begins, recovery is difficult and often impossible.

Key Takeaways

Back up all your files to an external drive or cloud storage before starting a factory reset, because the process deletes everything on your PC.
Windows 10 and Windows 11 both have a built-in reset tool in Settings that you can reach in under a minute without any special software.
You can choose to keep your Windows installation and remove only your files and programs, or remove everything including Windows and reinstall it fresh.
The reset process takes 20 minutes to over an hour depending on your drive speed and which option you choose.
After the reset finishes, you will need to set up Windows again with a Microsoft account, choose your privacy settings, and reinstall any programs you want to use.

Back Up Your Files Before You Start

Before you touch any reset button, move everything you want to keep to an external hard drive, USB flash drive, or cloud storage service. This includes documents, photos, videos, music, and any files in your Downloads folder. Do not rely on the reset process to preserve anything — it will not.

The fastest way is to plug in an external drive and drag your Documents, Pictures, Downloads, and Desktop folders onto it. If you use OneDrive, Google Drive, or Dropbox, make sure your important files have synced to the cloud first. Check that the backup actually worked by opening the external drive and confirming the files are there. This step takes 10 to 30 minutes depending on how much data you have, but it is the only thing standing between you and permanent loss.

How to Reset Windows 10

Open the Start menu and type "reset this pc" into the search box. Click the result that says "Reset this PC" — it will open the Recovery settings page. You will see a button labeled "Reset PC" under the "Reset this PC" heading. 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, Pictures, Desktop, and Downloads folders intact. If you choose "Remove everything," Windows deletes those folders too and performs a complete wipe. For most people, "Keep my files" is the safer choice because you get a fresh Windows installation without losing your documents.

Next, Windows asks whether you want to reinstall from the cloud or use local reinstallation. "Cloud read" downloads a fresh copy of Windows from Microsoft's servers — this takes longer but gives you the most current version. "Local reinstall" uses the Windows files already on your PC — this is faster but may not include the latest updates. Choose whichever matches your internet speed and patience.

Review the summary screen, then click "Reset." Windows will restart your PC and begin the process. Do not turn off your computer or unplug it. The reset usually takes 30 to 60 minutes. Your screen will go black, show a spinning circle, and display progress messages. When it finishes, Windows will restart and ask you to set up your PC again.

How to 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 "Reset PC" button.

Windows 11 presents the same two choices: "Keep my files" or "Remove everything." Choose based on whether you want to preserve your documents and folders. Then select your reinstallation method — "Cloud read" or "Local reinstall" — using the same logic as Windows 10.

Click "Next," review the summary, and click "Reset." Your PC will restart and the process will begin. Windows 11 resets typically take 20 to 45 minutes depending on your drive speed and which option you selected. Your screen will show a progress indicator. When the reset finishes, Windows will restart and walk you through the initial setup screens.

What to Do After the Reset Finishes

When your PC restarts after the reset, Windows will ask you to choose your region, language, and keyboard layout. Then it will ask you to sign in with a Microsoft account or create a local account. If you have a Microsoft account (the email address you used to set up Windows originally), sign in with that. If you do not have one, you can create a local account with just a username and password, though Microsoft will prompt you to create a Microsoft account later.

Windows will then ask about privacy settings — whether to turn on location services, activity history, and diagnostic data. You can turn these off if you prefer more privacy, or leave them on. These settings can be changed later in Settings if you change your mind.

After setup completes, you will have a clean Windows installation with no programs except the ones that came with Windows (like Notepad, Calculator, and the Microsoft Store). You will need to reinstall any programs you use — web browsers, Office, antivirus software, media players, and anything else. If you chose "Keep my files," your documents and photos will be in their original folders and ready to use.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

The biggest mistake is not backing up your files first. Once the reset starts, there is no "undo" button. If you realize halfway through that you forgot to save something, it is too late. Spend the 20 minutes backing up before you begin.

Do not turn off your PC or unplug it while the reset is running. This can corrupt Windows and leave your PC unable to boot. If the reset seems stuck on a black screen for more than two hours, it may have frozen — in that case, hold the power button for 10 seconds to force a shutdown, wait a minute, and turn it back on. Windows will usually resume the reset process or ask you to start over.

Do not assume your programs will still be there after the reset. They will not. Make a list of the programs you use regularly so you know what to reinstall. If you have license keys or set up codes for paid software, write those down before you reset, because you may need them to reinstall.

When to Choose "Remove Everything" Instead of "Keep My Files"

Most of the time, "Keep my files" is the right choice. But if your PC is infected with malware, if you are selling or giving away the computer, or if you want the most thorough possible clean slate, choose "Remove everything." This option wipes the entire drive and reinstalls Windows completely, which takes longer but leaves no trace of your old installation.

If you are concerned about malware, "Remove everything" is more thorough than "Keep my files" because it erases the entire drive before reinstalling Windows. However, if you just want a faster PC or to fix software problems, "Keep my files" usually solves the problem and saves you time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will I lose my Microsoft account or email if I reset my PC?

No. Your Microsoft account exists in the cloud and is not stored on your PC. After the reset, you can sign back in with the same email address and password. Your OneDrive files, Outlook email, and other cloud services will sync back to your PC once you sign in. Local files on your PC will be gone unless you backed them up.

How long does a factory reset actually take?

Most resets take 20 to 60 minutes. The exact time depends on your drive speed (solid-state drives are faster than older hard drives), which reinstallation method you chose (cloud read takes longer), and how much data is being erased. Plan for at least an hour and do not interrupt the process.

Can I reset my PC if it will not start up?

If Windows will not boot at all, you cannot use the Settings method. Instead, restart your PC and press F11 (or F12 on some models) repeatedly as it boots to enter recovery mode. From there, you can choose to reset your PC. If that does not work, you may need to use a Windows installation USB drive, which requires a second computer to create.

Do I need a Windows license key after I reset?

If your PC came with Windows pre-installed, your license is tied to your hardware and will reactivate automatically after the reset. If you purchased a separate Windows license, you may need to enter the key during setup. Microsoft will usually detect your hardware and set up automatically without asking for a key.

What if I change my mind after the reset starts?

Once the reset process begins and your PC restarts, you cannot stop it without corrupting Windows. If you have not reached the point where it restarts yet, you can close the Settings window and cancel. After the restart, the process is committed and must finish. Plan carefully before you click Reset.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.