What Resetting Your PC Actually Does

A factory reset removes all your files, programs, and settings, then reinstalls Windows as if the computer were brand new. This is different from restarting — restarting just turns the machine off and back on. A reset wipes the hard drive completely and returns it to the state it left the factory.

You have two main reset options: Keep My Files, which removes programs and settings but preserves your documents, photos, and music; and Remove Everything, which deletes all personal data and is the choice to make if you are selling the PC or giving it away. Both options reinstall Windows from scratch.

A reset takes 20 minutes to two hours depending on your PC's speed and which option you choose. Your computer will restart several times during the process. Do not unplug it or force it off while it is running.

Key Takeaways

  • You can reset your PC through Settings > System > Recovery without needing a Windows disc or USB drive.
  • Choose "Keep My Files" to remove programs and settings while saving your documents and photos, or "Remove Everything" to delete all personal data.
  • Back up any files you want to keep before you start, because even "Keep My Files" can fail and leave you without data.
  • The reset process takes 20 minutes to two hours and requires your PC to stay powered on and connected to the internet.
  • If your PC will not start normally, you can reset it from the Windows login screen or from a recovery USB drive.

Reset Your PC Using Settings (The Standard Method)

This is the fastest way if your PC starts normally. Open Settings by pressing the Windows key and typing "settings," then press Enter. Click System in the left sidebar, then scroll down and click Recovery.

Under "Recovery options," you will see a button labeled Reset this PC. Click it. Windows will ask whether you want to Keep My Files or Remove Everything. Choose the option that matches what you need. If you are keeping files, Windows will remove all programs and settings but leave your Documents, Pictures, Music, and Desktop folders intact. If you are removing everything, all personal data goes.

After you choose, Windows will show you a list of programs it will remove. Review this list to make sure nothing surprises you. Then click Reset. Your PC will restart and begin the process. Do not interrupt it — let it run to completion, even if it seems to hang for a few minutes.

Back Up Your Files Before You Start

Even if you choose "Keep My Files," a reset can occasionally fail partway through and leave you without access to your data. Before you reset, copy anything important to an external hard drive, USB stick, or cloud storage like OneDrive, Google Drive, or Dropbox.

The fastest way is to plug in an external drive, open File Explorer, and drag your Documents, Pictures, and Desktop folders to the external drive. This takes 5 to 30 minutes depending on how much data you have. If you have gigabytes of files, start the backup and let it run while you do something else.

If you use OneDrive or another cloud service, make sure your files have finished syncing before you reset. Check the sync status by clicking the cloud icon in your system tray (bottom right of the screen).

Reset Your PC from the Login Screen (If It Won't Start Normally)

If Windows will not load or you cannot reach Settings, you can reset from the login screen. At the login screen, hold Shift and click the power icon in the bottom right corner, then click Restart. Your PC will boot into the Windows Recovery Environment.

Click Troubleshoot, then Reset This PC. From here, the process is the same as the Settings method — choose whether to keep files or remove everything, then let the reset run.

This method works even if Windows is corrupted or will not start. However, if your PC does not reach the login screen at all (for example, if it is stuck on a black screen or a manufacturer logo), you will need a recovery USB drive instead.

Create and Use a Recovery USB Drive

If your PC will not start even to the login screen, you need a recovery USB drive — a bootable USB stick that contains Windows installation files. You will need another working computer and a USB stick with at least 8 GB of space.

On the working computer, go to microsoft.com/software-read/windows11 (or windows10 if your PC runs Windows 10). Click Create Installation Media, then follow the prompts. Choose USB Flash Drive as your media type. The tool will read Windows and write it to your USB stick — this takes 10 to 20 minutes.

Plug the USB stick into the broken PC and restart it. As it boots, press F12, F2, Del, or Esc repeatedly (the key varies by manufacturer — watch for a message on the boot screen that says "Press [key] to enter boot menu"). Select your USB drive from the boot menu. Windows Setup will start, and you can choose to repair or reset your PC from there.

What Happens After the Reset Completes

When the reset finishes, your PC will restart and show the Windows setup screen, just as if it were brand new. You will need to choose your language, create or sign in with a Microsoft account, and set up your preferences. This takes 5 to 10 minutes.

After setup, your PC will be clean and fast, but empty of programs. You will need to reinstall anything you use — Microsoft Office, Chrome, Zoom, antivirus software, and so on. If you chose "Keep My Files," your documents and photos will be in their original folders, but the programs that opened them are gone.

Windows will automatically read and install updates after the reset. This can take 30 minutes to an hour. Let your PC sit plugged in and connected to the internet while this happens.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Unplugging during the reset: If you unplug your PC or force it off while it is resetting, Windows can become corrupted and unbootable. Let the process finish, even if it takes longer than you expect. If your PC seems frozen, wait at least 10 minutes before assuming something went wrong.

Not backing up first: "Keep My Files" usually works, but it is not may provide. If you have files you cannot replace, copy them to external storage before you start.

Forgetting your Microsoft account password: After the reset, you will need to sign in with your Microsoft account to set up Windows. If you do not remember your password, you can reset it on another computer at account.microsoft.com before you reset your PC.

Resetting when you have a virus: A reset removes most malware, but some advanced viruses can survive it. If you suspect a serious infection, run a full antivirus scan on another computer before you reset, or take your PC to a technician.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will resetting my PC remove viruses?

A reset removes most viruses and malware because it wipes your hard drive and reinstalls Windows from scratch. However, some advanced malware can survive a reset. If you suspect a serious infection, run an antivirus scan on another computer first, or have a technician check it before you reset.

Can I cancel a reset once it starts?

You can cancel a reset in the early stages, before Windows begins removing files. Once the reset is underway and files are being deleted, canceling it can leave your PC in an unusable state. If you need to stop it, do so as soon as you realize you made a mistake.

How long does a reset take?

A reset typically takes 20 minutes to two hours. "Keep My Files" is usually faster than "Remove Everything" because it does not have to delete as much data. Older PCs and those with large hard drives take longer.

Do I need a Windows product key to reset my PC?

No. If your PC came with Windows already installed, Windows will reactivate automatically after the reset using your hardware ID. You do not need to enter a product key.

What if my PC still does not work after the reset?

If your PC has a hardware problem — a failing hard drive, bad RAM, or a broken motherboard — a reset will not fix it. If your PC still crashes, freezes, or will not start after a reset, the problem is likely hardware, and you may need a technician to diagnose it.