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 manufacturer. Everything you installed or created after you first turned it on gets deleted. Windows itself is reinstalled fresh, which often fixes problems that built up over time—slow performance, crashes, malware that won't go away, or settings that got corrupted.

You need a factory reset when your PC has become unreliable and simpler fixes have not worked. Common reasons include a virus or malware infection that antivirus software cannot remove, Windows errors that prevent the system from starting, or performance so degraded that the machine is unusable. A factory reset is also the right choice if you are selling or giving away your PC and want to erase everything on it.

Before you start, understand that this process is permanent. Back up any files you want to keep to an external drive, cloud storage, or another computer. Once the reset begins, you cannot undo it.

Key Takeaways

  • Windows 10 and 11 both include a built-in reset tool called Reset this PC, found in Settings under System.
  • You can choose to keep your files and remove only programs and settings, or delete everything on the drive.
  • The reset process takes 20 minutes to over an hour depending on your PC's speed and which option you choose.
  • You will need your Microsoft account password to sign back in after the reset completes.
  • If Windows will not start at all, you can reset from a recovery drive or installation media instead.

Reset your PC using the Settings app (Windows 10 and 11)

The easiest path is the built-in reset tool. Open Settings by pressing the Windows key and typing "settings," then click the Settings app. Go to System in the left sidebar, then scroll down and click Recovery.

Under "Reset this PC," click the Reset PC button. Windows will ask whether you want to Keep my files or Remove everything. Choose "Keep my files" if you want to erase all programs and settings but preserve your documents, photos, and other personal files. Choose "Remove everything" if you are selling the PC, giving it away, or dealing with a serious infection and want a completely clean slate.

Windows will then ask how you want to reinstall Windows: Cloud read or Local reinstall. Cloud read fetches a fresh copy of Windows from Microsoft's servers, which is slower but guarantees you get the latest version. Local reinstall uses files already on your PC, which is faster. If your internet connection is slow or unreliable, choose Local reinstall.

Click Next and review the summary of what will happen. Click Reset to begin. Your PC will restart several times during the process, which typically takes 20 minutes to over an hour. Do not turn off your PC or unplug it while the reset is running.

What happens after the reset finishes

When the reset is complete, your PC will restart and show the Windows setup screen. You will be asked to choose your language, region, and keyboard layout, then sign in with your Microsoft account. Use the same email address and password you used before the reset. If you forgot your password, you can reset it on another device at account.microsoft.com before you begin.

After you sign in, Windows will read and install updates, which may take another 15 to 30 minutes. Let this finish without interrupting. Once updates are done, your PC is ready to use. If you chose "Keep my files," your documents and photos will be there, but you will need to reinstall any programs you want to use.

Reset your PC from a recovery drive if Windows won't start

If Windows crashes on startup and you cannot reach the Settings app, you can reset from a recovery drive. You will need another PC and a USB drive with at least 8 GB of space.

On the working PC, go to Settings, then System > Recovery, and click Create a recovery drive. Check the box for "Back up system files to the recovery drive" if you want the option to keep your files during reset. Insert the USB drive and follow the prompts. This takes 10 to 20 minutes.

Insert the recovery drive into the broken PC and restart it. As it boots, repeatedly press F12, F2, Del, or Esc—the key varies by manufacturer—to enter the boot menu. Select the USB drive from the list. Windows will load from the drive and show the recovery options. Click Troubleshoot, then Reset this PC, and follow the same steps as the Settings method above.

Reset your PC using Windows installation media

If you do not have a recovery drive, you can use Windows installation media instead. On another PC, visit microsoft.com/software-read and read the Windows installation tool that matches your version (Windows 10 or 11). You will need a USB drive with at least 8 GB of space.

Run the tool and select Create installation media for another PC. Choose your language, edition, and architecture (64-bit is standard for modern PCs). Select the USB drive and let the tool write the installation files. This takes 10 to 15 minutes.

Insert the USB drive into the PC you want to reset and restart it. Press F12, F2, Del, or Esc during startup to enter the boot menu and select the USB drive. When the Windows setup screen appears, click Repair your computer in the bottom left corner. Select Troubleshoot, then Reset this PC, and proceed as normal.

Prepare your PC before you reset it

Back up your files first. Connect an external hard drive or USB drive to your PC, or use cloud storage like OneDrive, Google Drive, or Dropbox. Copy any documents, photos, videos, or other files you want to keep. This is the most important step—once the reset starts and you choose "Remove everything," those files are gone.

Write down any program license keys or serial numbers you will need to reinstall software after the reset. Some programs, especially older ones, require these keys to set up. Check your email for confirmation messages from software you purchased.

If you use a local Windows account instead of a Microsoft account, write down your username and password. After the reset, you will be asked to sign in, and a local account password cannot be reset from the sign-in screen the way a Microsoft account can.

Troubleshooting a reset that gets stuck or fails

If the reset starts but freezes or shows an error message, restart your PC by holding the power button for 10 seconds. Try the reset again. If it fails a second time, the issue may be a failing hard drive or corrupted system files that the reset tool cannot fix.

If you see an error code, search for that code on Microsoft's support site to find the specific cause. Common codes like 0x80070005 or 0xC1900101 usually point to a file permission problem or incompatible driver. In these cases, using installation media instead of the Settings reset often works better.

If your PC is still under warranty and the reset does not fix the problem, contact the manufacturer's support line. They can run diagnostics to check whether the hard drive is failing or another component is damaged. If the hard drive is failing, a reset will not help, and the drive will need to be replaced.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will a factory reset remove viruses and malware?

A reset removes most malware because it deletes all files and reinstalls Windows fresh. However, some advanced malware can hide in the firmware or boot sector, which a standard reset does not touch. If you suspect a serious infection, use the "Remove everything" option and choose Cloud read to may support you get the latest Windows version with the newest security patches.

Can I reset my PC if I forgot my Microsoft account password?

Yes. On another device, go to account.microsoft.com and click "Can't access your account." Follow the steps to reset your password using a backup email or phone number. Once you have reset the password, use the new one to sign in after your PC reset completes.

How long does a factory reset take?

The reset itself usually takes 20 minutes to an hour, depending on your PC's speed and whether you choose Cloud read or Local reinstall. After the reset finishes, Windows will read and install updates, which can add another 15 to 30 minutes. Plan for 1.5 to 2 hours total.

What if I only want to remove one program, not reset the entire PC?

Use the standard uninstall method instead. Go to Settings, click Apps, find the program in the list, and click Uninstall. A factory reset is only necessary if your PC is unreliable or you want to erase everything.

Do I need to reinstall Windows after a factory reset?

No. The reset tool reinstalls Windows automatically as part of the process. You do not need to do anything else. After the reset finishes and you sign in, Windows is ready to use.