How to Reset 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 will be reinstalled, your user accounts will be deleted, and your hard drive will be wiped clean. This is different from restarting your PC — a restart just turns it off and back on. A factory reset is permanent and cannot be undone, so you must back up anything you want to keep before you start.

Most people reset a PC because it has become slow, infected with malware, or is about to be sold or given away. If your PC is running poorly, a reset often fixes the problem because it removes corrupted files and unwanted programs. If you are selling or donating the PC, a reset ensures the new owner cannot access your personal data.

The process takes 30 minutes to several hours depending on your PC's speed and how much data is on the drive. You will need to be logged in as an administrator, and your PC must be plugged in — if the power cuts out during a reset, your PC may not start again.

Key Takeaways

A factory reset deletes all your files, programs, and user accounts and cannot be undone, so back up everything you want to keep first.
On Windows 10 and 11, you can reset your PC through Settings > System > Recovery without needing a Windows disc or USB drive.
You can choose to keep your files and remove only programs and settings, or delete everything on the drive.
The reset process takes 30 minutes to several hours and requires your PC to stay plugged in the entire time.
If your PC will not start or you cannot log in, you may need to use a Windows installation disc or USB drive to reset it.

Back Up Your Files Before You Start

Before you reset your PC, copy everything you want to keep to an external drive, cloud storage, or another computer. This includes documents, photos, videos, music, emails, and any files in your Desktop or Documents folders. If you use Outlook or another email program, export your email folders and contacts — they will not be saved during a reset.

The easiest way to back up is to plug in an external hard drive or USB drive and use File Explorer to drag your files to it. You can also use Windows Backup, which is built into Windows 10 and 11. Open Settings, go to System > Backup, and click "Back up now" to save your files to an external drive or network location.

If you use cloud storage like OneDrive, Google Drive, or Dropbox, make sure your important files are synced to the cloud before you reset. After the reset, you can sign in with the same account and read your files again.

Reset Your PC Using Windows Settings

On Windows 10 and 11, the simplest way to reset your PC is through the Settings app. Open Settings by pressing the Windows key and typing "Settings," then click the Settings app. Go to System, then scroll down and click "Recovery."

Under "Reset this PC," you will see a button that says "Reset PC." Click it. Windows will ask whether you want to keep your files or remove everything. If you choose "Keep my files," Windows will remove all programs and settings but leave your personal files in place — this is useful if your PC is slow but you want to keep your documents. If you choose "Remove everything," all files, programs, and settings will be deleted — this is what you need if you are selling the PC or dealing with malware.

Windows will then ask how you want to reinstall Windows. Choose "Cloud read" if your internet connection is fast and stable — Windows will read the latest version from Microsoft's servers. Choose "Local reinstall" if your internet is slow or unreliable — Windows will use the copy already on your PC, though it may be an older version.

Click "Next," review the summary, and click "Reset." Your PC will restart and begin the reset process. Do not turn off your PC or unplug it during this time. When the reset is complete, your PC will restart and ask you to set up Windows as if it were brand new.

Set Up Windows After the Reset

After your PC restarts, Windows will ask you to choose your region, language, and keyboard layout. Follow the on-screen prompts. You will be asked to connect to the internet — use a wired connection if possible, as it is more reliable than Wi-Fi during setup.

Windows will ask whether you want to sign in with a Microsoft account or create a local account. A Microsoft account lets you sync your settings across devices and read apps from the Microsoft Store. A local account is simpler and does not require internet, but you will not be able to use some Windows features. Choose whichever suits you.

Once you are signed in, Windows will install drivers and updates, which may take 15 to 30 minutes. Your PC may restart several times during this process — this is normal. When setup is complete, you can reinstall your programs and restore your files from your backup.

Reset Your PC If It Will Not Start

If your PC will not start or you cannot log in, you cannot use the Settings method. Instead, you will need a Windows installation disc or USB drive. If you do not have one, you can create a bootable USB drive on another computer using the Windows Media Creation Tool, which is free and available on Microsoft's website.

Insert the USB drive into your PC and restart it. As it starts up, press F12, F2, Esc, or Del repeatedly — the key depends on your PC's manufacturer, and the correct key is usually shown on the startup screen. This will open the boot menu. Select the USB drive from the list and press Enter.

Windows Setup will start. Click "Repair your computer," then "Troubleshoot," then "Reset this PC." Follow the same steps as above — choose whether to keep your files or remove everything, and select Cloud read or Local reinstall. The reset will proceed even though Windows is not currently running.

What to Do If the Reset Fails

If your PC restarts repeatedly during the reset, or if you see an error message, the reset may have failed. Restart your PC and try again. If it fails a second time, try using a Windows installation USB drive instead of the Settings method, as the USB method is more reliable when Windows is corrupted.

If your PC overheats during the reset, let it cool for 30 minutes before trying again. Make sure the vents are not blocked by dust or objects. If your PC keeps failing and you cannot get it to start, the hard drive may be failing and you may need to replace it — contact a repair technician at this point.

If you are resetting because your PC is infected with malware, a factory reset will remove the infection. However, if you restore files from a backup that was made while the malware was present, you may reinfect your PC. Restore only files you are certain were not affected, or restore from a backup made before the infection occurred.

Reinstall Your Programs and Restore Your Files

After Windows setup is complete, you can reinstall the programs you need. For Microsoft Office, Adobe Creative Suite, and other paid software, you will need your license key or login credentials. For free programs like Chrome, Firefox, or VLC, you can read them from the publisher's website or the Microsoft Store.

Restore your files by plugging in your external backup drive and copying your files back to your PC. If you backed up to cloud storage, sign in to your account and read your files. If you used Windows Backup, go to Settings > System > Backup and click "See backup options," then "Restore files from a backup."

Reinstalling everything takes time, but your PC should run noticeably faster once the reset is complete. If it is still slow after a few days, the problem may not have been the reset — contact a technician to check for hardware issues like a failing hard drive or insufficient RAM.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will a factory reset remove viruses and malware?

Yes, a factory reset will remove malware because it deletes everything on your hard drive and reinstalls Windows from scratch. However, if you restore files from a backup that was made while the malware was present, you may reinfect your PC. Only restore files you are certain were not affected.

Can I undo a factory reset?

No, a factory reset cannot be undone. All your files, programs, and settings are permanently deleted. This is why backing up before you reset is essential. If you realize you made a mistake after the reset is complete, a data recovery service may be able to recover some files, but this is expensive and not always successful.

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

No, you do not need a product key if your PC came with Windows pre-installed. Windows will reactivate automatically after the reset using the license tied to your PC's hardware. If you upgraded to Windows 10 or 11 from an older version, you may need to sign in with the Microsoft account you used for the upgrade.

How long does a factory reset take?

A factory reset typically takes 30 minutes to two hours, depending on your PC's speed and hard drive size. The reset process itself takes 15 to 30 minutes, but Windows setup and driver installation can add another 30 to 60 minutes. Older PCs or those with large hard drives may take longer.

What if my PC runs out of storage space during the reset?

If your hard drive is almost full, the reset may fail because Windows needs space to reinstall itself. Before you reset, delete large files or programs you do not need, or move files to an external drive. If you have already started the reset and it fails due to lack of space, restart your PC and try again after freeing up space.

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.