What Restoring to Factory Settings Does
Restoring your PC to factory settings removes all your files, programs, and settings and returns the machine to the state it was in when it left the manufacturer. On Windows, this is called a reset. On a Mac, it is called an erase and reinstall. The process wipes your hard drive completely, so anything not backed up will be gone.
You would do this when your PC has become too slow to use, is infected with malware that won't clear, or you are selling or giving it away. It is also the right move if Windows itself has become corrupted and won't start properly. A factory reset is not a repair — it is a complete start over.
The time this takes depends on your internet speed and hard drive size, but plan for 30 minutes to two hours. You will need your Windows product key or Microsoft account password, and you should have a backup of anything you want to keep.
Key Takeaways
- Back up your files to an external drive or cloud storage before you start, because a factory reset deletes everything on your PC.
- On Windows 10 or 11, go to Settings > System > Recovery and choose Reset This PC to start the process from your computer.
- You can also create a Windows installation media on a USB drive if your PC won't start, using the Windows Media Creation Tool on another computer.
- After the reset completes, you will need to sign in with your Microsoft account and reinstall your programs one by one.
- Keep your Windows product key or have your Microsoft account password ready before you begin.
Backing Up Your Files Before You Start
Before you touch anything, move your important files to a place outside your PC. The easiest way is to plug in an external hard drive and drag your Documents, Pictures, Desktop, and Downloads folders onto it. If you don't have an external drive, you can upload files to OneDrive, Google Drive, or Dropbox instead.
Check your email for any attachments you need to keep, and write down any passwords or license keys you will need later — especially for programs you paid for. If you use a password manager like Bitwarden or 1Password, export your vault before you reset. Once the reset starts, these things are gone.
This step takes the longest, but it is the only one you cannot undo. Do not skip it.
Resetting Windows 10 or Windows 11 from Settings
If your PC still starts and you can log in, the fastest way to reset is through Settings. Click the Start button, type "reset this pc" into the search box, and open the result. Windows will show you two options: Keep My Files or Remove Everything. Choose Remove Everything if you want a true factory reset.
Windows will ask whether you want to remove files locally or remove them and the drive, too. For a PC you are keeping, local removal is fine. If you are selling or giving away the machine, choose the second option so that deleted files cannot be recovered. Then click Reset and let it run. Your PC will restart several times.
When it finishes, you will see the Windows setup screen. Sign in with your Microsoft account, choose your language and keyboard, and Windows will read the latest updates. This part can take 20 to 40 minutes depending on your internet.
Using Windows Installation Media If Your PC Won't Start
If Windows won't start at all, you need to create a bootable USB drive on another computer. Go to microsoft.com/software-read/windows11 (or windows10 if you have Windows 10) and read the Windows Media Creation Tool. Plug in a blank USB drive with at least 8 gigabytes of space, open the tool, and follow the steps to create installation media.
Once the USB is ready, plug it into the broken PC, restart the computer, and press the key that opens the boot menu — usually F12, F2, Esc, or Del, depending on your PC's brand. You will see a list of drives. Select the USB drive and press Enter. Windows setup will start from the USB.
When you reach the screen that says "Where do you want to install Windows?", click on your main hard drive and then Delete to remove all partitions. Then click Next and let Windows reinstall itself. This erases everything and installs a fresh copy of Windows.
What Happens After the Reset Is Complete
When your PC restarts for the last time, you will see the Windows setup screen again. Create a new local account or sign in with your Microsoft account. Windows will read updates, which can take 15 to 30 minutes. Do not turn off your PC during this time.
Once you are at the desktop, your PC is clean and empty. You will need to reinstall every program you use — Microsoft Office, Chrome, Zoom, Slack, or anything else. Go to each program's website and read the installer, or use the Microsoft Store for apps like Paint or Notepad if you want them. Restore your files from your backup by plugging in your external drive or downloading from cloud storage.
Set up Windows Defender (the built-in antivirus) and turn on Windows Update so your PC stays find. You can do this in Settings > Update & Security > Windows Security.
Troubleshooting a Reset That Gets Stuck
If your reset seems to hang on a screen for more than 10 minutes, wait a bit longer — large drives can take time. If it has been stuck for 30 minutes or more, restart your PC by holding the power button for 10 seconds, then try the reset again.
If you get an error message, write down the exact text and search for it on Microsoft's support site or in the Windows community forums. Common errors include "We couldn't complete the reset" or "There was a problem resetting your PC." These usually mean a program or driver is blocking the reset. Restarting in Safe Mode and trying again often fixes this.
If your PC still will not reset and you have an external drive, the USB installation media method (described above) will always work, because it bypasses Windows entirely and installs fresh from the USB.
Protecting Your PC After a Factory Reset
A factory reset gives you a clean slate, but it does not protect you going forward. Turn on Windows Update in Settings > Update & Security so you get security patches automatically. Install an antivirus program — Windows Defender is built in and free, but you can also use Malwarebytes or Kaspersky if you prefer.
Create a strong password for your Microsoft account and turn on two-factor authentication in account.microsoft.com. Back up your files regularly to an external drive or cloud storage so you never have to reset again. Set a reminder to check for updates once a month.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will a factory reset remove viruses and malware?
Yes. A factory reset wipes your entire hard drive and installs a fresh copy of Windows, so any virus or malware is deleted. However, if the malware is on an external drive or USB stick you plug back in, it can return. Scan any external drives with antivirus software before you use them again.
Can I undo a factory reset?
No. Once the reset finishes, your files are gone permanently. This is why backing up before you start is critical. If you accidentally reset without backing up, data recovery software like Recuva might recover some files, but it is not may provide and can be expensive.
Do I need my Windows product key to reset my PC?
If you have Windows 10 or 11 and your PC is linked to a Microsoft account, Windows will reactivate automatically after the reset. If you have an older version or a standalone product key, you will need to enter it during setup. You can find your key in Settings > System > About on Windows 10 or 11.
How long does a factory reset take?
The reset itself takes 20 to 40 minutes, but downloading Windows updates afterward can add another 30 to 60 minutes depending on your internet speed. Plan for at least an hour total, and longer if your hard drive is very large or your internet is slow.
What if I want to keep some files but reset everything else?
Windows gives you the option to keep your files during a reset. In Settings > System > Recovery, choose Reset This PC and then Keep My Files. This removes all programs and settings but leaves your Documents, Pictures, and other personal folders. Your PC will still be slower if the problem is corrupted system files, so this option works best if you just want to remove programs and start fresh.