How to find factory reset on Windows
Factory reset on Windows lives in Settings, not in a standalone program you hunt for. The exact path depends on your Windows version, but the most common route is Settings > System > Recovery. From there you'll see a button labeled "Reset this PC" — that's what you click to start the process.
If you're on Windows 10, open Settings by pressing the Windows key and typing "settings", then select the app that appears. Go to System in the left sidebar, scroll down to Recovery, and you'll see the reset button. On Windows 11, the path is identical: Settings > System > Recovery.
You can also reach it through Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Reset this PC if the Recovery section doesn't appear. Both paths lead to the same reset tool.
Key Takeaways
- Factory reset is located in Settings under System > Recovery on both Windows 10 and Windows 11.
- You will be asked to choose between keeping your files or removing everything — this choice determines what stays on your PC after reset.
- The reset process can take 20 minutes to over an hour depending on your PC's speed and how much data is being removed.
- Your PC will restart multiple times during the reset, so plug in power and do not interrupt the process once it starts.
What happens when you click "Reset this PC"
After you click the button, Windows shows you two options: Keep my files or Remove everything. "Keep my files" removes Windows and installed programs but leaves your documents, photos, and downloads untouched. "Remove everything" wipes the entire drive clean, including your personal files — use this only if you're selling the PC or giving it away.
Next, Windows asks whether you want to reinstall from the cloud or from local files. Cloud reinstall downloads Windows fresh from Microsoft's servers, which takes longer but gives you the newest version. Local reinstall uses files already on your PC, which is faster but may not include the latest updates.
Once you confirm your choices, Windows displays a summary of what will happen. Read it carefully — this is your final note to back out before the process starts.
The reset process and what to expect
When you click the final confirmation button, your PC will restart and begin removing files and reinstalling Windows. The screen will show a progress bar, and the process typically takes 20 minutes to over an hour depending on your PC's speed and storage size. Do not turn off your PC, unplug it, or interrupt it during this time — stopping the reset mid-process can leave your system unable to start.
Your PC will restart several times. This is normal. Each restart moves to the next stage of the reset. You may see a black screen with a spinning circle or a Windows logo — both mean the process is still running.
Once the reset finishes, your PC will boot into Windows setup, where you'll create a new user account or sign in with your Microsoft account. This is where you personalize your PC again — choose your language, keyboard layout, and privacy settings.
When to use "Keep my files" versus "Remove everything"
Choose Keep my files if your PC is slow, crashing, or infected with malware and you want to fix it while preserving your documents and photos. This removes the programs and Windows settings that may be causing problems while leaving your personal data intact. After reset, you'll need to reinstall your programs (Microsoft Office, Chrome, Zoom, etc.), but your files will be waiting.
Choose Remove everything if you're selling or giving away your PC, or if you suspect a serious infection that may have hidden itself in your files. This wipes the drive completely, making it much harder for someone else to recover your data. It also takes longer because Windows has more to delete.
If you're unsure which option to pick, "Keep my files" is the safer choice for most situations. You can always delete files manually later if you want them gone.
Backing up before you reset
Even if you choose "Keep my files", it's wise to back up important documents before starting. Factory reset is designed to preserve your files, but backups protect you if something goes wrong. Use File History (built into Windows) or copy your most important folders to an external drive or cloud storage like OneDrive.
To use File History, plug in an external drive, open Settings, go to System > Storage > Advanced storage options > Backup options, and turn on File History. Windows will automatically back up your files to the external drive.
If you use OneDrive, your documents are already backed up to the cloud if you've saved them in your OneDrive folder. Check that your important files are synced before you reset.
What to do if reset fails or gets stuck
If the reset process stops responding or gets stuck on a screen for more than 30 minutes, you can force restart your PC by holding the power button for 10 seconds until it shuts down completely. Wait 30 seconds, then turn it back on. Windows will usually detect the interrupted reset and offer to resume or restart it.
If your PC won't start at all after a failed reset, you may need to use a Windows installation disk or USB drive to repair it. This is a more advanced step — if you reach this point, consider taking your PC to a repair shop or contacting Microsoft support.
Make sure your PC is plugged in and has at least 20% battery before you start the reset. A power loss during the process is one of the most common causes of failure.
Reinstalling programs after reset
If you chose "Keep my files", your programs are gone after reset and you'll need to reinstall them. Windows comes with built-in apps like Edge, Mail, and Photos, but programs like Chrome, Spotify, or Microsoft Office must be downloaded and installed again.
Visit the official website for each program you need and read the installer. For Microsoft Office, sign in with your Microsoft account and read it from Office.com. For Chrome, go to google.com/chrome. For most other programs, search the name plus "read" to find the official source.
Keep a list of programs you use regularly before you reset — it makes reinstalling faster and ensures you don't forget anything important.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will factory reset remove my Microsoft account?
No. Factory reset removes Windows and programs but keeps your Microsoft account linked to your PC. When setup finishes, you'll sign in with the same account. Your OneDrive files and Microsoft account settings will sync back to your PC.
Can I cancel factory reset once it starts?
You can cancel before the reset begins — just close the Settings window or click back. Once the restart happens and the progress bar appears, canceling is not safe and may damage your system. Let it finish.
Will factory reset fix a virus or malware?
Factory reset with "Remove everything" will remove most malware because it wipes the entire drive. However, if you choose "Keep my files", some malware may remain hidden in your documents. If you suspect serious infection, use "Remove everything" instead.
How much free space do I need to factory reset?
Windows needs at least 10 to 20 GB of free space to reset safely. If your drive is nearly full, delete large files or programs before you start, or use an external drive to back up files first.
What if I forgot my Windows password before resetting?
You can reset without entering your password. On the sign-in screen, click "I forgot my password" and follow the recovery steps using your Microsoft account email or phone number. If you don't have access to those, you may need to use a password reset disk or contact Microsoft support.