How to factory reset a PC using Windows

💡Need to know

• Keep vs. remove: "Keep my files" saves your photos but wipes your apps. "Remove everything" deletes absolutely everything—use this if you're selling the PC or giving it away.
• Plug in your power cord: Never reset a laptop on battery. If it dies mid-reset, it can ruin the operating system and leave you with a computer that won't turn on.
• Unplug external drives: Disconnect your USB flash drives and external hard drives before starting so Windows doesn't accidentally wipe the wrong device.
• Give it time: A full reset can take over an hour. Leave the computer completely alone, even if the screen stays black or restarts multiple times.

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Is your PC is running slower than usual? Is it crashing, stalling, or freezing? Are you worried it has a virus? It may be time to reset it—especially if you plan to trade in or sell your device.

At Asurion, our experts help millions of customers with issues like this every day—on all their favorite devices. Here's our experts' guide on how to reset your Windows computer.

Why reset your PC?

Over time, your PC is bound to experience issues—from sluggish performance to trouble connecting to Wi-Fi. Resetting your computer can resolve some of these problems, like software glitches and viruses, by installing a fresh copy of your operating system. You'll also want to do this before trading in or selling your PC to ensure your personal information is wiped.

Before you reset your PC

Make sure you back up your files, photos, videos, and apps—especially if you're completing a full factory reset. The best way to do so is to use an external storage drive or Microsoft® OneDrive.

How to complete an external storage drive backup

For Windows 11:

1. Connect your external hard drive or SSD to your computer.
2. Press the Windows Key, type File History into the search bar, and select it from the results.
3. Click Turn on. Your PC will now automatically back up your core folders (Documents, Music, Pictures, Videos, and Desktop) to your external drive.

For Windows 10:

1. Connect your external storage drive to your computer.
2. Click Start > Settings > Update & Security > Backup.
3. Click Add a drive, select your external device, and your backup will begin automatically.

How to complete a Microsoft OneDrive backup

Microsoft OneDrive is a cloud service that allows you to store your files virtually, making them accessible from your PC, phone, tablet, or any other device that connects to the internet.

1. Click the OneDrive cloud icon in the bottom-right corner of your taskbar.
2. Click the gear icon (Help & Settings) in the top corner of the OneDrive pop-up window, then select Settings.
3. In the left sidebar of the settings window, click Sync and backup, then click Manage backup.
4. Check the toggles for the folders you want to protect (Desktop, Documents, and Pictures), then click Start backup.

Once the sync finishes, you will see a green checkmark next to your files in File Explorer, meaning they are safely stored in the cloud.

How to factory reset your PC

You can reset your computer either to keep your files or to restore it to factory settings. Follow the steps below based on your needs and your computer's operating system.

Factory resetting a computer using Windows 11

1. Open the Start menu and click Settings.
2. Click System in the left sidebar, then select Recovery on the right.
3. Under the Reset this PC section, click the Reset PC button.
4. Choose your cleanup style: Select Keep my files (to wipe apps and settings but save your photos and documents) or Remove everything (to completely shred all data and start entirely fresh).
5. Choose your reinstallation method: Select Cloud download to pull a fresh, glitch-free copy of Windows from Microsoft's servers (highly recommended), or Local reinstall to rebuild the system using the files already on your hard drive.
6. Follow the final on-screen prompts to confirm and begin the reset.

Factory resetting a computer using Windows 10

1. Click Start in your taskbar.
2. Go to Settings > Update & Security > Recovery.
3. Click Get Started under Reset this PC.
   • To reset without losing files:
     • Select Keep my files. You’ll then choose how to reinstall Windows:
       • Cloud download: Ideal for major issues or viruses.
       • Local reinstall: Faster, best for minor problems.
     • In the Additional Settings window, confirm if you want to restore apps and settings or change settings by toggling the slider to No.
     • Click Confirm > Next > Reset. The process may take several hours and involve multiple restarts.
   • To reset to factory settings:
     • Select Remove everything to delete all files, apps, and settings, returning your PC to out-of-the-box settings.
     • Choose Cloud download for reinstallation.
     • In the Additional Settings window, select Change settings. Toggle Clean data? and Download Windows? to Yes.
     • Click Confirm > Next > Reset. This will take several hours and may restart your computer multiple times.

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FAQ

Will a factory reset remove viruses and malware?

Yes, it can. If you choose Remove everything, it completely wipes your storage drive, shredding hidden malicious software, viruses, or spyware.

Do I need to buy a new Windows license after resetting?

Usually, no. On most modern PCs, your Windows license is digitally linked to your motherboard and Microsoft account. After the reset finishes and you reconnect to the internet, Windows will typically reactivate automatically.

What happens to my Microsoft Office or game saves?

If you choose Keep my files, your game saves and documents remain intact, but the actual apps (like Word or Steam) will be uninstalled. You will just need to redownload the apps once the reset is done.

What should I do if the reset gets stuck?

Factory resets can take a long time and often look frozen. Give it at least two hours to finish. If it is still stuck on the exact same percentage screen after that, hold down the physical power button to force a restart and let Windows attempt to roll back.