How to reset an ASUS laptop

💡 Need to know

• You have options. ASUS laptops let you reset Windows while keeping your personal files or start completely fresh.
• Back up anything important first. Some reset options permanently erase files, apps, and settings.
• A reset can fix more than you think. Performance issues, startup problems, crashes, and software glitches are often resolved with a reset.
• Can't get into Windows? Recovery tools built into Windows can still help you reset your ASUS laptop.

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Your laptop has its ways of clearing glitches, from a quick reset to a full-blown factory reset. Do you know what each one does or how to complete it? It’s enough to cause a tech headache.

But that’s where we come in. With Asurion, it’s more than a quick fix. It’s tech care that keeps you covered—no matter what life throws at you and your gadgets. Here’s a list of all the resets your ASUS® laptop can do to tackle most issues.

Restart or reset?

Despite sounding interchangeable, they aren’t. Restarting your device means turning it off and on again quickly to fix small glitches. Resetting, however, is like starting over completely by erasing everything to fix bigger problems or clean up before you give the device to someone else.

While both methods fix issues, restarting is simpler and keeps your files safe, whereas resetting wipes everything clean.

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Why would you need to reset your ASUS laptop?

You might need to reset your ASUS laptop for several reasons:

• Performance issues. If your laptop is running unusually slow, freezing, or crashing, a reset can help clear out clutter and restore efficiency.
• Virus or malware. If it's infected with a virus or malware that regular antivirus software can't remove, resetting helps eliminate these harmful programs by wiping everything clean.
• Selling or transferring ownership. Resetting removes all of your personal data, making it ready for the next user.
• Software errors. Persistent software problems that can't be fixed with updates or troubleshooting might require a reset.

Resetting is a significant step that restores the laptop to its factory state, so you’ll want to back up important data first.

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What is the difference between reset and restart types?

Resetting your ASUS laptop typically offers a simple fix, but it's important to understand the various types of resets available based on your needs.

🔄 Soft restart

This is essentially a restart. It closes applications and clears the random access memory (RAM) but does not delete files or change settings. It’s useful for quickly fixing minor glitches.

🔄 Hard restart

In dire situations, a hard reset or forced restart involves disconnecting the laptop's power supply and holding down the Power button until the laptop shuts down. A forced reset turns off the laptop without preserving unsaved data, which is ideal when the device is not responding. Although saved data remains generally secure, any ongoing work may be lost.

🔄 Factory reset

A factory reset restores your ASUS laptop to its original software configuration and can resolve deeper system problems, clear out malware, or prepare your device for a new owner. This action will erase all local data, so backing up important files in advance is imperative.

🔄 BIOS Reset

Resetting the BIOS or UEFI settings to their factory defaults can resolve issues with hardware recognition or malfunctioning settings that prevent the operating system from starting properly.

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How to restart an ASUS laptop

Whether you’re doing regular troubleshooting or running into major technical difficulties, follow this guide to restart your ASUS laptop.

Restart via Start menu

1. Click the Start menu.
2. Select the Power icon > Restart.

Restart using keyboard shortcuts

1. Press Ctrl + Alt + Delete simultaneously.
2. Press the Tab key to highlight the Power icon, then press Enter.
3. Use the directional key to highlight Restart, then press Enter.

Hard restart

1. Press and hold the Power button until the laptop turns off.
2. Press the Power button again to turn your laptop back on.

You can also try hard restarting after disconnecting the power source:

1. Press and hold the Power button until the laptop shuts down completely.
2. Disconnect peripheral accessories and the power cable. If the battery is detachable, remove it.
3. Press and hold the Power button down continuously for a full 40 seconds.
4. If you have taken out the removable battery, place it back in the laptop and reconnect it to the charger. Then, press the Power button to turn it back on.

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How to factory reset an ASUS laptop

You might need to complete a factory reset as a final troubleshooting step or if you intend to give your laptop to someone else. Before performing a factory reset on your ASUS laptop, you’ll want to back up all important files, documents, and other data.

Factory reset an ASUS laptop through the Start menu

1. Open the Start menu.
2. Click Settings > System > Recovery.
3. Click Reset this PC.
4. Select Remove everything (which will delete all your files, apps, and settings and return your computer to out-of-the-box settings) or Keep my files (to reset just the apps and settings).
5. On the next menu screen, choose Cloud Download to pull a fresh, uncorrupted copy of Windows straight from Microsoft’s online servers, or Local Reinstall to rebuild using the laptop's existing internal drive files.
6. Then, follow the on-screen instructions to complete that reset.

Factory reset an ASUS laptop through the start-up menu

1. Click the Start menu > Power icon > Shut down.
2. Turn the laptop back on, then press F9 as it starts up. This should take you to the Windows recovery environment.
3. Choose Troubleshoot > Reset your PC. Follow the prompts to reset your PC.

💡 Pro tip: If your ASUS laptop is turned on but you can't log in to access the standard Settings menu, you can bypass the F9 boot-tapping process entirely. On the Windows login screen, click the Power icon in the bottom corner, then hold down the physical Shift key on your keyboard while clicking Restart. Keep holding the Shift key until the screen goes black and boots directly into the blue Windows recovery environment.

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FAQ

Will resetting my ASUS laptop delete my files?

It depends on the option you choose. Keep my files preserves personal files while reinstalling Windows. Remove everything erases files, apps, and settings.

How long does it take to reset an ASUS laptop?

Most resets take between 30 minutes and a few hours, depending on the laptop and the recovery option selected.

Should I reset my ASUS laptop if it's running slow?

If updates, malware scans, and storage cleanup haven't helped, a reset can often restore performance by removing software issues and reinstalling Windows.

Can I reset my ASUS laptop if it won't boot?

Yes. Windows Recovery Environment can often be accessed even when Windows won't start, allowing you to reset or recover the laptop.