Feeling like your Windows 10 PC has lost its spark? Maybe it’s running slow, crashing unexpectedly, or cluttered with old programs and files. When troubleshooting fails, sometimes the best solution is to reset Windows 10 and start with a clean slate.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about how to reset Windows 10, from understanding what a reset does to performing it safely — even if you can’t log in.
🔍 Quick Summary: Key Takeaways
| Action | Purpose | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Reset with “Keep my files” | Fix performance or software issues | Reinstalls Windows but keeps personal files |
| Reset with “Remove everything” | Wipe your PC clean | Removes all files, apps, and settings |
| Cloud download reset | Fresh Windows installation from Microsoft servers | Ideal for severe system issues |
| Reset from boot or sign-in screen | Fixes PCs that won’t start normally | Access recovery tools before login |
Introduction: Why Reset Windows 10?
Over time, Windows 10 computers can slow down due to software conflicts, driver errors, malware, or simple clutter. If you’ve tried all other fixes — running antivirus scans, uninstalling apps, or using cleanup tools — resetting might be your best move.
Think of it as hitting “restart” on your entire computer. You’ll clear out junk, fix bugs, and regain that out-of-the-box speed and stability.
1. What Does Resetting Windows 10 Actually Do?
When you reset your Windows 10 PC, the system reinstalls itself while giving you two options:
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Keep my files: Keeps your personal files like photos, documents, and videos but removes apps and settings.
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Remove everything: Erases everything, giving you a completely clean system.
Essentially, it’s Microsoft’s built-in reinstall tool — faster and easier than manually reinstalling Windows.
2. When Should You Reset Windows 10?
Resetting is useful in several scenarios:
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Your PC is sluggish or freezing frequently
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You’re dealing with stubborn malware
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You want to sell or donate your computer
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System updates or drivers keep failing
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You simply want a fresh start
If any of these sound familiar, a reset is often faster than spending hours troubleshooting.
3. Before You Begin: Backup and Preparation
Before resetting Windows 10, take a few precautions to protect your data and ensure a smooth process.
✅ Step 1: Back Up Important Files
Save your files using one of these methods:
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External drive: Copy important folders to a USB or hard drive.
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Cloud storage: Use OneDrive, Google Drive, or Dropbox.
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Network drive: For business users, backup to your company’s network.
✅ Step 2: Check Account Credentials
You’ll need your Microsoft account password for reactivation and sign-in after reset.
✅ Step 3: Note Software Keys
If you use paid apps (like Microsoft Office or Adobe), make sure you have your product keys handy.
✅ Step 4: Plug in Your PC
Resetting can take up to 2 hours. Ensure your laptop is plugged into a power source.
4. How to Reset Windows 10 from Settings
The easiest way to reset your PC is directly through the Windows 10 Settings menu.
Follow these steps:
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Click the Start Menu → Settings (⚙️ icon).
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Select Update & Security.
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Choose Recovery from the left panel.
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Under “Reset this PC,” click Get started.
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Select one of these options:
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Keep my files
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Remove everything
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Choose Cloud download or Local reinstall:
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Cloud download: Downloads fresh Windows files from Microsoft.
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Local reinstall: Uses your device’s existing files.
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Review the reset summary and click Reset.
Your PC will restart and begin the reset process.
5. Understanding “Keep My Files” vs. “Remove Everything”
Here’s how they compare:
| Option | Keeps Personal Files | Removes Apps | Removes Settings | Ideal For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Keep my files | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | Fixing minor software issues |
| Remove everything | ❌ No | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | Selling, donating, or starting fresh |
💡 Pro Tip: If you’re planning to sell or give away your PC, always choose Remove everything for complete data erasure.
6. How to Reset Windows 10 Without Logging In
If you can’t sign in because of a forgotten password, malware, or system crash — don’t worry. You can reset directly from the login screen.
Here’s how:
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On the sign-in screen, click the Power icon (bottom right).
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Hold the Shift key and click Restart.
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Your computer will reboot into the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE).
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Select Troubleshoot → Reset this PC.
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Choose Keep my files or Remove everything.
Windows will guide you through the rest.
7. How to Reset Windows 10 from Boot (Advanced Method)
If your system won’t even reach the login screen, you can reset from boot.
Steps:
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Turn off your computer.
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Turn it back on and press F11 (or Shift + F8) repeatedly as it boots.
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This opens the Advanced Startup Options.
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Navigate to Troubleshoot → Reset this PC.
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Choose Keep my files or Remove everything.
This method works even if Windows doesn’t start normally.
8. How to Reset Using a USB or Installation Media
If recovery tools are missing or damaged, you can use a Windows 10 installation USB to perform a reset.
Steps:
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Download the Windows 10 Media Creation Tool from Microsoft’s official site.
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Create a bootable USB (8 GB or larger).
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Insert the USB into your PC and reboot.
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Press F12 or Esc to open the Boot Menu.
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Select the USB drive to boot from.
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On the setup screen, click Repair your computer → Troubleshoot → Reset this PC.
Choose whether to keep files or remove everything, then follow on-screen instructions.
9. Cloud Download vs. Local Reinstall: Which Should You Choose?
| Option | Requires Internet? | Downloads New Files? | Recommended For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cloud Download | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | Systems with corrupted files or malware |
| Local Reinstall | ❌ No | ❌ No | Faster option for functional systems |
💡 Tip: Cloud download reinstalls the latest Windows version — perfect if you want to fix broken files or refresh outdated installations.
10. How Long Does Resetting Windows 10 Take?
Reset duration depends on:
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Type of reset (keep or remove files)
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System speed (SSD vs HDD)
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Cloud vs local reinstall
| Reset Type | Average Duration |
|---|---|
| Keep my files | 30–60 minutes |
| Remove everything | 1–2 hours |
| Cloud download | 1–3 hours (depends on internet speed) |
Be patient — it’s worth the wait for a smooth, fresh start.
11. How to Reset Windows 10 via Command Prompt
For advanced users, Command Prompt offers a direct method to trigger a reset.
Steps:
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Press Windows + R → Type
cmd→ Press Enter. -
In Command Prompt, type:
or
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Press Enter.
Choose between Keep my files or Remove everything, then follow the prompts.
12. What Happens After a Windows 10 Reset?
Once the process completes:
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Your computer restarts with a fresh Windows 10 installation.
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You’ll be guided through the initial setup (language, time zone, Microsoft account).
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If you chose Keep my files, your personal folders will remain in place.
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Apps and settings are removed — meaning you’ll reinstall software manually.
13. Restoring Files After the Reset
If you backed up your data before the reset, now’s the time to bring it back.
To restore files:
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Copy them from your external drive or cloud backup.
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Reinstall apps from Microsoft Store or vendors’ websites.
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Sync OneDrive to automatically recover online documents.
14. Troubleshooting Reset Errors
Sometimes the reset process doesn’t go as planned. Here’s how to fix common issues:
| Error Message / Issue | Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Reset failed at 1% or 99% | Corrupted system files | Try Cloud download instead |
| “There was a problem resetting your PC” | Recovery image missing | Use a Windows USB installer |
| Blue screen after reset | Driver or hardware issue | Reinstall Windows manually |
| Error code 0x80070002 | File corruption | Run CHKDSK and retry reset |
15. How to Perform a Fresh Start Using Windows Security
Windows 10 includes another useful option — Fresh Start, designed to reinstall Windows while keeping your files intact.
To use Fresh Start:
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Open Windows Security (search “Windows Security” in the Start Menu).
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Go to Device performance & health.
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Click Additional info under “Fresh start.”
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Select Get started.
This removes most apps but keeps your files and some settings.
16. Post-Reset Checklist: What to Do After Resetting
After resetting Windows 10, follow this quick checklist:
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✅ Install Windows Updates: Go to Settings → Update & Security → Windows Update → Check for updates.
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✅ Update Drivers: Visit your manufacturer’s website (e.g., Dell, HP, Lenovo).
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✅ Install Antivirus: Use Windows Defender or a trusted third-party app.
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✅ Reinstall Essential Apps: Office, Chrome, Adobe, etc.
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✅ Restore Files from your backup or OneDrive.
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✅ Customize Settings to your preference.
17. Benefits of Resetting Windows 10
| Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
| 🧹 Removes bloatware and junk files | Your PC feels new again |
| ⚡ Boosts speed and performance | Eliminates unnecessary apps |
| 🛡️ Fixes malware issues | Wipes infected files |
| 🔒 Protects privacy | Clears all personal data before resale |
| 🧰 Resolves system errors | Repairs corrupted Windows files |
Resetting gives your computer a much-needed tune-up and a clean environment to start fresh.
18. Alternative: Manual Reinstallation of Windows 10
If all else fails, you can do a clean installation using the Windows 10 ISO.
Steps:
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Visit Microsoft’s official Windows 10 download page.
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Download the Media Creation Tool.
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Create a bootable USB.
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Boot from USB and select Install Windows.
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Delete old partitions and install on unallocated space.
This method gives you total control over the installation.
Conclusion: Reset and Reclaim Your PC’s Performance
Knowing how to reset Windows 10 is an essential skill for every PC user. Whether you’re fixing issues, selling your computer, or just craving a fresh start, a reset can make your system feel brand new again.
Here’s the recap:
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Use Settings → Recovery for quick resets.
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Choose Keep my files for mild fixes.
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Use Remove everything for a total wipe.
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Try Cloud download for the cleanest install.
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Always backup first — just in case.
After the reset, you’ll enjoy faster speeds, cleaner storage, and a smoother overall experience.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Does resetting Windows 10 remove my license?
No. Your Windows 10 license is linked to your device and Microsoft account. It reactivates automatically after the reset.
2. Can I cancel a reset midway?
Avoid doing so. Interrupting the process may corrupt files and require a full reinstall.
3. Will a reset remove viruses?
Yes, if you select “Remove everything.” However, you should still reinstall an antivirus afterward.
4. How often should I reset my PC?
Only when performance drops significantly or before selling/donating your device.
5. What’s the difference between “Fresh Start” and “Reset this PC”?
Both reinstall Windows, but Fresh Start keeps more settings and drivers, while Reset this PC gives you deeper cleanup options.
Key Takeaways
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Resetting Windows 10 restores your PC to its original performance level.
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Choose between Keep my files or Remove everything based on your needs.
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Always backup before resetting.
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Cloud download provides the cleanest reinstall option.
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Post-reset, update drivers and install security tools for protection.