How to Factory Reset Windows 10: Step-by-Step Guide for All Users

Is your Windows 10 PC running slower than usual? Or maybe you’re preparing to sell your laptop and want to erase all personal data safely? Whatever your reason, knowing how to factory reset Windows 10 can save you time, improve performance, and keep your personal information secure.

In this comprehensive step-by-step guide, we’ll explain how to factory reset Windows 10, covering every method — whether you can sign in, are locked out, or need to use advanced recovery options. Let’s dive in!

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🔍 Quick Summary: Key Takeaways

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Introduction: Why Factory Reset Windows 10?

Over time, your Windows 10 PC may accumulate clutter, malware, or corrupted system files that cause lag or unexpected crashes. A factory reset restores your system to its original state — like the day you first powered it on.

Think of it as hitting the “refresh” button for your computer. It’s the best way to:

• Eliminate stubborn software issues

• Speed up performance

• Prepare your PC for resale or donation

• Start fresh after malware infections

But before we begin, let’s clarify what a factory reset really means.

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1. What Does Factory Reset Mean on Windows 10?

A factory reset reinstalls Windows 10 on your device. It gives you the option to:

• Keep your personal files (documents, photos, etc.)

• Remove everything (complete wipe)

Essentially, it’s like reinstalling Windows, but much easier. Microsoft built this feature directly into Windows 10 to make recovery simple, even for beginners.

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2. Things to Do Before You Factory Reset Windows 10

Before you hit “Reset,” take a few minutes to prepare. Once you start the process, some data may be lost permanently.

✅ Backup Your Files

Save important documents, photos, and videos to:

• External drives (USB or HDD)

• Cloud storage (OneDrive, Google Drive, Dropbox)

✅ Check Your Microsoft Account

Make sure you know your Microsoft account email and password, especially if your PC uses BitLocker encryption. You may need them later.

✅ Deauthorize Software

Sign out or deactivate software licenses (like Microsoft Office, Adobe, or iTunes) to avoid future activation issues.

✅ Plug in Your Device

Factory resetting can take 30–90 minutes, so ensure your PC is plugged in to avoid power interruptions.

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3. How to Factory Reset Windows 10 (From Settings Menu)

This is the easiest and most common method. You can do it directly from the Windows 10 Settings app.

Step-by-Step:

1. Click Start → Settings ⚙️

2. Select Update & Security

3. Choose Recovery from the sidebar

4. Under Reset this PC, click Get started

5. Choose one of the two options:

   • Keep my files: Keeps personal files but removes apps and settings

   • Remove everything: Completely wipes all data

6. Choose Cloud download or Local reinstall:

   • Cloud download: Downloads the latest Windows version (requires internet)

   • Local reinstall: Reinstalls from your existing system files (faster, offline)

7. Click Next → Reset to begin.

Your PC will restart and begin reinstalling Windows 10 automatically.

💡 Tip: If you’re selling your computer, always choose “Remove everything” to erase all personal data.

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4. How to Factory Reset Windows 10 Without Logging In

Can’t log into your computer? No problem — you can reset Windows 10 from the sign-in screen.

Here’s how:

1. On the login screen, click the Power icon (bottom-right).

2. Hold Shift and click Restart.

3. Windows will restart and open Recovery Environment.

4. Go to:

   • Troubleshoot → Reset this PC.

5. Select Keep my files or Remove everything.

Follow the on-screen steps, and your PC will reset even without logging in.

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5. How to Factory Reset Using Advanced Startup (Recovery Environment)

If Windows won’t start normally, you can use Advanced Startup Options to access the reset tool.

Steps:

1. Power off your PC.

2. Turn it on and press F11 (or Shift + F8) repeatedly as it boots.

3. You’ll enter the Windows Recovery Environment.

4. Go to:

   • Troubleshoot → Reset this PC.

5. Choose whether to keep files or remove everything.

This method is ideal if your computer is stuck in a boot loop or shows a blue screen.

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6. How to Factory Reset Windows 10 from Boot (for Non-Bootable PCs)

If your system won’t even reach the recovery menu, you can reset it using installation media (USB or DVD).

Steps:

1. Create a Windows 10 installation USB using the Microsoft Media Creation Tool.

2. Insert the USB into your computer.

3. Restart and boot from the USB (press F12 or Esc for Boot Menu).

4. Choose your language and keyboard layout.

5. Click Repair your computer → Troubleshoot → Reset this PC.

6. Select Remove everything or Keep my files.

Your PC will reinstall Windows 10 using the USB drive.

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7. How to Reset Windows 10 with Command Prompt

If you’re an advanced user or your GUI is broken, you can reset via Command Prompt.

Steps:

1. Open Command Prompt (as Administrator).

2. Type:

   systemreset --factoryreset


3. Press Enter.

4. Choose either:

   • Keep my files

   • Remove everything

If you’re in the Recovery Environment, choose Troubleshoot → Command Prompt, then run the same command.

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8. Understanding “Keep My Files” vs. “Remove Everything”

If your goal is speed or repair — go with Keep my files.
If you want total privacy or a clean start — choose Remove everything.

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9. Choosing Between Cloud Download and Local Reinstall

When resetting, Windows 10 gives you two reinstall methods:

💡 Expert Tip: If your PC is very slow or infected with malware, use Cloud download for a clean, fresh Windows copy.

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10. How Long Does Factory Reset Take?

The reset time depends on:

• Type of reinstall (Cloud vs. Local)

• “Keep files” vs. “Remove everything”

• Hardware speed (SSD vs. HDD)

Be patient and don’t interrupt the process — your computer will restart several times.

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11. What Happens After the Reset?

Once the reset completes, your PC will boot up as if brand new:

• You’ll see the Windows 10 setup screen

• Sign in with your Microsoft account

• Reinstall your apps

• Restore your backup files

Everything else will be fresh and clean — just like a new PC.

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12. How to Restore Files After a Factory Reset

If you selected “Keep my files,” they’ll appear automatically after setup.
If you wiped your system completely, restore from your backup.

Methods:

• Copy files from external drive or cloud storage

• Restore OneDrive or Google Drive backups

• Reinstall Microsoft Store apps and other programs

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13. How to Factory Reset Using Windows PowerShell

Tech-savvy users can use PowerShell as an alternative to Command Prompt.

Steps:

1. Right-click Start → Windows PowerShell (Admin)

2. Enter:

   systemreset


3. Follow the same reset options as before.

If the GUI doesn’t appear, type:

This triggers the reset tool directly.

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14. Common Problems During a Factory Reset

Sometimes, the reset process can fail or get stuck. Here’s how to fix common issues:

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15. Alternative: Reinstall Windows 10 Manually

If all reset options fail, you can perform a manual reinstall:

1. Download Windows 10 ISO from Microsoft.

2. Create a bootable USB.

3. Boot from it and select Install Windows.

4. Delete all partitions → Install on unallocated space.

This gives you the cleanest possible start.

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16. Benefits of Factory Resetting Windows 10

A simple reset can feel like buying a brand-new PC — without the cost!

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17. Tips for After the Reset

To keep your newly reset PC running smoothly:

• Install Windows Updates immediately

• Download latest drivers from manufacturer’s website

• Reinstall antivirus software

• Avoid unnecessary startup apps

• Use regular backups to prevent future data loss

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Conclusion: Start Fresh with Confidence

Knowing how to factory reset Windows 10 gives you control over your PC’s performance and security. Whether you’re troubleshooting, selling, or just starting fresh, Windows 10 makes resetting simple and safe.

Remember:

• Use “Keep my files” for fixing performance issues.

• Choose “Remove everything” for complete cleanup.

• Try Cloud download if your system files are damaged.

Once done, enjoy your faster, cleaner, and more responsive Windows experience!

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Does factory resetting remove Windows 10 license?

No — your license is tied to your hardware or Microsoft account. It will reactivate automatically after reset.

2. Can I cancel a factory reset midway?

It’s not recommended. Interrupting the reset may corrupt system files and require a full reinstall.

3. How often should I factory reset my PC?

Only when necessary — for example, before selling your device or if it’s severely slowing down.

4. What’s the difference between reset and refresh?

Both reinstall Windows, but “reset” offers more options and removes apps and settings, while “refresh” only reinitializes system files.

5. Will resetting remove viruses?

Yes, if you choose “Remove everything.” However, it’s best to reinstall antivirus software after resetting.

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Key Takeaways

• Factory reset restores Windows 10 to its original state.

• Use Settings → Update & Security → Recovery to start.

• Choose between Keep my files or Remove everything.

• Cloud download ensures a fresh installation.

• Always backup your data before starting.