If your computer feels cluttered, you’re having technical issues, or you’re about to sell your computer, it might be time to factory reset Windows 10 or 11. This way, you can restore your computer to its original state. Both Windows 10 and Windows 11 have simple built-in reset utilities that make changing factory settings very simple.
Factory reset your Windows 10 and 11 PC involves very similar steps. In fact, the biggest differences have to do with differences in the operating system’s start menu and settings app. We provide instructions for both versions of Windows below. Here’s how to factory reset your Windows 10 or Windows 11 PC, let’s take a look!
How to Factory Reset Windows 11
- Click Settings. If you have it pinned to the Start menu, find it here. If not, you can find it by searching in Windows.
- Scroll down to “Recovery” in the system menu. Settings default to the system menu in Windows 11, so just scroll and click.
- Click Reset PC next to Reset this PC options.
- Choose whether to keep the files or delete everything. The former option will keep the files, but remove the program and any changes to settings. The latter gets rid of everything, but be aware that a very determined person with file recovery software may be able to recover your files.
- Choose how to reinstall Windows 11. You can choose to download Windows from the Internet, or use a recovery copy that is already on your device.
- Approve the settings and click Next.
- Click “Reset” one last time to confirm.
The PC will begin to reset. It will take you to a screen showing “Ready to reset” along with the progress. The PC will reset several times and display a screen showing “Resetting this PC” and its progress percentage.
Once the process is complete, Windows 11 will be reinstalled and your PC will start up from the setup screen. You must choose some preferences and sign in with your Microsoft account. When finished, you’ll be back on the desktop and ready to use your PC again.
How to Factory Reset Windows 10
- Click Settings. There is a gear icon in the Start menu, or you can find it in Windows Search.
- Click Update & Security.
- Select Recovery from the left panel.
- Click “Get Started” under the “Reset this PC” heading.
- Choose whether to keep the files or delete everything. The former option will keep the files, but remove the program and any changes to settings.
- Choose how to reinstall Windows 11. You can choose to download Windows from the Internet, or use a recovery copy that is already on your device.
- Approve the settings and click Next.
- Click “Reset” one last time to confirm.
The PC will begin to reset. It will take you to a screen showing “Ready to reset” along with the progress. The PC will reset several times and display a screen showing “Resetting this PC” and its progress percentage.
Once the process is complete, Windows 10 will reinstall and Cortana will greet you. You must choose some preferences, then create a Windows 10 profile or sign in with your Microsoft account. When it’s done, you’ll be back on the desktop.
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