{"id":6562,"date":"2025-06-24T09:03:23","date_gmt":"2025-06-24T09:03:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.itarian.com\/blog\/?p=6562"},"modified":"2025-06-24T09:03:23","modified_gmt":"2025-06-24T09:03:23","slug":"how-to-reset-your-pc","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.itarian.com\/blog\/how-to-reset-your-pc\/","title":{"rendered":"PC Not Running Smoothly? Here&#8217;s a Smart Fix"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you&#8217;re facing constant crashes, sluggish performance, or malware threats, it might be time to consider a system refresh. But you&#8217;re probably wondering, <\/span><b>how to reset your PC<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> without risking your files or breaking anything. The good news? Resetting is easier\u2014and safer\u2014than ever thanks to modern <\/span><b>Windows Recovery Options<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In this guide, you&#8217;ll learn how to use the built-in reset tools, perform a <\/span><b>factory reset in Windows<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, and choose whether to wipe your data or keep it. Whether you&#8217;re in cybersecurity, IT, or just a user trying to regain control of a slow system, this guide has you covered.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>What Does Resetting Your PC Mean?<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Resetting a PC reinstalls the operating system, removes bugs or corrupted files, and restores system performance. It\u2019s different from a full reformat, offering flexible options for personal data.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Resetting can:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Fix software problems<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Remove malware or bloatware<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Improve speed and reliability<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There are two primary reset paths:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Keep my files<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Preserves user files but removes apps and settings<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Remove everything<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Returns system to factory defaults<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><b>Method 1: Use Windows 10\/11 Reset This PC Option<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The <\/span><b>Reset This PC<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> feature is your go-to for most issues.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Steps:<\/b><\/h3>\n<ol>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Go to <\/span><b>Settings &gt; Update &amp; Security &gt; Recovery<\/b><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Click <\/span><b>Get started<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> under \u201cReset this PC\u201d<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Choose:<\/span>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><b>Keep my files<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (recommended)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><b>Remove everything<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (full reset)<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Follow the prompts to complete the process<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This is the most user-friendly and secure way to <\/span><b>reset PC without losing data<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>Method 2: Factory Reset Windows via Boot Menu<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If your system won&#8217;t boot, use the <\/span><b>Advanced Startup<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> environment.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Steps:<\/b><\/h3>\n<ol>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hold <\/span><b>Shift<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> while selecting <\/span><b>Restart<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> from the Start menu<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Select <\/span><b>Troubleshoot &gt; Reset this PC<\/b><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Choose your reset type (keep files or remove everything)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Let the process complete automatically<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This method works even when Windows fails to load normally.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>Method 3: Use Recovery Partition or Installation Media<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Some devices include a factory image or let you use USB recovery tools.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Using Recovery Partition:<\/b><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Check your PC&#8217;s manual or press special keys during boot (e.g., <\/span><b>F11<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, <\/span><b>F9<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, <\/span><b>Esc<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Follow on-screen prompts to perform a full reset<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><b>Using USB Media:<\/b><\/h3>\n<ol>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Download <\/span><b>Windows Media Creation Tool<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> from Microsoft<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Create bootable USB<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Boot from USB and select <\/span><b>Repair your computer &gt; Troubleshoot &gt; Reset<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ideal for advanced users or IT managers managing multiple systems.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>When to Choose \u201cKeep My Files\u201d vs. \u201cRemove Everything\u201d<\/b><\/h2>\n<h3><b>Choose Keep My Files when:<\/b><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You want a quick reset without full data loss<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You suspect recent app or driver issues<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Your system is still moderately responsive<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><b>Choose Remove Everything when:<\/b><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You\u2019re prepping the device for sale or transfer<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Malware infections are deeply embedded<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Performance is critically low<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tip: Always back up your files before either option to be safe.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>Best Practices Before You Reset<\/b><\/h2>\n<ol>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Backup Important Data<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to external drives or cloud<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Sign out of apps and licenses<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> like Microsoft Office or Adobe<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Disconnect non-essential peripherals<\/b><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Ensure laptop is plugged in<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> for uninterrupted power<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Note down your Microsoft account info<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<h2><b>Benefits of Resetting Your PC<\/b><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Removes system clutter and corrupted files<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Improves speed and performance<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Resolves driver or compatibility issues<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Clears malware (in most cases)<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Resetting is like hitting the \u201crefresh\u201d button on your computer life.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>FAQs: Everything You Need to Know About Resetting Your PC<\/b><\/h2>\n<h3><b>1. Will resetting my PC delete everything?<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Only if you choose &#8220;Remove Everything.&#8221; &#8220;Keep My Files&#8221; preserves personal files.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>2. Can I reset my PC if it won\u2019t boot?<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Yes, use <\/span><b>Advanced Startup<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> or recovery media.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>3. How long does it take to reset a PC?<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Usually 30 minutes to 2 hours depending on hardware and reset type.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>4. Do I need to reinstall drivers after a reset?<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Windows usually reinstalls common drivers automatically. But for peripherals or GPUs, manual installation may be required.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>5. Will resetting remove viruses?<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Yes\u2014especially if you choose to remove everything. But advanced malware may survive, so scan post-reset.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>Final Thoughts: Reset with Confidence<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Now you know exactly <\/span><b>how to reset your PC<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> using different methods, whether you want a light refresh or a complete reset to factory settings. Tools like <\/span><b>Reset This PC<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, <\/span><b>Factory Reset Windows<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, and <\/span><b>Windows Recovery Options<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> give you the flexibility to choose how deep you want to go.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">So, the next time your device feels sluggish or glitchy, don\u2019t panic\u2014reset smarter.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\ud83d\udc49<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.itarian.com\/signup\/\"> <b>Simplify device management and recovery with Itarian \u2013 Start free today<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>If you&#8217;re facing constant crashes, sluggish performance, or malware threats, it might be time to consider a system refresh. But you&#8217;re probably wondering, how to reset your PC without risking your files or breaking anything. The good news? Resetting is easier\u2014and safer\u2014than ever thanks to modern Windows Recovery Options. In this guide, you&#8217;ll learn how&hellip; <span class=\"readmore\"><\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":11,"featured_media":6572,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-6562","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-ticketing-system","entry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.itarian.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6562","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.itarian.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.itarian.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.itarian.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/11"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.itarian.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=6562"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.itarian.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6562\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":6582,"href":"https:\/\/www.itarian.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6562\/revisions\/6582"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.itarian.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/6572"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.itarian.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=6562"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.itarian.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=6562"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.itarian.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=6562"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}