{"id":7612,"date":"2025-06-30T16:24:55","date_gmt":"2025-06-30T16:24:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.itarian.com\/blog\/?p=7612"},"modified":"2025-06-30T16:24:55","modified_gmt":"2025-06-30T16:24:55","slug":"how-to-factory-reset-windows-10","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.itarian.com\/blog\/how-to-factory-reset-windows-10\/","title":{"rendered":"Slowdowns Happen\u2014Here\u2019s How to Fix Your Windows 10 PC"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Whether your system is lagging, plagued with malware, or just needs a fresh start, knowing <\/span><b>how to factory reset Windows 10<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> can be a game-changer. From IT managers troubleshooting devices to cybersecurity professionals prepping systems for redeployment, a factory reset is often the cleanest path forward.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In this guide, you&#8217;ll discover the easiest and safest ways to perform a <\/span><b>Windows 10 reset<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, whether you&#8217;re aiming to start fresh or keep your files intact. Let&#8217;s walk through the options, precautions, and actionable steps tailored for every scenario.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>Why You Might Need to Factory Reset Windows 10<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Before we dive into the steps, let\u2019s understand why people commonly choose to <\/span><b>reset PC Windows 10<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To fix persistent software or performance issues<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<p><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To remove viruses or malware that can\u2019t be eliminated<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<p><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To prepare a device for resale or handoff<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<p><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To start fresh with a clean Windows environment<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<p><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To improve system stability after years of use<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<p><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A factory reset wipes your system clean, removing unnecessary bloat, corrupted files, and potential vulnerabilities.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>Things to Do Before You Factory Reset Windows 10<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Performing a factory reset is a serious operation. Here\u2019s what you should do before initiating the process:<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Backup Your Data<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Even if you&#8217;re selecting the &#8220;Keep my files&#8221; option, it&#8217;s best to store important data on:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">An external hard drive<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<p><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A cloud storage platform (OneDrive, Google Drive)<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<p><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A USB flash drive<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<p><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><b>Note Your Software Keys<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Write down license keys for software like Microsoft Office, Adobe products, or VPN subscriptions.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Disconnect Peripherals<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Unplug USB devices, printers, or external drives to avoid accidental formatting.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>Method 1: Factory Reset Windows 10 from Settings<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This is the most straightforward and user-friendly method to reset your device.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Step-by-Step Guide:<\/b><\/h3>\n<ol>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Go to<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Start Menu \u2192 <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Settings<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> \u2192 <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Update &amp; Security<\/span><\/i><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<p><\/span><\/i><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Click on <\/span><b>Recovery<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> in the left-hand panel<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<p><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Under <\/span><b>Reset this PC<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, click <\/span><b>Get Started<\/b><b>\n<p><\/b><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Choose one of the following:<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<p><\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><b>Keep my files<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> \u2013 Removes apps and settings, keeps personal files<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<p><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><b>Remove everything<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> \u2013 A full factory reset<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<p><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Follow on-screen instructions and choose <\/span><b>Cloud download<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> or <\/span><b>Local reinstall<\/b><b>\n<p><\/b><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Click <\/span><b>Reset<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to begin the process<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<p><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This method works for desktops, business PCs, and even a <\/span><b>factory reset laptop Windows 10<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> scenario.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>Method 2: Reset Windows 10 Using Advanced Startup<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you can\u2019t boot into Windows normally, use this method through the Recovery 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;\">Turn off your PC<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<p><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Power on and <\/span><b>press F11 or Shift + F8<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> rapidly until Recovery Mode appears<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<p><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Select <\/span><b>Troubleshoot<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> \u2192 <\/span><b>Reset this PC<\/b><b>\n<p><\/b><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Choose between:<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<p><\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Keep my files<\/span><\/i><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<p><\/span><\/i><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Remove everything<\/span><\/i><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<p><\/span><\/i><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This works well when dealing with boot issues, malware, or failed updates.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>Method 3: Use a Recovery Drive or Installation Media<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For IT professionals or users with access to tools, this method offers the deepest level of control.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Steps:<\/b><\/h3>\n<ol>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Create a Windows 10 USB installer using the <\/span><b>Media Creation Tool<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> from Microsoft<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<p><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Boot from the USB drive<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<p><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Select <\/span><b>Repair your computer<\/b><b>\n<p><\/b><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Choose <\/span><b>Troubleshoot<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> \u2192 <\/span><b>Reset this PC<\/b><b>\n<p><\/b><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This method is ideal for completely erasing and reinstalling Windows from scratch.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>Windows 10 Reset Without Losing Data: Is It Possible?<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Absolutely! If you select the <\/span><b>&#8220;Keep my files&#8221;<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> option during the reset process, your personal files in the <\/span><b>Documents<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, <\/span><b>Pictures<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, and <\/span><b>Desktop<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> folders will be preserved.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">However, keep in mind:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Installed programs will still be removed<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<p><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">System settings will be restored to defaults<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<p><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You may need to reinstall drivers or applications manually<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<p><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For added security, always create a full backup before proceeding\u2014even if you\u2019re not deleting files.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>Pros and Cons of a Factory Reset<\/b><\/h2>\n<table>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Pros<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>Cons<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Removes malware and bloatware<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">May require software reinstallation<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Improves speed and performance<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Risk of data loss if not backed up<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Resolves corrupted files and errors<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Can take 30\u201390 minutes<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Prepares device for resale or transfer<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Loss of custom settings<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<h2><b>Tips to Maintain Performance After Reset<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Once your PC is refreshed, follow these best practices:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Install a trusted antivirus or endpoint protection<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<p><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Enable automatic Windows Updates<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<p><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Regularly back up files<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<p><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Avoid installing unnecessary software<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<p><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Keep drivers updated<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<p><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><b>FAQ: Factory Reset Windows 10<\/b><\/h2>\n<h3><b>1. Will a factory reset remove viruses from Windows 10?<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Yes. A full reset (Remove Everything) usually eliminates most malware and viruses.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>2. Can I reset my Windows 10 PC without losing files?<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Yes. Choose the <\/span><b>\u201cKeep my files\u201d<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> option during the reset process. But still back up as a precaution.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>3. Does a factory reset reinstall Windows 10?<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Yes. It reinstalls the operating system, restoring it to its original or default state.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>4. How long does a Windows 10 factory reset take?<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Anywhere from <\/span><b>30 minutes to 2 hours<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, depending on the reset method and system specs.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>5. Do I need a product key after resetting?<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If your device was previously activated with Windows 10, it will automatically reactivate once online.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>Final Thoughts: Time for a Clean Start<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Knowing <\/span><b>how to factory reset Windows 10<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> gives you full control over your device\u2019s health and security. Whether you&#8217;re trying to fix persistent issues, optimize performance, or prepare a system for the next user, a proper reset can work wonders.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Just remember to back up your files, follow the right reset method, and apply good maintenance habits post-reset.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Looking for IT-grade support or automated PC management solutions?<\/b><b><br \/>\n<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> \ud83d\udc49<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.itarian.com\/signup\/\"> <b>Get started with Itarian now<\/b><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> \u2014 and bring enterprise-level control to your device environment.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Whether your system is lagging, plagued with malware, or just needs a fresh start, knowing how to factory reset Windows 10 can be a game-changer. From IT managers troubleshooting devices to cybersecurity professionals prepping systems for redeployment, a factory reset is often the cleanest path forward. In this guide, you&#8217;ll discover the easiest and safest&hellip; <span class=\"readmore\"><\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":11,"featured_media":7622,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-7612","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\/7612","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=7612"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.itarian.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7612\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":7632,"href":"https:\/\/www.itarian.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7612\/revisions\/7632"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.itarian.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/7622"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.itarian.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=7612"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.itarian.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=7612"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.itarian.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=7612"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}