Resetting a Windows 10 computer to its factory default settings is a useful troubleshooting technique to resolve software issues or prepare the system for resale or donation. This process erases all data, applications, and settings from the hard drive, returning the system to its original state. This guide explains how to factory reset Windows 10.
Before proceeding with the factory reset, ensure that you have a backup of any important files, documents, or settings that you want to keep. Also, make sure that you have the necessary installation media or recovery drive, as the process will delete all data on the hard drive and reinstall the operating system.
To perform a factory reset of Windows 10, follow these steps:
Open the Start menu by clicking the Windows icon on the taskbar, and then click on the gear-shaped Settings icon.
In the Settings window, click on Update & Security.
Click on the Recovery option in the left sidebar.
Under the Reset this PC section, click on the Get started button.
Choose either the Keep my files or Remove everything option. The former will only remove applications and settings, while the latter will erase everything on the hard drive.
If you chose to keep your files, you may be prompted to choose which files you want to keep. If you selected to remove everything, you may be prompted to choose whether you want to fully clean the drive or just remove the files.
Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the factory reset process. This may take some time, depending on the system configuration and the amount of data on the hard drive.
After the factory reset is complete, you will need to go through the initial setup process again, such as setting up a user account, configuring the time zone and language settings, and installing any necessary drivers or applications.
In conclusion, a factory reset is a useful troubleshooting technique to resolve software issues or prepare a system for resale or donation. However, it erases all data, applications, and settings from the hard drive, so it's important to have a backup of any important files or settings before proceeding with the process.
