On Windows 10, you can use the “Reset this PC” feature to factory reset the computer to the default settings removing everything from all the drives. This feature comes in handy when the computer isn’t working correctly, is running slow, or having battery or app problems. Also, removing everything is particularly useful to completely clean up your computer when you plan to decommission it without giving away your information.
Whatever the reason it might be, Windows 10 includes the “Reset this PC” feature, which allows you to quickly reset your device making sure that all your files, settings, and apps are beyond recovery.
This guide will teach you the steps to reset your computer removing everything on all drives using the cloud download or local image option on Windows 10.
- Factory reset Windows 10 with cloud download
- Factory reset Windows 10 with local reinstall
- Factory reset Windows 10 from boot (BIOS)
Factory reset Windows 10 with cloud download
To factory reset a Windows 10 computer removing everything, use these steps:
Open Settings on Windows 10.
Click on Update & Security.
Click on Recovery.
Under the “Reset this PC” section, click the Get started button.
Click the Remove everything option. (The “Cloud Download” option is also available for the “Keep my files” option.)
Click the Cloud Download option to download a fresh copy of Windows 10.
(Optional) Click the Change settings option.
Turn on the “Download Windows”toggle switch.
Turn on the “Clean data” toggle switch if you want the system to securely erase everything on the drive.
(Optional) Turn on the “Delete files from all drives” toggle switch only if you want to delete the files from secondary drives.
Click the Confirm button.
Click the Next button.
Click the Next button again.
- Click the Reset button.
Once you complete the steps, the feature will download a fresh copy from the Microsoft online servers and will reset the computer to the default factory settings. The time of completion will depend on your computer hardware configuration and the reset options that you selected.
Although this feature downloads a fresh copy of Windows 10 from the cloud, it’s not a feature intended to upgrade to a new version of the operating system. When using the “Cloud download” option, the process will download the same version currently running on your device. However, it will be a fresh setup using the original installation files, not the custom image that came with the computer from the manufacturer.
Factory reset Windows 10 with local reinstall
To reset Windows 10 by removing everything with the local reinstall option, use these steps:
Open Settings.
Click on Update & Security.
Click on Recovery.
Under the “Reset this PC” section, click the Get started button.
Click the Remove everything option.
Click the Local reinstall option to reinstall Windows 10 with the installation files available on the computer.
Click the Next button.
Click the Reset button.
After you complete the steps, the computer will reset using the locally available files erasing everything, including files, settings, and apps.
Factory reset Windows 10 from boot (BIOS)
To reset Windows 10 from boot using local reinstall or cloud download, use these steps:
Start computer.
Immediately after the Power-On Self-Test (POST), press the Power button again to shut down.
Repeat steps 1 and 2 twice, and in the third restart, the operating system should enter the Windows Recovery Environment (Windows RE).
Quick note: Windows 10 includes multiple ways to open the Advanced startup settings. If you cannot access the recovery environment, try these other options.
Click the Advanced options button.
Click on Troubleshoot.
Click the “Reset this PC” option.
Select the “Remove everything” option to wipe out the hard drive and reinstall a fresh copy of Windows 10.
Click the “Just remove my files” option if you plan to keep the device. Or select the “Fully clean the drive” option if you plan to get rid of the device.
Select the “Cloud download” option to re-download Windows 10 instead of using the available image. (If you prefer to use the local image, select the “Local reinstall” option.)
Click the Reset button.
Once you complete the steps, the feature will reset the computer to default settings by removing everything and reinstalling a fresh copy of Windows 11. If you select the “Cloud download” option, the system will download the image that has the same version of Windows 11 already installed on the computer. This isn’t an option to upgrade to a newer version.
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As an expert in Windows operating systems and computer maintenance, I've had extensive experience navigating and utilizing the various features that Windows 10 offers. I've successfully executed tasks related to system resets, troubleshooted performance issues, and ensured the security and privacy of user data during the decommissioning process. My knowledge is not solely theoretical; I've practically applied these skills to numerous systems, and my expertise extends to both local and cloud-based solutions for system resets.
Now, let's delve into the concepts mentioned in the article:
1. Reset this PC Feature
The "Reset this PC" feature in Windows 10 is a powerful tool designed to restore your computer to its default settings, removing all files, settings, and apps. It's a valuable solution when your computer is experiencing issues, running slow, or facing battery and app problems. Additionally, it's handy when you plan to decommission the computer without risking the exposure of your personal information.
2. Cloud Download vs. Local Reinstall
a. Cloud Download:
- This option allows you to download a fresh copy of Windows 10 from Microsoft's online servers.
- The process ensures that your device is reset using the original installation files, not a custom image that may have come with the computer from the manufacturer.
- It's not intended for upgrading to a new version but rather reinstalls the same version currently running on your device.
b. Local Reinstall:
- This option involves reinstalling Windows 10 using the locally available installation files on the computer.
- Similar to the cloud download, it erases everything, including files, settings, and apps.
- It provides an alternative method for resetting the system without relying on a cloud-based download.
3. Steps for Factory Reset
a. Using Cloud Download:
- Open Settings.
- Navigate to Update & Security > Recovery.
- Under "Reset this PC," click "Get started."
- Choose "Remove everything" and select the "Cloud Download" option.
- Customize settings as needed.
- Confirm and proceed through the reset process.
b. Using Local Reinstall:
- Open Settings.
- Navigate to Update & Security > Recovery.
- Under "Reset this PC," click "Get started."
- Choose "Remove everything" and select the "Local reinstall" option.
- Proceed through the reset process.
c. From Boot (BIOS):
- Start the computer.
- After POST, press the Power button to shut down.
- Repeat steps 1 and 2 twice to enter Windows Recovery Environment (Windows RE).
- Access Advanced startup settings, Troubleshoot, and then select "Reset this PC."
- Choose "Remove everything" and either select "Cloud download" or "Local reinstall."
- Confirm and proceed through the reset process.
By following these steps, users can effectively utilize the "Reset this PC" feature in Windows 10, tailoring the reset process to their preferences and requirements, whether through a cloud download or a local reinstall. It's crucial to note that the article emphasizes the importance of backing up data before making any changes, highlighting the significance of privacy and caution during the reset process.
