How to Use Windows 10 Fresh Start (2024)

FAQs

How to Use Windows 10 Fresh Start? ›

To reset your PC, go to Start > Settings > Update & Security > Recovery > Reset this PC > Get Started. Then, select Keep my files, choose cloud or local, change your settings, and set Restore preinstalled apps? to No.

Windows 10 Fresh Start VS Reset (Remove Everything Option)

Reset this PC (Remove everything option) will delete all apps, personal files, and Windows settings. But, Fresh start can keep your personal files and some settings.

At this point, Fresh Start performs a clean Windows 10 installation. The rest of the process is automatic. Fresh Start can take 20 minutes or longer to complete depending on your device.

1. No, you will not lose your Windows OS if your factory restores your computer. It will instead reinstall a fresh update of Windows 10.

With Fresh Start, you reset the device to the only built-in applications included in the standard ISO image of Microsoft Windows 10/11. Autopilot Reset is the best option for reusing a functional device in your company for a new user for example.

Resetting your PC lets you perform a clean reinstallation and update of Windows while keeping your personal data and most Windows settings intact. In some cases, a clean installation may improve your device's performance, security, browsing experience, and battery life.

Start > Settings > Update & Security > Recovery > Reset this PC > Get Started. Select Keep my files if you want to start over with all your files still saved, or backup all your important files beforehand and choose to delete everything.

If you are using Windows 10, then resetting the PC won't affect the Windows activation and you will not have to buy a new key. Even if you reinstall the Windows in your PC and connect it to the internet, the PC will be activated automatically. So if you are planning to give your PC to someone el...

If left unattended, the data can be obtained from malware, spyware, and other means. Resetting your PC (like you might do with your Android smartphone) continually ensures optimum performance and stability. It also helps maintain privacy and security.

What are the pros and cons of factory reset Windows 10? ›

System Reset is good if you want a clean slate, and it can be effective at removing malware as well since it does a much deeper clean than the Refresh. Cons: It deletes your personal files as well as reinstalling the system files. It's similar to a total reinstall in that respect. When should you use it?

This option is designed for users who want to start completely fresh with their device, as it will remove everything and reset the Windows operating system.

You do not have to reinstall your operating system if you reset your computer to factory settings. Resetting your computer to factory settings is handy for correcting problems with the PC's hard drive or the Windows OS. It is also smart to reset the computer if you want to give it to a new user or sell it.

Benefits of Fresh Start:

Thorough cleanup and software update. Elimination of bloatware (unwanted pre-installed apps).

“Fresh Start” will remove the current driver versions, which may affect some PC components (for example, the user may need to download special drivers for sound card, which provides normal operation of the microphone, speakers, or drivers for touchpad and other devices). All installed applications will be deleted.

To wipe your drive in Windows 10, go to Settings > Update & security > Recovery, and then click the Get Started button. When prompted, choose the option for Remove everything. You should then choose the Local reinstall option to reinstall Windows from your computer.

Does a clean boot erase everything? No, a clean boot does not erase any of your files, programs, or personal data. It is a diagnostic procedure that temporarily disables non-essential startup programs and third-party services.

Remove Everything and Reinstall (Wipe) - Windows will take the Hard Disk, Format it, and start from fresh. This generally provides better performance, because there is no junk on the Hard Drive.