Factory Resetting a Windows PC

Step-by-step guide to safely reset a Windows 10 or 11 PC, choose the right reset options, and sign back in with your work or school account.

What a factory reset does

Resetting your PC reinstalls Windows and returns it to a fresh state. Depending on the options you choose, it can remove your apps, settings, and personal files.

Use a reset when your PC is very slow, unstable, or you are preparing it for someone else. For minor issues, try basic troubleshooting first.

Before you reset

Check these points before starting a reset. This avoids data loss and problems signing back in.

Back up any important files (documents, photos, downloads) to OneDrive, SharePoint, an external drive, or another safe location.
If your device is encrypted with BitLocker, confirm you know where the BitLocker recovery key is stored (often in your work or school Microsoft account or printed and kept by IT).
Make sure the PC is plugged into power so it does not turn off during the reset.
Allow enough time. A reset can take from 30 minutes to several hours depending on the options you choose and your internet speed.

During the reset, the screen can stay black for a long time (sometimes 15 minutes or more) and the device may restart several times. Do not turn the PC off and do not force a restart. Interrupting the process can cause the reset to fail and may require technical repair.

Choose the right reset options

Windows gives you several choices when you reset. Understanding them helps you pick the safest option for your situation.

Keep my files vs Remove everything

Keep my files

Keeps your personal files (for example, your Desktop, Documents, Pictures).
Removes apps and programs you installed (including Microsoft 365 desktop apps, third‑party software, and tools).
Resets most settings back to their defaults.

Use this if you are keeping the PC and mainly want to fix performance or software problems without losing your documents.

Remove everything

Deletes your personal files.
Removes all apps and programs.
Resets all settings.

Use this if you are giving away, recycling, or returning the PC, or if you need a completely clean start. Make sure you have backups first.

Cloud download vs Local reinstall

When you choose how to reinstall Windows, you will see:

Cloud download
Downloads a fresh copy of Windows from Microsoft over the internet. This uses more data but can help if your current Windows files are damaged.
Local reinstall
Reinstalls Windows using files already stored on your PC. This uses no extra internet data and is usually faster, but will not fix problems if those local files are also corrupted.

If you have a stable internet connection and no data cap, Cloud download is often the safer choice. If your internet is slow or limited, choose Local reinstall.

Clean data for selling or donating

If you choose Remove everything, you may see an additional option such as Clean data or Remove files and clean the drive.

Turn this on if you are selling, donating, or recycling the device. Windows will take longer but makes it harder for someone to recover your old files.
Turn this off if you are keeping the device and just want a faster reset.

Microsoft notes this is a consumer‑grade wipe and may not meet strict government or industry data‑erasure standards. If your organisation has special data‑handling rules, follow your IT policy.

Reset from Settings

Use this method if Windows still starts and you can log in.

Open Recovery settings

Select Start → Settings → System → Recovery.

Start Reset this PC

In the Recovery options section, find Reset this PC and select Reset PC.

Choose Keep my files or Remove everything

When asked Choose an option, select either Keep my files or Remove everything, based on the guidance above.

Choose Cloud download or Local reinstall

On the How would you like to reinstall Windows? screen, select Cloud download or Local reinstall.

You can then review and adjust extra settings such as cleaning data if they appear for your chosen option.

Confirm and begin the reset

Review the summary of what will happen. When you are ready, select Reset.

The PC will restart and begin the reset. Expect several restarts and a black screen for long periods. Do not turn the PC off.

Reset from Windows Recovery Environment (Windows RE)

Use Windows Recovery Environment if Windows will not start normally or Settings does not open.

Open Windows Recovery Environment

Follow Microsoft's instructions to open Windows Recovery Environment for your version of Windows. You can find these steps in the Microsoft Support article for Windows Recovery Environment.

If your organisation has its own standard way to reach Windows Recovery Environment, follow that guidance instead.

Open Reset this PC

In Windows Recovery Environment, select Troubleshoot → Reset this PC.

Choose what to keep

Select Keep my files or Remove everything.

You may then be asked to choose Cloud download or Local reinstall, as described earlier.

Confirm and start the reset

Review the summary, then select Reset.

The reset will run and the PC will restart several times. Allow it to finish without pressing the power button or forcing a restart.

After the reset

When the reset finishes, Windows will guide you through the first‑use setup screens.

Connect and choose basic settings

Follow the on‑screen instructions to pick your language, keyboard layout, region, and connect to Wi‑Fi or a network cable if asked.

When Windows prompts you to sign in with Microsoft, choose or enter your Work or school account, not a personal or home Microsoft account.

Use the same work email address you use for Microsoft 365 (for example, firstname.lastname@yourcompany.com).
If you are given a choice between Personal account and Work or school account, always select Work or school account so your device joins the correct organisation settings and policies.

Complete setup and reinstall apps

Finish the remaining setup prompts. After you reach the desktop:

Let the PC sit connected to the internet while Windows installs updates.
Reinstall any required business apps, including Microsoft 365 apps, line‑of‑business software, and your usual tools.
Restore any files from your backups or cloud storage if needed.

Source

Based on guidance from Microsoft Support: Reset your PC.

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