How to Reset Windows to Factory Settings

Complete guide to factory reset Windows 10 and 11. Remove all files, apps, and settings to restore your PC to its original state.

1. Back up important files and data. Copy essential documents, photos, and files to an external drive or cloud storage service like OneDrive or Google Drive. Note down software licenses and product keys you'll need to reinstall programs. The factory reset will permanently delete all personal data from your computer.
2. Access Windows Settings. Click the Start button and select Settings (gear icon), or press Windows key + I. The Settings window opens with various system configuration options. Ensure your computer is plugged into power to prevent interruption during the reset process.
3. Navigate to Recovery options. In Windows 11, click System in the left sidebar, then scroll down and select Recovery. In Windows 10, click Update & Security, then select Recovery from the left panel. The Recovery page displays reset and advanced startup options.
4. Start the reset process. Under Reset this PC, click the Reset PC button. A dialog appears asking whether to keep your files or remove everything. Select Remove everything to perform a complete factory reset that deletes all personal files, apps, and settings.
5. Choose removal method. Windows asks how you want to remove files. Select Remove files and clean the drive for maximum security, which overwrites deleted data to prevent recovery. Choose Just remove my files for a faster reset if you're keeping the computer and don't need secure data deletion.
6. Confirm and begin the reset. Review the summary of what will be removed, including all personal files, apps, and settings. Click Reset to confirm and start the factory reset process. Your computer will restart multiple times and display progress information during the reset.
7. Complete the initial setup. After the reset finishes, Windows displays the out-of-box experience setup screens. Select your region, keyboard layout, and network connection. Sign in with your Microsoft account or create a local account to access your freshly reset Windows installation.