In this article, we will take a closer look at several ways in which you can reset Windows 10. This will allow us to restore factory settings by performing an automatic reinstallation of Windows 10 and return our laptop or computer to its original state. After this procedure, the system will be as “new” as if you just installed it. In the process of restoring factory settings, it is possible to save personal files (which are stored on the system drive), or delete them. Operating system settings will be reset and user-installed programs will be removed. You can reset Windows 10 both from under the system (moreover, in several ways), and from a boot disk, or a flash drive. When the system won't boot.
If you went to this page, then most likely Windows 10 on your computer or laptop refuses to start. In this case, I advise you first, and try to fix the problem that prevents the system from starting. You can also try to do it. Either way, you can always execute, or drive. If you have a laptop, then I advise you to follow the instructions for installing the system. In it, I showed in detail the installation process on a laptop.
The function itself, which allows you to reset and return the computer to its original state, is most suitable not for solving problems with starting the system, but for quickly reinstalling the operating system. When, due to some settings, programs, or drivers, the computer is unstable, starts to freeze, slow down, etc. This is an easy way to get a clean system without a complicated reinstallation process.
System reset through Windows 10 settings
This is the simplest and most common method that I advise you to use first. Only on condition that the computer turns on and you have the opportunity to go to the system settings. If the system does not boot, then you need to use a boot disk. If this is your case, then scroll down this page and see the appropriate section.
Open Start and go to Settings by clicking on the gear icon. Open the Update & Security section.
Click on the "Recovery" tab. There you will see the "Reset your computer" section. Click on the "Start" button.
A window will appear in which you need to choose one of two options: keep my files, or delete everything.
- In the first case, your personal files will not be affected.
- In the second case, if you choose "delete all", then all files will be deleted. Also, when you select this item, you will need to choose between "Just delete files", or "Completely clean the disk". As far as I understand, a full disk cleanup is done so that there is no way to recover files. In the event that you, for example, sell a computer.
But most likely you need to select the "Save my files" item.
All that remains is to confirm the action by clicking on the "Reset" button.
Then you just have to wait. The computer may restart during the process, this is normal. I have already done a Windows 10 reset with saving personal files. I got a completely clean system. Only my files are left on the desktop. All programs have been removed, and the settings have been restored to factory defaults.
Start Over feature in Windows 10
This feature was introduced in the 1703 Creators Update. If your Windows 10 is updated, and this update is installed, then you can easily perform an automatic, clean installation of Windows 10. Again, through the parameters of the system itself.
Open the "Options", go to the "Update and Security" section and the "Recovery" tab. Click on the "Learn how to start over with a clean install of Windows" link.
A window will appear asking "Do you want to switch applications?" Click Yes. And in a new window, in the "Start over" section, click on the "Get started" button.
Next we will see a small description of the function. A message stating that all third-party applications and programs will be removed. And also all personal files and some Windows settings will be saved. Well, depending on the computer itself, the recovery process can take over 20 minutes.
In the next window, you can see a list of all installed programs that will be removed during the reset process. For convenience, the system will save this list to a file and leave it on the desktop. So that you can then re-install the necessary programs from this list.
It remains only to click on the "Start" button and wait. If you have a laptop, be sure to connect the power to it.
After restoring factory settings, you will most likely need to install some drivers and programs. By the way, do not forget that the list of programs is saved on the desktop in a .html file.
Also, on the system drive there will be a Windows.old folder with the old system. If all is well, and you do not plan to roll back the system, then delete the Windows.old folder.
You need to right-click on the C drive and select Properties. Then click on the "Disk Cleanup" button. Select the "Previous Windows installations" checkbox and click "Ok".
You can continue to use your computer or laptop.
Reset via Refresh Windows Tool (if version is lower than 1703 Creators Update)
This method will come in handy when, when you try to reset Windows 10 using the first method from this article, you receive the error “Problem when returning the PC to its original state. No change made ”, or“ Recovery environment could not be found. ”
As in the method described above, in the options, in the "Update and Security" - "Recovery" section, you need to click on "Learn how to start over with a clean installation of Windows."
Only the "Start over" function will not open, but a page in the browser, from where you need to download the Refresh Windows Tool program. By clicking on the "Download the tool now" button.
Save the program to your computer and run it. In the first window, you need to accept the license agreement.
Then you need to choose one of two options: "Save only my personal files", or "Save nothing". Click on the "Start" button and wait until the process of returning Windows 10 to the factory state is over.
Please note that the Refresh Windows Tool will download a Windows 10 image from the Internet. It weighs approximately 3 GB.
As in the two methods described above, a Windows.old folder will most likely be created on the system disk, which it is desirable to delete. Since it can take up a lot of space. How to remove it, I wrote above.
Reset Windows 10 when the system won't boot (via BIOS)
Above I wrote "via BIOS", but this is not entirely true. In fact, using the BIOS menu, the system settings cannot be reset. It's just that many users call this a way to restore the system if it stopped starting for some reason. This method can be used when there is no way to go into Windows 10 settings and run a reinstallation.
We need:
- Or a recovery disk (flash drive), which you can create on another computer with Windows 10 according to the instructions:. The main thing is to match the bitness of the system (x32, x64).
- Either, or. If you fail to reset, then from such a disk (flash drive) you can perform a clean installation of the operating system.
And select "Return the computer to its original state."
- Choosing a way to restore to factory settings. There are two options: delete personal files, or keep them. In the first case, your files will remain, only Windws 10 settings will be reset and programs removed. In the second case, all files will be deleted.
- You may need to select an operating system.
- In the window with information about the procedure for resetting the parameters, I advise you to read what is written there, and click on the "Reset" button.
After confirmation, the process of restoring your computer to its original state will begin. We are just waiting. The computer may restart.
If you set booting from a disk (USB-drive) in the BIOS, and not through the Boot Menu, then when the computer restarts and the message “Press any key to boot from DVD” appears on the screen, do not press anything. To boot from the hard drive, or SSD, and not the boot drive.
It seems that I wrote about all the nuances. If you still have any questions, then ask them in the comments. Good luck!
We often face the problem of freezing and jams of the system, and when there are too many errors and the computer quite often does not respond to our actions, the only optimal choice is to roll back the system to the factory settings. A large percentage of PC users have the Windows 10 operating system, and we are faced with the question: how to return Windows 10 to its original state, that is, reset the settings?
What are the benefits of a reset?
The biggest plus is that Windows 10 settings allow you not to reinstall the system or use third-party flash drives or disks. , if you wish, also runs without deleting personal files such as documents or application settings.
Windows 10 rollback process from a running system
The first step is to understand if you can get your computer to start normally, and if so, the steps below will fix your problem.
- Expand the Start menu and click Settings (Win + I combination).
- Open the "Update and Security" tab, then "Recovery". You will see the heading "Reset the computer" and the button "Get started" - that's what you need.
- Choose whether to keep your personal files or delete everything. After everything is ready, you just have to click on "Reset".
Windows 10 rollback process from boot disk
When Windows 10 refuses to start (for example, if a virus is caught or system files are damaged), you can restore the system from the boot disk. First, you need to get into BIOS and set your disk / flash drive as the main one for loading.
To enter the BIOS, immediately after turning on the device, you need to press the F2 or Delete button, depending on your device. On different versions of a dozen, the BIOS menu can be called up by different keys if you can't find them,.
After you have entered the BIOS, you need to enter the BOOT section. Using the F6 key, your removable media (flash drive or disk) is moved to the very top. Now your media is in the first boot queue, press the F10 key to save the settings.
Immediately after rebooting, you will see a message in English "Press any key to boot from ...". That is, to boot, you need to press any key. After loading the menu, the Windows 10 installation window will appear on the desktop, instead of the "Install" button, click "System Restore".
Next, the "Select action" menu will open, in which there are three items: "Continue", which will return you to the desktop, "Diagnostics" and "Shutdown". We need a second item.
Click Reset Computer.
After that, you will find the already familiar choice between a complete rollback of the system with the removal of all files, or saving your personal documents and then using them. We select the desired option and begin to restore the system.
Refresh Windows Tool
Another best way to restore your system is with the Refresh Windows Tool. Go to recovery options and click "Learn how to start over with a clean install of Windows." After that, the Windows website will open to you, you will need to download this application.
When looking for ways to reset your computer to factory settings, the Internet comes up with many results. This is an extreme option, but it can solve many problems with Windows 10/8/7.
A factory reset involves returning the operating system to its original state by deleting all information stored on the device.
This method is often performed to troubleshoot many computer problems. Perhaps it is experiencing performance problems, is running slowly, has picked up a virus, or you want to delete all files, passwords, programs and other confidential information and then throw your device away. All of this can be achieved with a factory reset.
How to return Windows 10/8/7 to its original state
Let's list the different methods.
Method 1. Using the partition for recovery
This section is needed to reset the system to factory settings in case of a failure. If it is installed on a GPT disk (GUID Partition Table), then you will find a dedicated system recovery partition in Windows Disk Management. In addition, there is another type of section from the supplier (manufacturers Dell, HP, Lenovo and others). Both types are capable of returning the system to factory settings.
To reset / 8/7 follow these steps:
Step 1. Reboot your laptop.
Step 2. Press the appropriate key to enter the recovery environment while starting the computer. In fact, the specific key is different for different device manufacturers. For example, Dell (F8), Acer (Alt + F10), HP (F11), Samsung (F4), Lenovo (F11), Asus (F9), Toshiba (0).
Step 3. Then follow the simple instructions of the wizard.
Method 2. Reset laptop
This method is ideal if your laptop does not have a recovery partition.
Step 1. After clicking the Start button, select Settings.
Step 2. Click Update & Security.
Click "Update and Security"
Step 3. Then go to the "Recovery" tab. Click "Start" to proceed with the system reset to factory settings.
Step 4. Then two options will be displayed, including "Keep my files" or "Delete all". Make the right choice.
Step 5. Then you will see a list of installed applications that will be removed after the reset procedure is complete. Click Next.
Step 6. Click Reset.
Enter WinRE if the corresponding reset window does not open. Go to Diagnostics / Reset Computer / Keep My Files / Select Account / Enter Password / Reset.
Method 3. Using a Windows restore point
Try performing a factory reset using the dot created after purchasing the laptop.
Step 1. Press F8 when starting the device. Then select "Safe Mode" using the command line.
Step 2. After starting the command line using administrator rights, enter "rstrui.exe" in the appropriate window. This will open the system recovery options and you can return Windows 10 to factory settings according to the instructions.
The need to back up the system
You can fix laptop lagging or other problems by performing a reset in one of three ways, however, all user data and programs from the date of purchase will be deleted. You will have to reinstall them, which is time-consuming and labor-intensive. In this case, it is recommended that you regularly back up your system. As a result, you will reset Windows to an earlier date.
The note! In most cases, you will need to use the built-in backup tool. However, the whole process is time-consuming and the copy itself takes up too much space.
Try a system backup and restore program called MiniTool ShadowMaker.
- it is very easy to use;
- among the main functions: backup system, partition, disk and restore Windows 10/8/7;
- the program is equipped with a scheduler.
Windows 10/8/7 Backup
Step 1. After opening the laptop and installing MiniTool ShadowMaker, choose to manage your local computer or another device on the same local network.
Step 2. In the corresponding window of the program, find the system disks that will be used to boot the laptop when performing the backup operation (by default, the system partitions of the current OS are defined). To select the storage location for the system image, click "Destination". Better to opt for an external hard drive that can be connected to your laptop via a USB cable.
Then you will see the source and target section.
In the backup window, find the Schedule option that allows you to run the task regularly. There are four modes available here, such as Daily, Weekly, Monthly and By Event. Make the right choice.
Step 3. Perform the system backup operation by clicking the "Back up now" button. Then wait a few minutes for the task to complete.
Why System Restore is Needed
You know three ways to reset Windows 10/8/7 to factory settings and how to back it up using MiniTool ShadowMaker.
Resetting the system to factory defaults will erase all user data and programs. Then they need to be downloaded again (a lot of Internet traffic will be consumed) and installed. This is not the best way to solve system problems, so use it when all else fails.
Factory reset procedure
To completely clean your computer, follow three steps in the following order:
- Back up the data you want to keep.
- Use shredding software to clean your computer.
- Perform a factory reset.
The exception is Windows 10 with built-in junk deletion, so skip step 2.
Note! does not guarantee that all data on the computer will be erased. Some of them are hidden in a format that the system cannot read. This means that if someone uses the program to recover files, he will easily return them back.
Video - How to return Windows 10 to factory settings
Video - Windows 10 Reset
You can relate to the Windows 10 operating system in different ways, but it has one indisputable advantage over its predecessors - it is a faster and easier ability to reset the OS to factory settings. This method is a kind of panacea that can solve many system errors and malfunctions without having to reinstall the operating system. In addition, after reinstalling Windows, all files stored on your system drive will be deleted, and when you reset the settings, they will be saved (only installed programs are deleted).
Resetting the system to factory settings can solve the following problems:
- the system works with freezes, lags, and so on;
- you are unable to perform a system restore;
- Windows does not work correctly or does not start at all (for this case, you will need to create a recovery disc, but more on that later).
If your operating system boots, then you can implement a factory reset in just a few clicks. To do this, follow the steps described in the instructions:
- Open the menu "Options"... The easiest way to do this is by first left-clicking on the menu "Start".
- Select item "Update and Security".
- Now go to the tab "Recovery"... On the right, you will see a menu that is responsible for returning the computer to its original state. Press "Begin" to initialize the restore to factory settings.
- Next, you will see a modal window that will prompt you to delete files or keep them. Choose "Save my files".
- When you have completed all the steps described above, the system will notify you that it is ready to perform a factory reset. Click on "Reset" and wait for the end of the process. It will be accompanied by repeated reboots of your computer and may take a long time.
Method number 2. Factory reset using the built-in Refresh Windows Tool
Unfortunately, in Windows 10, restoring settings through the standard interface does not always work correctly, as even Microsoft confirms. Therefore, as an alternative, the company created a special utility Refresh Windows Tool, which is able to reset the system settings. To do this, follow the further instructions:
When you have restored the system to factory settings, first of all, it is recommended to clean up the system disk from temporary files that take up a lot of space. To do this, follow these steps:
These files take up a lot of hard disk space (in this example, about 18 gigabytes), and deleting them will improve the performance of your computer.
Method number 3. Resetting settings via BIOS (for laptops)
If your operating system refuses to boot, then you will not be able to reset the settings either through the standard interface or through the utility. Here you will need to resort to a more complex method, which requires a BIOS. This method is suitable only for laptops on which a licensed version of Windows is installed. So, follow the further instructions:
- First go to the BIOS itself. To do this, restart your computer and immediately after the splash screen, when the system has not yet booted, press the key "F2" or "Delete"... For different laptop models, a different key is provided that is responsible for entering this menu, so you can press them at the same time, if you do not know which one you need, nothing will happen.
- When you entered BIOS, go to the tab "Boot" and set the value "Disabled" opposite the parameter "Boot Booster"... Navigation through the BIOS is carried out using the arrows, but in newer versions you can do this with the mouse.
- Exit BIOS by saving the changes in the settings. In this case, the key is responsible for this. "F10"... If you do not know the required key, then pay attention to the BIOS interface - usually the purpose of each key is described there. Just find the one signed as Save and Exit("Save and Exit").
- After restarting the computer, a program will open to restore the system to factory settings. Different laptops have different programs. For Samsung notebooks, this is "Samsung Recovery Solution", for Acer it is "Acer eRecovery Management", and so on. They have a different design and interface, but the functionality is similar. After the program starts (in this example it is "Samsung Recovery Solution"), click on "Restore" and wait for the automatic reset process to finish.
Method number 4. Factory reset using removable media
So we smoothly moved on to a more complex way of resetting the settings - using a flash drive or disk. If your system does not boot and there is no built-in factory reset utility, this method will help you. For it, you will need a free flash drive or disk with at least 8 GB of memory, as well as another computer with a running operating system.
Creating a bootable USB drive
To be able to restore the system settings to the factory settings using a USB flash drive, plug it into a free USB port on your computer and follow these steps:
- Click on the menu "Start" right click and select "Control Panel" by clicking on the appropriate menu.
On a note! If this menu does not appear, press the "Win + X" buttons on the keyboard at the same time.
- Now select the menu "Recovery"... To make it easier to find, set the view mode to icons rather than categories.
- Go to the menu "Create a recovery disc".
- You will be prompted to back up. Accept this offer by checking the box and clicking "Further"... Backing up will take up more memory on your flash drive, but it will help you reset the settings much faster.
- Select your USB flash drive (it will be displayed in the list of available drives) and click "Further"... After that, it will be automatically formatted and can be used as a factory reset tool. We will analyze the process itself a little later.
Create a boot disk
The same procedure can be done with a CD / DVD disc. First, insert it into the drive of your system unit, then do everything as described in the instructions:
Reset
So, you have written all the data necessary for a factory reset to your disk or flash drive. Now it's time to go directly to the process itself:
- Go to BIOS, then to the tab "Boot"... Earlier in the article, there were instructions on how to get there.
- Please select "Hard Disk Drives" and press the key "Enter".
- You will see a menu in which you can customize the boot order. You need to move your removable device from which you plan to launch factory reset to the first place. To do this, move to "1st Drive", click "Enter" and select your media.
- Then click on the button responsible for the parameter Save and Exit.
- After your computer has restarted, the recovery program will start. Now you need to choose Troubleshooting.
- Next, select the menu item that corresponds to returning the computer to its original state. Then wait for the restore process to complete and the job is done.
Quick rollback as an alternative method
If for some reason you are unable to complete, then you can try to make a quick rollback of the system to the previous version. This method will also help you solve a number of system problems. However, it can only be used if you've recently updated your operating system to Windows 10.
Important! If thirty days have not passed since the update, then you can make a quick rollback to the previous version of the operating system.
To do this, follow the further step-by-step instructions:
Troubleshoot factory reset problems
It would seem that restoring factory settings is a fairly simple process, but even it can be difficult and lead to various system errors. Let's consider two of the most common ones:
Perhaps the most valuable advice that can be given in this case is to use an exclusively licensed version of the Windows operating system. This will help you minimize the likelihood of system errors, including those related to factory reset. Many pirated assemblies are of frankly poor quality - they sometimes lack the necessary system files, drivers, and so on. So it is better not to spare money and purchase the licensed version, than then spend a lot of time fixing system errors, which are teeming with "pirates".
So now you know how to reset Windows 10 to factory settings. This process is uncomplicated and rewarding - it can help you troubleshoot many system problems. If you managed to reset the settings, but your problem persists, then refer to the guide on reinstalling Windows.
Video - Windows 10: Roll Back or Restore System to Factory Settings
Hello dear readers.
If Windows suddenly starts working with errors on your computer or stops starting altogether, and there is no way to restore it to its previous state, resetting to the original parameters will always help. In fact, the OS is reinstalled. Further from the article you will learn how to reset Windows 10 to factory settings in different ways, depending on the desired result and the current system performance.
From a running OS
In general, the whole process has become easier compared to previous versions of Microsoft products. This is because a new way of storing the tool is used to accomplish these tasks.
It should be noted right away that in most cases, users will not even need to additionally connect a USB flash drive or disk.
So, the simplest way can be called the process when the operating system starts up. If this is the case, the whole process of restoring the system on the computer will only take a few steps:
Refresh Windows Tool
After the release of update 1607, a new item appeared in the recovery options - reinstalling Windows 10 using the Refresh Windows Tool application. In this case, the files that are already on the device are saved. The utility makes it possible to perform a reset when the first option, for some reason, cannot be carried out. To do this, you need to make some movements:
The duration of the procedure directly depends on the parameters of the device, the chosen method and the amount of data.
As a result, users will receive a completely reinstalled x64 or x32 operating system - depending on the operating system used earlier.
After starting the desktop, it is recommended to run " Cleaning up system files". To do this, click " Win + R"And enter" cleanmgr". Click " Enter»And select the corresponding button. Sometimes this helps free up up to 20 GB of hard drive space.
The system does not start
If your device refuses to go to the desktop, you can restore the OS using a special disk or a bootable USB flash drive.
In the case when you purchased a device with an already installed system, it will be easiest to use special buttons for resetting to factory settings. Which ones - it is better to find out on the official website of the manufacturer.
Otherwise, you should use a portable device with the appropriate distribution. Now we perform some steps:
Restoring your smartphone to work
Sometimes resetting to its original state also helps when using Windows Mobile. This is usually necessary when the phone freezes or stops performing its functions correctly.
Important! Remember that during the procedure, all data on the phone will be deleted.
The reset looks like this:
- We go to " Settings».
- We are interested in " Device Information».
- Now we choose “ Reset».
If the mobile device refuses to perform any actions, it is necessary to perform an authoritative recovery:
- We hold down the power and volume up buttons at the same time for 15 seconds.
- As soon as the vibration starts, you must press the volume down and hold until an exclamation mark appears on the display.
- Then, one by one, click on adding volume, decreasing, powering and again decreasing.
This will result in a complete reset. All data will be deleted.
It is worth noting that everything is done exactly the same on the tablet.
Errors and possible solutions
Sometimes, after trying to reset Win 10 to its original state, a problem message may appear. This usually indicates corrupted files required by the process. Most likely, only a clean installation of the operating system will help.
In addition, the machine often asks you to insert a portable recovery device. The solution is simple - give the hardware what it wants by creating the appropriate component on another computer.
In addition, there is an option to register your own image, although for this the operating system should work:
- Download the Win 10 image.
- We mount it. We go into the folder " Sources"And copy the file" install.wim". We create a directory “ ResetRecoveryImage"On any partition other than the system one, and insert an element located in RAM here.
- Using the command line, we use the command: “ reagent / setosimage / path I: \ ResetRecoveryImage / index 1.
After that, you can again try to run the system reset to the original version.
Well, as you can see, there are several options for returning the system to work. And at the same time, you do not need to enter the license key anywhere.
I hope at least one of the above methods will help you deal with the problem.