How to Reset Windows 10 to Factory Settings

To reset Windows 10 to factory settings, select Start > Settings > Update & Security > Recovery. Under Reset this PC, select Get started. Choose Keep my files to keep your personal files, or Remove everything for a clean start, then follow the steps on screen. Windows reinstalls itself and restarts a few times.

A reset removes your apps. Back up anything you need first.

Applies to: Windows 10 laptops and desktops, including HP, Dell, Lenovo, Asus, and Gateway. Checked against Microsoft Support on September 25, 2026.

Before you reset

• Back up your files. Even with Keep my files, apps and settings are removed. See how to back up Windows 10.
• Plug in your laptop. A reset can take an hour or more.
• Have your BitLocker recovery key if your drive is encrypted.
• Write down your apps. You’ll need to reinstall apps that didn’t come with the PC.

Reset from Settings

1. Select Start > Settings > Update & Security > Recovery.
2. Under Reset this PC, select Get started.

3. Choose Keep my files or Remove everything.

4. Choose Cloud download or Local reinstall.
5. Check the summary, select Next, then Reset.

Don’t turn the PC off during the reset. The screen can stay black for a while, and the PC may restart several times.

Which options to choose

• Keep my files: reinstalls Windows and keeps your personal files. Apps and settings are removed.
• Remove everything: removes your files, apps, and settings. Use it if you’re selling or giving away the PC.
• Clean data: under Change settings after Remove everything, this wipes the drive more thoroughly. It takes longer.
• Cloud download: downloads a fresh copy of Windows. Use it if the local files may be damaged.
• Local reinstall: uses files already on the PC. It’s faster on a slow connection.
• Restore preinstalled apps: puts back the apps your PC maker installed, if your PC has this option.

Reset when Windows won’t start

1. Turn the PC on and off during startup twice. On the third start, Windows opens Automatic Repair.
2. Select Advanced options > Troubleshoot > Reset this PC.
3. Choose your options as above.

If Windows starts but has problems, you can also get here from Settings > Update & Security > Recovery > Advanced startup > Restart now. To try a repair first, see how to run Startup Repair in Windows 10.

HP, Dell, Lenovo, and other laptops

Reset this PC works the same on every Windows 10 PC. Some brands also have their own recovery tool that you open with a key at startup, such as F11 on many HP PCs. Check your PC maker’s support site for the key on your model.

After the reset

1. Go through setup and sign in.
2. Run Windows Update until it finds nothing new.
3. Reinstall your apps and restore your files from your backup.

With Keep my files, Windows saves a list of removed apps on the desktop.

Frequently asked questions

How long does a reset take?

Usually 30 minutes to 2 hours, longer with Clean data or Cloud download on a slow connection.

Does resetting remove viruses?

Remove everything removes almost all malware because it reinstalls Windows. Scan your backup before you restore it.

Is a reset the same as a restore point?

No. A restore point only undoes recent system changes and keeps your apps. See how to restore Windows 10 to a previous date.

Before a reset, save your work and close your apps. For every way to turn the PC off, see how to shut down Windows 10.

To remove just one person’s account instead of resetting the PC, see how to remove a user account in Windows 10.

Selling or giving away the PC? See how to wipe a Windows 10 computer before selling it.

If your PC might not start later, first create a Windows 10 recovery USB drive.

If you’re setting up several PCs from one image instead, see how to run Sysprep in Windows 10.

Microsoft’s guide is Reset your PC. More help is on our Windows Help & Guides page.