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.
Try a lighter fix first
A reset removes your apps, so try these first if Windows is only misbehaving:
- System Restore: roll Windows back to a restore point from before the problem began. Your files aren’t affected.
- Uninstall a recent update: open Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update > View update history > Uninstall updates.
- Repair system files: open Command Prompt as an administrator and run sfc /scannow, then restart.
Reset from Settings
- Select Start > Settings > Update & Security > Recovery.
- Under Reset this PC, select Get started.
- Choose Keep my files or Remove everything.
- Choose Cloud download or Local reinstall.
- 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
- Turn the PC on and off during startup twice. On the third start, Windows opens Automatic Repair.
- Select Advanced options > Troubleshoot > Reset this PC.
- 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
- Go through setup and sign in.
- Run Windows Update until it finds nothing new.
- Reinstall your apps and restore your files from your backup.
With Keep my files, Windows saves a list of removed apps on the desktop.
If the reset fails
If you see There was a problem resetting your PC, nothing has been removed yet. Try these:
- Open Command Prompt as an administrator and run DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth, then sfc /scannow. Restart and try the reset again.
- Choose Cloud download instead of Local reinstall, so Windows downloads fresh files instead of using damaged local ones.
- Start the reset from the recovery screen, as described above, so fewer files are in use.
Reinstall from a USB drive
If the built-in reset won’t work at all, use Microsoft’s Media Creation Tool on another PC to make a Windows 10 installation drive of 8 GB or more. Start the PC from the USB drive and choose Custom installation to erase the drive and install a fresh copy. Your Windows 10 license activates automatically afterward if the PC was activated before.
Before you sell or give away the PC
- Choose Remove everything, and when asked, choose to clean the drive so files can’t easily be recovered. This takes longer but is much safer.
- Sign out of apps that limit how many PCs you can use, such as iTunes or Microsoft 365, before the reset.
- Afterward, remove the PC from your Microsoft account at account.microsoft.com/devices.
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.
Will I need a product key after resetting?
No. If Windows 10 was activated before, it reactivates automatically after the reset using the PC’s digital license. Check in Settings > Update & Security > Activation.
Should I upgrade instead of resetting?
Windows 10 reached end of support on October 14, 2025, and a reset reinstalls Windows 10, not Windows 11. If your PC meets Windows 11’s requirements, upgrading may be a better long-term fix, since it also gets you current security updates.
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.
Related: how to unlock an HP laptop if you forgot the password.
Related: how to find your digital license in Windows 10.
Matt Jacobs has been working as an IT consultant for small businesses since receiving his Master’s degree in 2003. While he still does some consulting work, his primary focus now is on creating technology support content for SupportYourTech.com.
His work can be found on many websites and focuses on topics such as Microsoft Office, Apple devices, Android devices, Photoshop, and more.