how to wipe computer windows 10
Wiping your Windows 10 computer means erasing everything on it, returning it to its factory settings. This can help improve performance, fix errors, or prepare the machine for a new user. To accomplish this, you’ll need to go into the Settings menu, find the Recovery option, and follow the prompts to reset your PC. Once completed, your computer will be like new, free of personal data and programs.
Step-by-Step Tutorial: How to Wipe Computer Windows 10
Resetting your Windows 10 computer will remove all your files, applications, and settings, restoring it to its original state. Here’s how to do it step-by-step.
Step 1: Open Settings
To begin, open the Settings app by clicking on the Start menu and selecting the gear icon.
Navigating through Settings is your first step. The app icon looks like a little gear, and you can find it tucked away in the Start menu. It’s the control center for most of your computer’s functions.
Step 2: Go to Update & Security
In the Settings menu, select "Update & Security."
Update & Security is where you’ll find the option to reset your PC. This section also houses Windows updates and security settings, but today, we’re focused on the “Recovery” option.
Step 3: Click on Recovery
Within the Update & Security menu, click on “Recovery” in the sidebar.
The Recovery menu is where you’ll see options like "Reset this PC," "Go back to a previous version of Windows 10," and more. You’re interested in the "Reset this PC" section.
Step 4: Select Get Started
Under the "Reset this PC" section, click the "Get Started" button.
Clicking "Get Started" will bring up two options: "Keep my files" or "Remove everything." Since we’re wiping the computer, choose "Remove everything."
Step 5: Choose Remove Everything
Select the option to "Remove everything" to ensure a complete wipe.
Choosing "Remove everything" will erase all your files, settings, and apps. If you’re keeping the machine, you can opt to just remove files. But for a full wipe, choose the more thorough option.
Step 6: Follow the Prompts
Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the reset process.
Windows will walk you through a series of prompts to confirm that you want to reset your PC. This process can take a while, so make sure your computer is plugged in to avoid interruptions.
After completing these steps, your computer will restart and begin the reset process. This can take some time, but once it’s done, you’ll have a fresh Windows 10 installation.
Tips for How to Wipe Computer Windows 10
- Back up important files: Before starting, make sure to back up any files you want to keep on an external drive or cloud storage.
- Check for updates: Make sure your Windows 10 is up to date before resetting, as this can prevent future issues.
- Sign out of accounts: Sign out of any accounts like email or online services to ensure your personal information is not accessible.
- Deauthorize software: Deauthorize any software that limits the number of installations, such as iTunes or Adobe products.
- Have your Windows key: If you need to reinstall Windows later, you might need your Windows activation key.
Frequently Asked Questions: How to Wipe Computer Windows 10
Is wiping my computer the same as formatting it?
No, wiping and formatting are different. Wiping erases all data and restores factory settings, while formatting prepares a storage device for new data.
Will I lose Windows 10 if I wipe my computer?
No, you won’t lose Windows 10. It will be reinstalled fresh after the wipe.
How long does it take to wipe a Windows 10 computer?
The time varies, but it usually takes between 1-2 hours depending on the speed of your computer.
Can I stop the process once it starts?
No, once you start the wipe process, you shouldn’t stop it. Interrupting can cause system errors.
Do I need an internet connection to reset my PC?
No, an internet connection isn’t necessary to reset your PC, but it’s helpful for downloading updates afterward.
Summary
- Open Settings.
- Go to Update & Security.
- Click on Recovery.
- Select Get Started.
- Choose Remove Everything.
- Follow the Prompts.
Conclusion
Wiping your Windows 10 computer is a comprehensive way to breathe new life into your device, solve persistent issues, or prepare it for a new owner. The steps we’ve outlined make the process straightforward and hassle-free. Just remember to back up any important files before you start, as this process will erase everything. If you’re experiencing slow performance or encountering software issues frequently, wiping the computer can be the reset button you need.
Feel free to revisit this guide anytime you need to perform a wipe, and don’t hesitate to share it with others who might find it helpful. By following these steps, you’ll ensure your computer is running clean and efficiently, just like when you first took it out of the box. For further reading, explore Microsoft’s official resources on resetting and restoring Windows 10 computers. Happy computing!
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.