How to factory reset Windows 10 computers

There are many reasons why you might need to know how factory reset Windows 10 computers. Perhaps you are selling an older computer and do not want the files to be accessible to the new owner. Your computer might not be working as well anymore. If it used to work, you should be able to access it. No matter what reason, it’s important to follow the right steps. We provide you with those steps here.

Warning! Warning!

How to Factory Reset Windows 10 Using Settings

1. Click the Start Windows button.
2. Go to Settings.
3. Under Settings, select Update & Security.
4. Click Recovery in the left panel.
5. To get started, click Reset this Computer.
6. Click “Remove All” in the popup window.
7. Click on the “Change settings” button to select which drives you wish to delete and what data. There are two options available for how your computer handles files.
   • You can simply delete my files. This is quicker and less secure.
   • If your computer is going to be sold, it is recommended that you clean up the drive and delete any files.
     
     You can choose to delete the Windows installation drive and all of your computer’s hard drives. Only those with more than one drive can use this option.
8. Next, click the Warning Page.
9. When prompted, click Reset.

How to Factory Reset Windows 10 Computers With a USB Recovery Drive

These steps will allow you to reset Windows 10 to factory settings using a thumbdrive.

1. Formatting your drive to exFAT
   • Navigate to “This PC”, File Explorer
   • Right-click the drive and select Format
   • Select exFAT in the File System.
   • Choose Start
2. Create a recovery disk. Format the drive to exFAT to reset your computer. These are the steps to create one.
   • Connect your USB drive to your computer
   • To search for “Create a recovery drive”, click on the magnifying lens at your taskbar.
   • Click Next to confirm the box next to “Back up system files to the recovery drive”.
   • Select your USB drive from the list by clicking Next.
   • Then select Create.
   • It will be renamed “RECOVERY” after the drive is complete.
3. To go to the login screen, click on the login button. You can also restart your computer using the Windows key +L.
4. Click Shutdown
5. Click the Restart button by pressing the Shift key. This will restart your computer in the Windows Recovery Environment
6. Choose a device from “Choose an Option”.
7. Select your drive.
8. Windows will boot from the USB drive, and then start from there.

How to perform a complete restore of Windows 10 with an Installation CD

If your computer won’t start, this will fix Windows 10.

1. Visit the Microsoft software download page. You can do this on a different functional computer.
2. Run the Windows 10 media maker tool.
3. To install another computer, choose “Create installation media”.
4. Choose your edition, language, and architecture.
5. To complete the steps, click Finish.
6. Insert the media file you created on the non-working machine.
7. Turn on your computer.
8. Click Next to select your preferences
9. Select Repair your computer.
10. Select Reset this Computer under Choose an option. Not only can you delete drivers and apps from your PC, but you also have the option to save your files or wipe them. You can choose to delete any drivers and apps that you don’t want.

These steps will allow you to reset Windows 10 computer back to factory settings.