Applies To
Windows 11 Windows 10

Support for Windows 10 has ended on October 142025

After October 142025Microsoft will no longer provide free software updates from Windows Updatetechnical assistanceor security fixes for Windows 10. Your PC will still workbut we recommend moving to Windows 11.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

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Resetting your PC in Windows is a powerful feature that allows you to restore your device to its original statewhich can be useful whether you're experiencing performance issuessoftware problemsor simply want a fresh start. This feature is designed to be user-friendly and provides several options to suit different needs.

Reset options

Here's a list of options when resetting your PC:

Option

Description

Keep my files

Also known as Refreshthis option reinstalls Windows while keeping your personal files intact. It removes apps and settings but preserves your documentsphotosand other personal data.

  • Restore preinstalled apps: when enabled, any customizations from the PC manufacturer are applied

Remove everything

Also known as Resetthis option reinstalls Windows and removes all your personal filesappsand settings. It's ideal for a fresh start or when you are giving away or selling your PC.

  • Clean data: when enabledit removes files and cleans the drive. If you're planning to donaterecycleor sell your PCuse this option. This might take some timebut it makes it harder for other people to recover files you've removed

Cloud download

This option downloads a fresh copy of Windows from the cloudensuring you get the latest version with all updates. It's useful if your local files are corrupted or missing.

Local reinstall

This option uses the files already on your PC to reinstall Windows. It's faster if you have a slow internet connection but may not include the latest updates.

Note: The data erasure functionality is targeted at consumers and does not meet government and industry data erasure standards.

Reset steps

You can reset your PC when you are signed in to Windows or from the Windows Recovery Environment (Windows RE).

Important: During the resetting processit's possible that your screen might go black for a long period of time (occasionally upwards of 15 minutes) and that your device might attempt to restart itself. Manually attempting to restart the device yourself during this process could cause the reset to fail.

Select the option that best suits your needs:

  1. In the Settings app on your Windows deviceselect System > Recovery or use the following shortcut:Open Recovery settings

    Note: In Windows 10you can access from Update & Security > Recovery

    Screenshot of Settings - System - Recovery.

  2. Select Reset PC

  3. Choose from the options and/or settings in the reset options table​​​​​​​

Note: If you’ve encrypted your deviceyou’ll need your BitLocker key to complete this task. If you don’t know your BitLocker keysee Find your BitLocker recovery key.

  1. Access the Windows Recovery Environment

  2. Once in Windows RE, select Troubleshoot > Reset this PC > System Restore

  3. Choose from the options and/or settings in the reset options table

Screenshot of the Choose an option screen in Windows RE.

Screenshot of Windows RE - Troubleshoot screen.

Screenshot of the reset screen in WinRE.

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