How to Factory Reset a PC on Windows 10, 8.1, 8, 7, Vista, XP

If your computer is running extremely slow, you could give it a fresh start by performing a factory reset of your PC to restore your laptop to the state it came out of the factory. This post will show you how to factory reset a PC on Windows 10, Windows 8.1, Windows 8, Windows 7, Windows Vista or Windows XP.

See Also: Fix Slow Computer – Fast Speed Up Your Computer on Windows 10/8.1/8/7/XP/Vista

how-to-factory-reset-a-pc-windows

What Is a Factory Reset

A factory reset means performing a reset of your PC to its original configuration. A factory reset will delete all your personal files, such as documents, photos, videos, music, drivers and any installed applications not included in the first day you purchased it.

Note: It’s highly recommended to back up all your important files prior to a factory reset.

Factory Reset a PC on Windows 10

Step 1. Open the Start menu and select Settings

Step 2. Type reset in the search bar

Step 3. Select Reset this PC

Step 4. Under the Recovery section of Update & Security, click Get started

Factory Reset a PC on Windows 8.1/8

Step 1. Bring up the right side context menu and select Settings

Step 2. Select Change PC settings

Step 3. Select General

Step 4. Scroll down to Remove everything and reinstall Windows

Step 5. Click Get started

Step 5. In the Reset your PC screen click Next

Step 6. If your PC has more than one drive, click All drives to only restore windows and all data will be deleted. Alternatively, click Only the drive where Windows is installed to wipe the data on that drive

Step 7. Select Just remove my files which will only destroy your data, or Fully clean the drive which does to full system wipe

Step 8. Click Reset

Factory Reset a PC on Windows 7/Vista/XP

Step 1. Reboot your computer

Step 2. During the start-up process, press the exact F key, such as F1-F12

Acer – Alt + F10

Asus – F9

Dell/Alienware – F8

HP – F11

Lenovo – F11

MSI – F3

Samsung – F4

Sony – F10

Toshiba – 0 (not numpad) while turning on, release key when Toshiba logo appears

Step 3. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the factory reset process.

If you know other ways to factory reset a PC, make sure to share with us in the comments section below.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.