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
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.