How to Reset PC to Factory Settings​? To Make It New

Overview: If your computer is not functioning properly or running slow, then you might be wanting to know how to factory reset PC. Factory resetting can fix your software issue, improve performance, or make it ready for resale purposes. It restores the device to its original settings and erases all your personal data. So, this blog will take you through the reasons, and provide various manual methods for successful reset. For detailed steps, you can refer to this guide on how to factory reset Asus laptop.

Why You Need to Do a Factory Reset? Reasons to Decide

There are several reasons which can make you eager to know how to factory reset PC. Read the below points:

• It can fix your performance issues or  system errors efficiently.
• Also, removes malware or any unwanted programs.
• Prepares the computer for sale or donation purposes.
• By factory resetting, you can start your PC fresh with a clean Windows installation.

How to Factory Reset PC Using Manual Solutions

You can reset your computer to keep your files or restore it to factory settings. Choose the steps given below for resetting your PC on Windows 11/10 based on your needs and operating system. For Mac users, you can check how to factory reset MacBook Pro for a detailed guide.

 #1. Factory Reset PC on Windows 10

Factory resetting your Windows 10 PC can overall enhance your performance issues or give you a fresh start. Use the “Reset this PC” feature to restore your system to its original state by removing apps and resetting settings.

Step 1. Firstly, open the start menu and go to Settings > Update & Security > Recovery.

Step 2. Under Reset this PC, click Get Started.

Step 3. Next, you have to choose Keep my files to save personal files or Remove everything to wipe the laptop.

Step 4. Then, select Cloud Download or Local Reinstall.

Step 5. Now, follow the given instructions to confirm. The system will restart and reset your PC.

 #2. Factory Reset PC on Windows 11

If you are factory resetting your PC on Windows 11, then it is easy to improve your system performance or start fresh. You can keep your files or remove everything to restore default settings.

Step 1.  Open the start menu and go to Settings > System > Recovery.

Step 2. Click on Reset this PC.

Step 3. Then, choose Remove everything (deletes all files, apps, and settings) or Keep my files (resets apps and settings but keeps your files).

Step 4. Now, follow the given steps to complete the reset process to start your system from scratch.

#3. Factory Reset Windows 11 and 10 From Boot 

Factory resetting Windows from boot restores your system to its original state which is perfect for troubleshooting or wiping personal data. Use the recovery menu at startup to begin the reset process.

Factory Reset Windows 10 or 11 From Boot Using Windows Recovery Environment

The factory reset can be done on Windows 11 and 10 through boot, in case your OS does not work or become inaccessible. You will then need to follow these steps to get into Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) to start your resetting process.

Step 1. Force shut down your computer three times as the Windows logo appears. This will trigger WinRE.

Step 2. Next, if you load a USB recovery drive, insert it and boot from it via BIOS/UEFI (usually F12 or Esc).

Step 3. In the setup screen, choose your country and click “Next” and select “Repair your computer“.

Step 4. Under WinRE, go to Troubleshoot > Reset this PC.

Step 5. You have to choose:

• Keep my files (reinstalls Windows, keeps personal files)
• Remove everything (deletes all files, apps, and settings)

Step 6. If you select Remove everything, you need to choose which drives are to be reset (Windows drive or all drives).

Step 7. Confirm and initiate the resetting process.

Step 8. Your PC will now restart after the reset and guide you to set up Windows 10 and Windows 11 afterwards.

#4. Reset Via Windows Installation Media (Windows 10/11)

In this method, we will be using a bootable USB drive or DVD to delete a system partition in Windows. This is good idea particularly if you building your system from scratch for Windows. Here are the following steps:

1. At first, head over to the other PC, and use Microsoft’s Media Creation tool to create a new Windows 10/11 bootable USB drive.

2. Now, plug this USB drive to the desired computer and start the system.

Note: At this point, you will have to adjust the BIOS/UEFI boot order.

3. The setup will now be initiated a Windows Setup screen that will pop up when your PC is cleaned.

4. Then, select the language that you prefer, and press the Next button.

5. Just remove all the partitions and make them on the system disk (Disk 0) and highlight them.

6. Continuously click the Delete button until there is only unallocated space left.

7. Choose the unallocated space and then do Next for Setup to create new partitions and install a new licensed copy of Windows.

8. The installer will then reboot a couple of times and eventually guide you through first time setup.

Risks/Precautions: This deletes everything on the drive which includes personal files, apps, OEM customizations and so on. Be sure to have whatever backups you might need and a Windows product key. Remember, if you have numerous disks in your PC, then only delete partitions on the OS disk (Disk 0).

#5. Wipe the Drive with DiskPart, Then Reinstall (Windows 11/10)

Here, are the steps to use Diskpart method and start your Windows system fresh. Follow to have a clean environment and reset your PC securely.

1. You can use a Windows 10/11 installation or using recovery USB drive.
2. Then, press Shift + F10 button to Open Command Prompt.
3. Now, write the  below command:

diskpart
list disk
select disk X (replace X with your disk number)
clean (or clean all for a full wipe)
exit

4. Then, close the Command Prompt.

5. Just continue with Windows setup and select the unallocated drive where you wish to install Windows.

Risks/Precaution: This method is permanent for the chosen disk. Make sure you pick the right disk number because the DiskPart commands will completely wipe the entire disk. All your information on such disk is destroyed. You need to always back up first and confirm the disk ID twice before going with the steps.

#6. Remove Drive and Erase It on Another PC For Windows 10 or 11

There are varying levels of wiping, so i don’t know if you could run a wipe on your live system disk. But you could physically remove the drive that contains your encrypted live disk. Then, connect it to another computer and run the wiping software from there. This is helpful because Windows will not allow you to overwrite the volume that is running.

1. Firstly, power off the PC and unplugged it.

2. Next, take out the new or old HDD/SSD from the computer.

3. Plug the extracted drive into another PC externally by SATA port or USB-to-SATA adapter.

4. On the second PC, press Windows + X, and click on open Disk Management.

5. Now, open the Disk Management and delete all the partitions from the drive to make it unallocated.

6. Or go to DiskPart and run the following command:

list disk, select disk X,

Clean, clean all

7. It will completely erase the disk and make it clean.

8. After that, remove the drive and reinsert it in the original PC.

9. Now, the last part is to force boot from USB and start Windows setup to install it on your system.