Windows 10: Reset computer to factory settings
Related Videos: Windows 10 - How to Reset Windows to Factory Settings without installation disc (May 2024).
If you want to reset Windows 10 to factory settings on your computer or laptop, there are two ways and a good alternative. We'll show you how it's done.
Reset Windows 10 completely to factory settings
It is most convenient to reset Windows 10 through the settings. To do this, the installation of Windows must be on a separate partition. This is the case with most computers.
- Open the Windows settings with the key combination [Windows] + [i].
- Under the category "Update and Security" you will find the entry "Recovery" on the left.
- Click here under "Reset this PC" on "Let's go".
- In the next step you can decide whether your personal documents should also be deleted. If not, select the "Keep my files" option.
- A list of all data that is deleted during the reset appears. Note that this also includes installed updates. Finally click on "Reset".
- The process can take several minutes to hours. Please wait until Windows has completed the reset.
Carry out a reset using the media creation tool
Alternatively, you can reset Windows 10 using the free media creation tool.
- Download the program from CHIP Online and install it.
- Then start the tool and follow the instructions to create an installation medium.
- You can then start the reinstallation (reset) of Windows 10 directly.
- There you choose whether you want to keep your personal data and apps when reinstalling.
- Finally, wait for the recovery to complete. Windows will then restart automatically.
Reinstall Windows 10 via ISO
If the instructions in the first paragraphs do not work, you can reinstall Windows 10 using an ISO file. However, all of your data will be lost.
- First download the Windows 10 installation file. This is in ISO format.
- If your system is still stable, simply start the installation by double-clicking the ISO file.
- Otherwise, the file can be installed using a USB stick, external hard drive or DVD. We show you how this works in this article.
In the next practical tip, we will show you how to repair a defective USB stick. If you need individual help for resetting to the factory settings, please contact the experts in the CHIP forum.