Windows 8.1: Reset computer
A lot has changed under Windows 8.1, including the option to reset the PC. We'll show you how it's done.
Reset computer under Windows 8.1 to factory settings
- Move the mouse to the upper or lower right corner of the screen so that the Charm Bar opens.
- Select "Settings" at the bottom and then "PC Settings".
- Via the menu item "Update / Restore", you can use the "Restore" option to find the function you are looking for.
- Under "Remove everything and reinstall Windows" you will find the button "Let's go".
- If you have a recovery partition on your computer, Windows will automatically recognize it and use it for resetting. If this is not the case, you will be asked to insert the Windows 8 DVD.
- You will now be asked which hard drives you want to reset. You can choose between the partition on which Windows is installed or all partitions. To back up your data conveniently, you can, for example, copy it to the hard disk on which Windows is not installed and only reset the Windows partition.
- Now you are faced with the decision of whether you want to clean the drive completely. If you click "Remove files only", you may be able to restore them later. However, if you click on "Clean drive completely", all contents will be overwritten. The "Remove files only" option runs much faster and is recommended if you want to use the computer again after the reset and do not want to sell it.
- You will then be asked whether you really want to carry out the process. To do this, click on the "Reset" button. Now your computer will restart. The process can take several minutes.
If you carry out the procedure on a laptop, connect the device to the power supply beforehand to avoid a crash. If you still have Windows 8, you will find similar instructions here.