Restore Windows 8 without a CD - how it works

You can restore Windows 8 without a CD and without much effort and without additional tools. You can also refresh and reset your PC. In this practical tip, we explain how this works and where the differences between these options lie.

Refresh Windows 8 without data loss

If you feel that your PC performance has deteriorated, you can refresh your computer with Windows 8. Your personal files are not deleted and your settings remain unchanged.

1. Open the Charm Bar by swiping from the right edge of the screen to the center on a touchscreen. When using a mouse, you must move the mouse pointer to the top right corner of the screen.
2. Click on "Settings" in the Charm Bar and then on "Change PC Settings".
3. Tap or click Update and Restore, then tap Restore.
4. Under Refresh your PC without affecting your files, tap or click Get started.
5. Now all you have to do is follow the on-screen instructions.

Reset and reinstall Windows 8

This option will reset your computer to its factory settings. This option is useful when you want to recycle, give away, or start over. All your applications and files are permanently removed from the PC. You should therefore back up your data beforehand.

1. Open the Charm Bar as described above.
2. Now navigate via the »Settings« to »Change PC settings«.
3. Tap or click Update and Restore, then tap Restore.
4. Under "Remove everything and reinstall Windows", select the "First steps" option.
5. Follow the on-screen instructions to reset your PC.

Restore Windows 8 to an earlier status

With this option, your PC can be reset to a restore point. Your personal files will not be changed, however, recently installed applications, apps or drivers can be removed. This option is useful if you feel that recently installed apps or drivers are causing problems on your PC.

1. To do this, open the Charm Bar again.
2. Click on "Search" in the Charm Bar and enter "Control Panel" in the search field. Then click or tap on "Control Panel".
3. Type "restore" in the Control Panel search box, and then click or tap Restore.
4. Tap or click Open System Restore.
5. After that, you have to select a restore point and follow the further instructions on the screen.
6. In our video you can follow all the necessary steps again.

If you can no longer start your PC due to faulty drivers, this practical tip will show you how to start Windows 8 in safe mode.