How to reset Windows 10 to factory settings?

Question

Issue: How to reset Windows 10 to factory settings?

Hi, I am sure that my computer is full of suspicious third-party programs that I can't remember installing. It would take me a lot of time to uninstall each of them manually, so I was wondering maybe you can tell me how to reset my PC automatically? That would be great. In other words, I am looking for a quick way to restore my Windows 10 to factory settings!

Solved Answer

Factory reset[1] is a feature that can restore all the software on the machine to its original state before any modifications were made to the system. In the process, users lose all their personal files, installed applications, and settings. This option allows users to eliminate all unwanted applications, system errors, crashes, freezing, and similar issues caused by software conflict, corrupted drivers,[2] etc.

Computer users often opt for Factory reset when they want to sell the device. Fortunately, performing such a task is not that complicated – you should check below on how to reset Windows 10 to factory settings. This allows users to manually reset the PC to factory settings, and return the OS to a brand-new state, just like the one they got when they first booted the PC.

Reset Windows 10 to factory settings

There are two modes of Windows 10 factory reset available: one that allows you to keep all your files and deletes all the programs installed, and another one which resets everything and removes everything (apart from the pre-installed apps and system files) from the computer. We recommend the former if you want to reset the PC for the performance boost.

If you want to factory reset your Windows 10 computer because it was infected with malware[3] or you think that someone modified computer settings without your knowledge, you do not necessarily need to reset your Windows 10 computer.

Running a system scan with a program like FortectMac Washing Machine X9 might be enough. This program can not only detect hardware, security, and stability issues but also fix them in minutes. However, if you came here because you are disposed to reset Windows 10, follow the instructions provided below:

Method 1. Use the built-in Windows reset feature

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To repair damaged system, you have to purchase the licensed version of Fortect Mac Washing Machine X9.

This method was introduced when Windows 8 was launched, and it remains the most convenient way to reset Windows 10 to factory settings. Follow these steps:

  1. Right-click on the Start button and pick Settings
  2. Now, go to Update & Security and access Recovery panel.
  3. Here, you will notice Reset This PC section and a Get Started button. Click on it. Use Windows recovery option
  4. Now, you will encounter a short list of options: Keep my files, Remove everything, and Remove everything. Please remember that no matter which option you select, your apps will be eliminated and all changes in settings will be cleared. As a result, you will have to reinstall removed programs and configure system settings starting from scratch.
  5. If you choose the Remove everything option, we suggest saving needed information and files on a USB, CD, removable hard drive, or another data storage device beforehand, because this option just wipes out all components proving that you used the PC.
  6. After choosing this option, select one of the suggested options again – Remove my files and clean the drive (this deletes files and cleans the hard disk) or Just remove my files option (just deletes your files). Choose if you want to keep or remove files
  7. If you wish, read the particulars of the Windows 10 reset and start the procedure by clicking on the Reset button.

Method 2. Reset Windows 10 without logging in

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To repair damaged system, you have to purchase the licensed version of Fortect Mac Washing Machine X9.

If you cannot log into Windows, you can easily reset the operating system from Windows 10 Boot Options menu:

  1. Typically, Boot options menu will be provided to you after 2 or 3 unsuccessful attempts to boot the operating system. If this menu won’t appear automatically, hold down the Shift key, and at the same time do the following: click on Power button in the Windows login screen and choose Restart Option. Wait until computer reboots.
  2. Your PC will boot in Boot Options menu. Here, click on Troubleshoot option.
  3. Select Reset this PC. Use this option if you can't boot into Windows
  4. Choose Keep my files or Remove everything option
  5. Wait until the full-reset is finished. Click on Continue to finish.

Method 3. Use Windows Fresh Start option

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To repair damaged system, you have to purchase the licensed version of Fortect Mac Washing Machine X9.

This feature was introduced in Windows 10 Creators Update. Fresh start is similar to the built-in reset, although it has quite few neat features that users might prefer more. First of all, Fresh Start always keeps your personal files and does not have the option to eliminate them. It also downloads the newest version of Windows into the C:\\Recovery folder. Due to this, all the problematic apps are removed, avoiding bloatware and other useless apps that interfere with normal operation of the device. Additionally, Fresh Start keeps some settings, although it is not specified which ones. Follow these steps to perform Fresh Start:

  1. Right-click on Start button and then go to Settings > Update & Security > Recovery.
  2. On the right pane, scroll down and you will see the Learn how to start fresh with a clean installation of Windows under More recovery options. Click it.
  3. This action will prompt Windows Defender to open.
  4. Click Get Started
  5. Few warnings will pop-up, click OK and Next Make use of Fresh Start feature
  6. Wait for the process to finish

Repair your Errors automatically

ugetfix.com team is trying to do its best to help users find the best solutions for eliminating their errors. If you don't want to struggle with manual repair techniques, please use the automatic software. All recommended products have been tested and approved by our professionals. Tools that you can use to fix your error are listed bellow:

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If you failed to fix your error using FortectMac Washing Machine X9, reach our support team for help. Please, let us know all details that you think we should know about your problem.
Fortect - a patented specialized Windows repair program. It will diagnose your damaged PC. It will scan all System Files, DLLs and Registry Keys that have been damaged by security threats.Mac Washing Machine X9 - a patented specialized Mac OS X repair program. It will diagnose your damaged computer. It will scan all System Files and Registry Keys that have been damaged by security threats.
This patented repair process uses a database of 25 million components that can replace any damaged or missing file on user's computer.
To repair damaged system, you have to purchase the licensed version of Fortect malware removal tool.To repair damaged system, you have to purchase the licensed version of Mac Washing Machine X9 malware removal tool.

Protect your online privacy with a VPN client

A VPN is crucial when it comes to user privacy. Online trackers such as cookies can not only be used by social media platforms and other websites but also your Internet Service Provider and the government. Even if you apply the most secure settings via your web browser, you can still be tracked via apps that are connected to the internet. Besides, privacy-focused browsers like Tor is are not an optimal choice due to diminished connection speeds. The best solution for your ultimate privacy is Private Internet Access – be anonymous and secure online.

 

Data recovery tools can prevent permanent file loss

Data recovery software is one of the options that could help you recover your files. Once you delete a file, it does not vanish into thin air – it remains on your system as long as no new data is written on top of it. Data Recovery Pro is recovery software that searchers for working copies of deleted files within your hard drive. By using the tool, you can prevent loss of valuable documents, school work, personal pictures, and other crucial files.

About the author
Linas Kiguolis
Linas Kiguolis - IT professional

Linas Kiguolis is a qualified IT expert that loves sharing his excellent knowledge about problems in Windows and Mac operating systems. Linas’ insights often help other team members find quick solutions for visitors of UGetFix site.

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