How to Factory Reset a Laptop | Windows Guide

How to Factory Reset a Laptop (Windows 10 & Windows 11)

If your laptop has become slow, is experiencing software problems or you're planning to sell or give it away, performing a factory reset can often restore it to a clean, fresh state.

Windows includes built-in tools that make resetting your laptop straightforward. However, it's important to understand the different reset options before you begin, as some will remove all your personal files.

This guide explains when to factory reset your laptop, how to do it safely and what to expect during the process.

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What Is a Factory Reset?

A factory reset reinstalls Windows and returns your laptop to a fresh operating system.

Depending on the option you choose, Windows can either:

• Keep your personal files while removing apps and settings, or
• Remove everything and completely erase the laptop.

A factory reset is often one of the best ways to resolve persistent software problems or prepare a computer for a new owner.

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When Should You Factory Reset?

A reset may be worthwhile if your laptop:

• Runs unusually slowly
• Frequently crashes
• Has software errors
• Is infected with malware
• Has too many unwanted programs
• Is being sold or donated

It's usually one of the last troubleshooting steps after simpler fixes haven't solved the problem.

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Back Up Your Files First

Before resetting your laptop, make sure you back up anything important.

This includes:

• Documents
• Photos
• Videos
• Emails
• Browser bookmarks
• Saved passwords
• Desktop files

You can use:

• An external hard drive or SSD
• A USB drive
• Cloud storage such as OneDrive, Google Drive or Dropbox

Once a reset begins, recovering deleted files may not be possible.

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Factory Reset on Windows 11

To reset a Windows 11 laptop:

1. Open Settings.
2. Select System.
3. Click Recovery.
4. Under Recovery options, choose Reset this PC.
5. Select either:
   • Keep my files
   • Remove everything
6. Follow the on-screen instructions.

Windows will guide you through the remaining steps.

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Factory Reset on Windows 10

For Windows 10:

1. Open Settings.
2. Select Update & Security.
3. Click Recovery.
4. Under Reset this PC, choose Get started.
5. Select:
   • Keep my files
   • Remove everything
6. Complete the setup process.

The process is similar to Windows 11 and usually takes between 30 minutes and several hours, depending on your laptop.

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Keep My Files vs Remove Everything

Windows offers two reset options.

Keep My Files

This option:

• Keeps your personal documents
• Removes installed applications
• Resets Windows settings
• Reinstalls Windows

It's a good choice when troubleshooting software issues but keeping your data.

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Remove Everything

This option:

• Removes all personal files
• Deletes installed programs
• Removes settings
• Reinstalls Windows

Choose this option if you're selling, recycling or giving away your laptop.

Always confirm your backup is complete before proceeding.

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Cloud Download or Local Reinstall?

Windows may also ask how you'd like to reinstall the operating system.

Cloud Download

Downloads a fresh copy of Windows from Microsoft.

Benefits:

• Latest version
• Replaces damaged system files

Requires:

• Stable internet connection
• Several gigabytes of data

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Local Reinstall

Uses Windows files already stored on your laptop.

Benefits:

• Faster
• Doesn't require internet

May not resolve issues if local Windows files are already corrupted.

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Will a Factory Reset Remove Viruses?

In many cases, yes.

A factory reset removes most malware by reinstalling Windows.

However, if the infection is particularly advanced or affects firmware, additional cleaning may still be required.

Keeping Windows updated and installing reputable antivirus software helps prevent future infections.

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What Happens After the Reset?

Once the reset is complete, you'll need to:

• Complete the Windows setup process.
• Sign in with your Microsoft account (if applicable).
• Reinstall your applications.
• Restore your backed-up files.
• Install Windows updates.

The laptop should feel much like it did when first set up.

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When a Factory Reset Won't Help

A reset fixes software issues but it won't repair hardware faults.

If your laptop has:

• A failing SSD
• Faulty RAM
• Battery problems
• Overheating issues
• A damaged screen

the problem will remain after the reset.

If you're experiencing physical hardware issues, further diagnosis may be required.

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Before Selling Your Laptop

If you're preparing to sell your laptop:

• Back up your files.
• Sign out of your Microsoft account.
• Remove saved passwords.
• Use the Remove everything option.
• Confirm Windows has been reinstalled before handing it over.

This helps protect your personal information.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Will a factory reset make my laptop faster?

If the slowdown is caused by software problems, unnecessary applications or corrupted Windows files, a factory reset can improve performance. It won't fix hardware limitations such as insufficient RAM or an ageing SSD.

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Does a factory reset delete everything?

Only if you choose Remove everything. The Keep my files option keeps your personal documents but removes apps and resets Windows settings.

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How long does a factory reset take?

Most factory resets take between 30 minutes and two hours, depending on your laptop's specifications and the reset option selected.

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Should I factory reset before selling my laptop?

Yes. A full reset using Remove everything helps remove your personal information and prepares the laptop for its next owner.

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Final Thoughts

A factory reset is one of the most effective ways to resolve persistent software problems or prepare a laptop for a new owner.

Before starting, make sure your important files are backed up and choose the reset option that best suits your needs. While a factory reset can resolve many software issues, it won't fix failing hardware, so it's worth considering the age and condition of your laptop if problems continue after the reset.

If your laptop is no longer performing reliably even after a reset, upgrading to a professionally refurbished business laptop may provide better long-term value and performance.

Reviewed by

Recompute Technical Team

This guide has been reviewed by Recompute's technical team to ensure all specifications, compatibility information and refurbishment advice are accurate at the time of publication.