Windows Reset: Complete System Recovery Guide

Introduction / Why You Need This

Windows Reset is a built-in recovery tool that returns the operating system to its original state, as it was when you first purchased the computer. This method effectively solves performance issues, removes malware, and fixes system errors without requiring a complete reinstall from scratch. In this guide, we will thoroughly cover how to properly perform a reset on Windows 10 and 11, either keeping your personal files or completely wiping the drive.

Requirements / Preparation

Before you begin, ensure the following conditions are met:

• Power: For a laptop—at least 80% charge; for a PC—a stable connection to a UPS (to avoid power loss during the process).
• Internet: A stable connection is recommended if you plan to download the latest version of Windows from the cloud (the "Download Windows from the cloud" option).
• Backup: Even if you choose to keep your files, make a backup of important data to an external drive or cloud storage. This is insurance against unexpected errors.
• Free Space: The system drive (usually C:) must have at least 15–20 GB of free space.
• Administrator Rights: Ensure you are logged in with an administrator account.
• Drivers and Installation Files: Prepare drivers for critical hardware (network, video) in case Windows does not install them automatically after the reset.

Step 1: Open Recovery Settings

1. Press the Win + I key combination to open Windows Settings.
2. In Windows 10, go to Update & Security → Recovery. In Windows 11, open System → Recovery.
3. In the Reset this PC section, click the Get started button.

Step 2: Choose a Reset Option

In the window that appears, the system will offer two main options:

• Keep my files—only installed apps (programs) and system settings (parameters, registry) will be removed. Your personal files (documents, pictures, music, videos) will remain on the drive. This option is suitable for solving software problems without data loss.
• Remove everything—a complete wipe of the system drive, including personal files. Recommended if the computer is being sold, given away, or heavily infected with viruses. After selecting this option, you can also choose to remove files securely (multiple overwrites), but this will take significantly longer.

Select the appropriate option and click Next.

Step 3: Configure Additional Settings

On the next screen, additional settings are available:

1. Windows Source:
   • Download Windows from the cloud—the system will download the latest version of Windows from Microsoft's servers. Requires internet but guarantees up-to-date files and drivers.
   • Local reinstall—uses Windows files already stored on the computer. Faster, but may not include the latest updates.
2. Additional Settings (appear only when Remove everything is selected):
   • Just remove my files—deletes your data but leaves the system in a working state (faster).
   • Remove files and clean the drive—a more secure method that overwrites data multiple times, making it virtually unrecoverable. Takes a long time (several hours).

Make your selection and click Next.

Step 4: Confirm and Start the Reset

The system will show a final summary of the selected actions. Carefully check:

• What will be kept or removed.
• Where the Windows files will come from (cloud or local).
• Whether personal files will be deleted (if the corresponding option was chosen).

If everything is correct, click the Reset button. The computer will automatically restart and begin the recovery process. Do not interrupt the process—this could lead to an unusable system.

Step 5: Wait for Completion

After the restart, the classic Windows setup interface (OOBE—Out-of-Box Experience) will appear, similar to the first boot of a new device:

1. Select your region and keyboard layout.
2. Connect to a wireless network (if required) or skip this step.
3. Sign in with your Microsoft account (recommended for syncing settings) or create a local account.
4. Configure privacy settings (location, telemetry, etc.) as desired.
5. Wait for setup to complete—the system will restart and load the desktop.

Step 6: Verify the Result

After logging into the system, ensure the reset was successful:

• Functionality: Open File Explorer, a browser (e.g., Microsoft Edge), and other default apps.
• Personal files (if you chose "Keep my files"): Check folders like Documents, Pictures, Downloads—your data should be there.
• Windows Version: Open Settings → System → About. Verify that the current build is displayed (especially if you chose cloud download).
• Installed Programs: Check the program list in Control Panel → Programs and Features. All third-party apps will have been removed—reinstall necessary ones.
• Drivers: Open Device Manager (Win+X → Device Manager) and ensure all devices are working without errors (no yellow exclamation marks).

Potential Issues

Reset is Stuck or Does Not Complete

• Solution: Force shut down the computer (hold the power button for 10 seconds), then turn it back on. If the problem recurs, boot from bootable media (USB/DVD) with Windows and select: Repair your computer → Troubleshoot → Reset this PC.

Not Enough Free Space on System Drive

• Solution: Free up space before resetting: delete temporary files (%temp%), empty the Recycle Bin, move large files (videos, archives) to another drive.

Access Error or Insufficient Permissions

• Solution: Ensure you are logged in with an administrator account. If using a standard user account, switch to an administrator account.

Data Loss After Reset

• Solution: If you selected Remove everything, files without a backup cannot be recovered. Always create a backup of important data before resetting, even if you plan to keep files.

No Internet After Reset (if downloaded from cloud)

• Solution: Manually install the network adapter driver using bootable media or another computer. Once connected to a network, Windows will automatically install missing drivers.