Are you experiencing issues with your Windows laptop or desktop PC? Maybe it’s running slower than usual, or perhaps you've encountered a persistent problem that just won’t go away. Before you give up on your computer, consider performing a factory reset.
The joke about IT is you can fix everything by turning your computer off and on. It’s often a last resort, but a factory reset is about as close to a magic trick as you can get. As long as you don’t have a hardware problem, restoring your PC to its original state can potentially resolve all kinds of issues.
We’ll take you through the process step-by-step, so you’ll know exactly what to do, how to do it and whether a factory reset is the right thing for you to do. Let’s do it!
Understanding a factory reset and its implications
A factory reset is like giving your Windows PC a fresh start. It erases all the data on your hard drive, reinstalls the operating system and returns your machine to its original settings. Just the way it was when you unboxed it!
While this can be a powerful fix for many problems, it's important to remember that it will also delete all of your files, settings and applications. If you’ve spent ages getting things just the way you like them, bear in mind that it’ll be starting from fresh with a brand-new install.
Understanding this is crucial before proceeding, because you’ll want to make sure you’ve backed up everything you couldn’t stand to lose.
Preparing your PC for a factory reset
Preparation is key. Start by backing up all your important data. This could be done using external storage devices like USB drives, or through cloud storage services like OneDrive or Google Drive.
Also, make note of any software licenses and product keys, as you may need to reinstall these programs post-reset. Ensure that your PC is connected to a power source throughout the process so your computer can do a complete reset without interruption.
Factory reset on Windows 10
Performing a factory reset on Windows 10 is pretty straightforward. Just follow these steps:
1. Go to the Start menu and select 'Settings'.
2. Click on 'Update & Security' and then select 'Recovery' from the menu on the left.
3. Under 'Reset this PC', click 'Get Started'.
4. Choose the option to either 'Keep my files' or 'Remove everything', depending on your preference.
5. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the reset process.
Factory reset on Windows 11
Resetting your PC on Windows 11 is quite similar to Windows 10. Here’s how you can do it:
1. Open the Start menu and go to 'Settings'.
2. Select 'System' and click on 'Recovery'.
3. Click the 'Reset PC' button under 'Reset this PC'.
4. Choose whether you want to 'Keep my files' or 'Remove everything'.
5. Follow the prompts to complete the reset.
Alternative methods to reset your PC
While the built-in reset options are convenient, there are alternative methods you can use if they don’t work or if you’re looking for other solutions. These include:
- Use a system restore point to revert your PC to a previous state. This is a good option for when you don’t want to go full reset and maybe going back to a time when things were working, i.e. before you installed a problem app. The benefit here is that you won’t need to bother with a reinstallation.
- Reinstalling Windows using installation media such as a USB drive or DVD. You can create a bootable USB here. This is great of your computer has multiple drives. Because you’re simply reinstalling Windows to a certain drive – you can save everything else to your other drive.
Post-reset setup and restoration
Once the reset is complete, it’s time to set up your PC again. This includes reinstalling your programs, restoring your files from the backup and reconfiguring your settings. Make sure you update your operating system to the latest version and reinstall necessary drivers (for graphics cards, printers etc) to make sure everything runs smoothly.
Troubleshooting common reset issues
It’s not uncommon to encounter issues during or after a factory reset. Common problems might include the reset process freezing or failing, or your PC not booting properly afterward. If you face these issues:
- Try repeating the reset process.
- When you restart your PC, press F11. They you can pick what you’re booting from. This is particularly handy if you have a bootable USB with your Windows install on it.
- Look elsewhere for help. Online forums can be great for PC problems, or you can talk to one of our friendly experts and get 24/7 tech support.
And if you suspect a hardware problem, Currys Repairs will be there to help. Whether PC or Mac.
What’s next?
If your laptop is running slow, it might just be because you have too much clutter. So check out our guide on how to make your computer run faster with a spring clean. And if your laptop’s given up to ghost, maybe it’s time to treat yourself to a new laptop. You can even get some money off a new one when you trade-in your old laptop (if working) or recycle it with Cash for trash.
