How to factory reset a PC using Windows

Is your PC is running slower than usual? Is it crashing, stalling, or freezing? Are you worried it has a virus? It may be time to reset it—especially if you plan to trade in or sell your device.

At Asurion, our experts help millions of customers with issues like this every day—on all their favorite devices. Here's our experts' guide on how to reset your Windows computer.

NOTE: The steps listed below are for PCs running a Windows™ 10 operating system version 20H2. If you're unsure of which version of Windows you have or how to update it, contact one of our tech experts.

Why reset your PC?

Over time, your PC is bound to experience issues—from sluggish performance to trouble connecting to Wi-Fi. Resetting your computer can resolve some of these problems, like software glitches and viruses, by installing a fresh copy of your operating system. You'll also want to do this before trading in or selling your PC to ensure your personal information is wiped.

Before you reset your PC

Make sure you back up your files, photos, videos, and apps—especially if you're completing a factory reset. The best way to do so: Use an external storage drive or Microsoft® OneDrive.

How to complete an external storage drive backup

1. Click Start in your taskbar.
2. Click Settings > Update & Security > Backup.
3. Connect an external storage drive to your computer and click Add a drive. Once the drive is plugged in, the backup will begin automatically.

How to complete a Microsoft OneDrive backup

Microsoft OneDrive is a cloud service that allows you to store your files virtually, making them accessible from your PC, phone, tablet, or any other device that connects to the internet. You can sign up for OneDrive here.

1. Sign in to your OneDrive account by clicking the gray cloud icon in your taskbar.
2. Double-click the cloud, then choose Help & Settings > Settings > Backup > Manage backup.
3. Select the folders you'd like to back up, then click the Start backup button. Once the backup is complete, you'll be able to access your files under OneDrive in your file explorer.

How to factory reset your PC

You can reset your computer either to keep your files or to restore it to factory settings. Follow the steps below based on your needs and your computer's operating system.

Factory resetting a computer using Windows 10

1. Click Start in your taskbar.
2. Go to Settings > Update & Security > Recovery.
3. Click Get Started under Reset this PC.
   • To reset without losing files:
     • Select Keep my files. You’ll then choose how to reinstall Windows:
       • Cloud download: Ideal for major issues or viruses.
       • Local reinstall: Faster, best for minor problems.
     • In the Additional Settings window, confirm if you want to restore apps and settings or change settings by toggling the slider to No.
     • Click Confirm > Next > Reset. The process may take several hours and involve multiple restarts.
   • To reset to factory settings:
     • Select Remove everything to delete all files, apps, and settings, returning your PC to out-of-the-box settings.
     • Choose Cloud download for reinstallation.
     • In the Additional Settings window, select Change settings. Toggle Clean data? and Download Windows? to Yes.
     • Click Confirm > Next > Reset. This will take several hours and may restart your computer multiple times.

Factory resetting a computer using Windows 11

1. Open the Start menu.
2. Click Settings > System > Recovery.
3. Click Reset this PC.
4. Select Remove everything (which will delete all your files, apps, and settings and return your computer to out-of-the-box settings) or Keep my files (to reset just the apps and settings). Then, follow the on-screen instructions to complete that reset.