How to Reset Your Windows PC
Many people need technical assistance when their Windows PC starts experiencing slowdowns, errors, or other system problems. In the past, reinstalling Windows typically required creating a bootable USB drive or downloading an ISO and burning it to a DVD—steps that could be difficult for less experienced users.
Microsoft made this process significantly easier with the introduction of Reset/Refresh your PC in Windows 8. Similar to restoring a mobile device, Windows can now reset the operating system through a guided process without requiring you to manually create installation media.
Before resetting your PC, make sure you have:
Backed up all important files.
Saved your software licenses and product keys.
Confirmed that you have installation files or access to the applications you need afterward.
Backed up browser data and other important settings where necessary.
You can back up your files to an external SSD or HDD, or use cloud storage services such as Microsoft OneDrive, Google Drive, or Dropbox.
How to Start the Reset
On newer versions of Windows:
Press the Windows Key.
Type Reset this PC.
Select Reset this PC from the search results.
Follow the on-screen instructions and choose the appropriate reset option.
Depending on your Windows version, you may be given options such as Keep my files or Remove everything.
For older versions of Windows, such as Windows 8, the feature may be presented under slightly different wording, such as Reset your PC.
Important: A reset can remove applications, settings, and potentially personal files depending on the option selected. Always maintain a verified backup before proceeding.
The entire process will take at least 20 minutes to few hours depending on the speed of your machine. Once the refresh process is completed, make sure to run the following.
- Windows Update
- Disk Cleanup (Select Cleanup system files and check everything)
