How do I reset my computer without losing data?

Reset this PC lets you restore Windows 11/10 to factory settings without losing files
  1. Open Settings.
  2. Choose Windows Update.
  3. Go to Advanced Options.
  4. Choose Recovery tab.
  5. Click the Reset PC button.
  6. Follow the on-screen instructions carefully.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on thewindowsclub.com


Does resetting PC delete everything?

It's important to know what a factory reset actually does, though. It puts all applications back into their original state and removes anything that wasn't there when the computer left the factory. That means user data from the applications will also be deleted. However, that data will still live on the hard drive.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on popularmechanics.com


What will be lost if I reset my PC?

The resetting process removes the applications and files installed on the system, then reinstalls Windows and any applications that were originally installed by your PC's manufacturer, including trial programs and utilities.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on smallbusiness.chron.com


How do I reset my computer without losing data and apps?

How to Refresh Windows 10 Without Losing Programs?
  1. Step 1: Click Update & security on the Settings page to continue.
  2. Step 2: Click Recovery and click Get Started on the right to continue.
  3. Step 3: Choose Keep my files to reset your PC.
  4. Step 4: Read the subsequent messages and click Reset.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on minitool.com


What is the difference between a fresh start and a reset?

Reset this PC (Remove everything option) will delete all apps, personal files, and Windows settings. But, Fresh start can keep your personal files and some settings.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on minitool.com


How to Reset Windows 10 without Losing Data



Is resetting Windows 10 safe?

A factory reset is perfectly normal and is a feature of Windows 10 that helps get your system back to a working state when its not starting or working well. Here is how you can do it. Go to a working computer, download, create a bootable copy, then perform a clean install.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on answers.microsoft.com


Will system reset delete my files?

Although System Restore can change all your system files, Windows updates and programs, it will not remove/delete or modify any of your personal files like your photos, documents, music, videos, emails stored on your hard drive. Even you have uploaded a few dozen pictures and documents, it will not undo the upload.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on ubackup.com


Should I reset my PC?

Windows itself recommends going through a reset as a possible way to improve the performance of a computer that isn't running well.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on wired.com


Does resetting PC fix problems?

You can refresh, restore or factory reset your computer to fix issues and improve performance. A factory reset on Windows 10 will not preserve any files or installed apps. System restore does not wipe your data or installed programs.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on indiatoday.in


Is resetting PC same as formatting?

The simple answer is "yes," when you reset and remove everything it is essentially the same as doing a format and reload.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on superuser.com


How long should it take to reset a PC?

Resetting a PC could take from 30 minutes up to 3 hours; however, it also depends on many factors. Like what storage device you're using, how much data is on your PC, and how many files you want to keep from getting wiped out. There have been cases where a PC reset took a whole day on extremely slow computers.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on tech4gamers.com


How often should you reset your computer?

If your computer is starting to get sluggish or have issues, then it's past time to do a reboot. According to the University of Wisconsin-Madison, reboot times can vary according to the operating system and how you use your computer. However, a general rule of thumb is to reboot at least once a week.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on csolutionsit.com


Will resetting my PC make it faster?

Wiping the whole thing and resetting it to factory condition can restore its pep, but that procedure is time consuming and requires re-installation of all programs and data. Some less intensive steps can help recover some of your computer's speed, without the need for a factory reset.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on smallbusiness.chron.com


What happens if I reset my PC but keep my files?

This reset option will reinstall Windows operating system and keeps your personal files, such as photos, music, videos or personal files. However, it will remove apps and drivers you installed, and also removes the changes you made to the settings.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on asus.com


Is it better to Reset Windows or reinstall?

In summary, Windows 10 Reset is more likely to be a basic troubleshooting method, while a Clean Install is an advanced solution for more complex problems. If you don't know which method to apply, first have a try on Windows Reset, if it doesn't help, fully backup your computer data, and then perform a Clean Install.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on easeus.com


How do I do a Reset PC clean?

To reset your PC
  1. Swipe in from the right edge of the screen, tap Settings, and then tap Change PC settings. ...
  2. Tap or click Update and recovery, and then tap or click Recovery.
  3. Under Remove everything and reinstall Windows, tap or click Get started.
  4. Follow the instructions on the screen.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on support.microsoft.com


Do you need to reinstall Windows after factory reset?

No, a reset will just reinstall a fresh copy of Windows 10.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on answers.microsoft.com


Is it OK to leave your computer on 24 7?

Generally speaking, if you will be using it in a few hours, leave it on. If you're not planning on using it until the next day, you can put it in 'sleep' or 'hibernate' mode. Nowadays, all device manufacturers do stringent tests on the life cycle of computer components, putting them through more rigorous cycle testing.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on ccleaner.com


What happens if you shut down PC while resetting?

You'll corrupt the computer software and the computer will not boot up. You'll have to get back into the backup recovery partition (which some laptops and desktops have) and reinstall Windows again and start the process all over.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on quora.com


How do I Reset my laptop like new?

Reset the laptop

Go to Start > Settings > Update and security > Recovery. At the top of the window, you'll see Reset this PC. Click on Get Started and select Remove Everything from the box that appears. From there, you can select to reinstall Windows from the local drive or download from the cloud.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on cnet.com


How long does it take to Reset a laptop Windows 10?

Fresh start will remove many of your apps. The next screen is the final one: click on “Start” and the process will begin. It could take as long as 20 minutes, and your system will probably restart several times.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on theverge.com


Which is better reset or reformat?

So basically, the difference between the two is that reformatting is freeing up space on your computers disk drive by wiping a partition that was previously formatted and allowing new info to be stored on the computer, where the computer reset (remove everything) is the same thing but additionally will sometimes offer ...
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on bleepingcomputer.com


Does factory reset remove viruses?

Not all malware and viruses can be removed by resetting a device to factory mode; that is, it cannot remove a few viruses or malware stored in the rooted partition of the device through this method.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on tutorialspoint.com


Does factory reset delete photos?

When you factory reset your Android phone, even though your phone system becomes factory new, but some of the old Personal information is not deleted. This information is actually “marked as deleted” and hidden so you can't see it at a glance. That including your Photos, emails, Texts and contacts, etc.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on ubergizmo.com
Next question
Can catfish eat dogs?