Learn how to reset your Windows 10 computer in a few easy steps. This article provides a comprehensive guide on how to reset your computer without losing your important files and data.
Introduction: If your Windows 10 computer is running slow or experiencing technical issues, resetting it can help resolve the problem. Resetting your computer can also help if you plan to sell it or give it away. However, before you proceed with the reset, it is important to backup your important files and data to avoid losing them during the process.
In this article, we will guide you step-by-step on how to reset your Windows 10 computer without losing your files and data. Follow the steps below to reset your computer and improve its performance.
How to Reset a Windows 10 Computer: Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Backup Your Files and Data Before you reset your computer, it is important to backup your files and data. You can use an external hard drive, USB drive, or cloud storage to backup your files and data. Here’s how:
- Connect your external hard drive or USB drive to your computer.
- Open File Explorer and select the files and data you want to backup.
- Right-click on the selected files and select “Copy”.
- Go to your external hard drive or USB drive, right-click and select “Paste”.
- Wait for the files to be copied to the external drive or USB drive.
- If you prefer to backup your files and data to the cloud, you can use cloud storage services like OneDrive or Google Drive.
Step 2: Reset Your Windows 10 Computer Once you have backed up your files and data, you can proceed with the reset process. Here’s how:
- Click on the Start menu and select “Settings”.
- Click on “Update & Security”.
- Select “Recovery” from the left pane.
- Under “Reset this PC”, click on “Get started”.
- Choose between “Keep my files” or “Remove everything”.
- If you choose “Keep my files”, your personal files and data will be kept intact. If you choose “Remove everything”, your personal files and data will be deleted.
- If you choose “Keep my files”, you will be prompted to choose whether to “Cloud download” or “Local reinstall” Windows 10.
- If you choose “Remove everything”, you will be prompted to choose whether to “Just remove my files” or “Fully clean the drive”.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the reset process.
Step 3: Restore Your Files and Data Once the reset process is complete, you can restore your files and data from the backup. Here’s how:
- Connect your external hard drive or USB drive to your computer.
- Open File Explorer and go to your external hard drive or USB drive.
- Select the files and data you want to restore.
- Right-click on the selected files and select “Copy”.
- Go to your computer and open File Explorer.
- Go to the folder where you want to restore your files and data.
- Right-click and select “Paste”.
- Wait for the files to be copied to your computer.
Some FAQs on how to reset a Windows 10 computer:
Q: What does resetting a Windows 10 computer mean? A: Resetting a Windows 10 computer means restoring it to its original factory settings. This will erase all your personal files, installed applications, and settings, and reinstall Windows.
Q: Why would I want to reset my Windows 10 computer? A: You may want to reset your Windows 10 computer if it’s running slow, experiencing software problems, infected with viruses or malware, or if you’re planning to sell or give it away.
Q: Can I reset my Windows 10 computer without losing my personal files? A: Yes, you can choose to keep your personal files when resetting your Windows 10 computer. However, all installed applications and settings will still be erased.
Q: How do I reset my Windows 10 computer? A: To reset your Windows 10 computer, follow these steps:
- Click on the Start menu and select Settings.
- Click on Update & Security.
- Click on Recovery from the left sidebar.
- Under the Reset this PC section, click on Get started.
- Choose either Keep my files or Remove everything.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the reset process.
Q: How long does it take to reset a Windows 10 computer? A: The time it takes to reset a Windows 10 computer depends on several factors, including the speed of your computer, the amount of data on your hard drive, and the type of reset you choose. A typical reset can take anywhere from 30 minutes to a few hours.
Q: Do I need any special equipment to reset my Windows 10 computer? A: No, you don’t need any special equipment to reset your Windows 10 computer. However, you should make sure your computer is plugged into a power source and connected to the internet during the reset process.