Reset your PC
Applies To
Summary
Resetting your PC in Windows is a powerful feature that allows you to restore your device to its original state, which can be useful whether you're experiencing performance issues, software problems, or simply want a fresh start. This feature is designed to be user-friendly and provides several options to suit different needs.
Before you reset your PC
Resetting your PC reinstalls Windows. Depending on the option you choose, apps, settings, and personal files may be removed.
-
Back up important files before you begin.
-
If your device is encrypted, make sure you have your BitLocker recovery key. For more information see Find your BitLocker recovery key.
Reset options
Here's a list of options when resetting your PC:
|
Option |
Description |
|---|---|
|
Keep my files |
Also known as Refresh, this option reinstalls Windows while keeping your personal files intact. It removes apps and settings but preserves your documents, photos, and other personal data.
|
|
Remove everything |
Also known as Reset, this option reinstalls Windows and removes all your personal files, apps, and settings. It's ideal for a fresh start or when you are giving away or selling your PC.
|
|
Cloud download |
This option downloads a fresh copy of Windows from the cloud, ensuring you get the latest version with all updates. It's useful if your local files are corrupted or missing. |
|
Local reinstall |
This option uses the files already on your PC to reinstall Windows. It's faster if you have a slow internet connection but may not include the latest updates. |
Note:Â The data erasure functionality is targeted at consumers and does not meet government and industry data erasure standards.
Reset steps
You can reset your PC when you are signed in to Windows or from the Windows Recovery Environment (Windows RE).
Important:Â During the resetting process, it's possible that your screen might go black for a long period of time (occasionally upwards of 15 minutes) and that your device might attempt to restart itself. Manually attempting to restart the device yourself during this process could cause the reset to fail.
Select the option that best suits your needs:
-
In the Settings app on your Windows device, select System > Recovery.Open Recovery settings
-
Under Recovery options, select Reset PC.
-
Choose from the options and/or settings in the reset options table​​​​​​​.
-
Follow the on‑screen instructions to complete the reset.
Note: If you’ve encrypted your device, you’ll need your BitLocker key to complete this task. If you don’t know your BitLocker key, see Find your BitLocker recovery key.
-
Once in Windows RE, select Troubleshoot > Reset this PC > System Restore.
-
Choose from the options and/or settings in the reset options table.
Support for Windows 10 has ended on October 14, 2025
After October 14, 2025, Microsoft will no longer provide free software updates from Windows Update, technical assistance, or security fixes for Windows 10. Your PC will still work, but we recommend moving to Windows 11.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​
Summary
Resetting your PC in Windows is a powerful feature that allows you to restore your device to its original state, which can be useful whether you're experiencing performance issues, software problems, or simply want a fresh start. This feature is designed to be user-friendly and provides several options to suit different needs.
Before you reset your PC
Resetting your PC reinstalls Windows. Depending on the option you choose, apps, settings, and personal files may be removed.
-
Back up important files before you begin.
-
If your device is encrypted, make sure you have your BitLocker recovery key. For more information see Find your BitLocker recovery key.
Reset options
Here's a list of options when resetting your PC:
|
Option |
Description |
|---|---|
|
Keep my files |
Also known as Refresh, this option reinstalls Windows while keeping your personal files intact. It removes apps and settings but preserves your documents, photos, and other personal data.
|
|
Remove everything |
Also known as Reset, this option reinstalls Windows and removes all your personal files, apps, and settings. It's ideal for a fresh start or when you are giving away or selling your PC.
|
|
Cloud download |
This option downloads a fresh copy of Windows from the cloud, ensuring you get the latest version with all updates. It's useful if your local files are corrupted or missing. |
|
Local reinstall |
This option uses the files already on your PC to reinstall Windows. It's faster if you have a slow internet connection but may not include the latest updates. |
Note:Â The data erasure functionality is targeted at consumers and does not meet government and industry data erasure standards.
Reset steps
You can reset your PC when you are signed in to Windows or from the Windows Recovery Environment (Windows RE).
Important:Â During the resetting process, it's possible that your screen might go black for a long period of time (occasionally upwards of 15 minutes) and that your device might attempt to restart itself. Manually attempting to restart the device yourself during this process could cause the reset to fail.
Select the option that best suits your needs:
-
Select Start > Settings > Update & Security > Recovery.Open Recovery settings​​​​​​​
-
Under Reset this PC, select Get started.
-
Choose Keep my files or Remove everything.
-
Choose Cloud download or Local reinstall.
-
Follow the on‑screen instructions to complete the reset.
Note: If you’ve encrypted your device, you’ll need your BitLocker key to complete this task. If you don’t know your BitLocker key, see Find your BitLocker recovery key.
-
Once in Windows RE, select Troubleshoot > Reset this PC > System Restore.
-
Choose from the options and/or settings in the reset options table.
Need more help?
Want more options?
Explore subscription benefits, browse training courses, learn how to secure your device, and more.
Communities help you ask and answer questions, give feedback, and hear from experts with rich knowledge.
