How to Factory Reset PC and Laptop? (Answered)

Did your PC run into a problem and despite your efforts to fix it, the problem remains persistent? Or are you struggling with software restore before reselling your laptop? 

Well, if you are experiencing any of this, resetting the PC to factory settings is the only possible solution for you! 

While Factory Reset seems to be a go-to solution for neutralizing the bugs causing recurring issues, the method for doing it varies depending on the Windows version you use and device you own. That’s why we bring to you this comprehensive guide, where we’ll explain to you how to factory reset PC or laptop featuring Windows 10 and Windows 11.

What is a Factory Reset and When You Should Do It?  

A factory reset is similar to reinstalling software that brings the computer back to its original state as the default factory configuration. This means that all the progress that you’ve made on your PC since it was bought will be wiped out. 

By doing so, you will lose all your programs, added apps, files, and modifications and restore the manufacturer’s applications or programs that you have removed. 

There are several reasons why you may reset your PC to factory settings, and they are as follows: 

• To solve lingering performance issues.
• Removal of malware or unwanted malware.
• Preparing your computer for sale or giveaway.
• Have a fresh start with a clean installation of Windows. 

It is generally advised to back up your files before the factory reset. The option to factory reset is available in both Windows 10 and 11 while safeguarding your personal files and custom settings.  

How to Factory Reset PC?

The method of how to factory reset a PC totally depends on the Windows version you use, as Windows 10 and Windows 11 have separate ways to do so. Following down, we have provided you with a detailed section-wise explanation of how to reset PC to factory settings for guidance. 

Here’s How to Factory Reset Windows 10

In case your Windows 10 PC is crashing constantly, a factory reset might solve the issue. To proceed with it, follow the below-given steps:

1. Navigate to the Settings app and tap on the Update & Security option. 

   

2. Then choose Recovery and hit Get Started under Reset this PC. 

   

3. Now select an option between Keep my files or Remove everything.

   

4. A prompt of ‘How would you like to reinstall Windows 10?’ will pop up on your screen. Here, you’ve to select between ‘Cloud download’ or ‘The Local Reinstall.’

   

5. If you’ve selected Cloud download, a window will appear with additional settings. Hit the Change settings option if you wish to change settings; otherwise, click on Next to skip. 

   

6. In case you pick to Change settings, toggle on the ‘Restore Pre Installed Apps?’ and ‘Download Windows?’ options, then hit Confirm. 

   

7. If you’ve opted for Local reinstall, decide whether to change settings otherwise, simply move forward by clicking Next. 

   

8. Now again, if you’ve clicked on Change settings, toggle on the ‘Restore Preinstalled Apps?’ and ‘Download Windows?’ options, then enter Confirm. 

   

Once your PC resetting is finished, your device will restart and all your data will be wiped out. 

Steps of How To Factory Reset Windows 11

If your PC is supported by Windows 11 and you are facing performance-related issues that persist even after troubleshooting, you may opt for a factory reset PC using the following steps: 

1. Open the Settings and click on System, then scroll to the Recovery option. 

   

2.  Now, find the Reset this PC option and click on Reset PC. 

   

3. Then choose between Keep my files to retain your personal files or Remove everything. 

   

4. Finally, select between Cloud Download or Local Reinstall. Cloud download will install the latest Windows version via an active internet connection. 

   

After completing the factory reset, your PC will be rebooted and any error or technical issue will be resolved. You can resume your work on it or prepare your device for sale. 

Nits and Grits of Factory Resetting a Laptop

Once you opt for a reset, your laptop will be restored to its original position. It will aid in clearing out any malware or slugs in the system and renewing it, making it suitable for sale. However, if you want to save your data, we suggest you keep a backup of it. 

The process of factory resetting a laptop varies according to the system you own, as manufacturers have established different factory reset procedures for their devices. Go through the instructions laid down to assist you in the process. 

How to Factory Reset HP Laptop?

The method of factory resetting a laptop is similar to how to factory reset PC but with a few variations in the prompts. So if your HP laptop is facing regular malfunctions that are not fixed by troubleshooting, refer to the subsequent sections. 

On Windows 10 

Following are the steps to reset your HP laptop in Windows 10. 

1. Go to Settings and then under Update & Security, scroll to Recovery. In Recovery, select Get Started. 

   

2. Then choose between Keep my files or Remove everything. 

   

3. Now you’ve to pick between ‘Just remove my files’ or  ‘Remove files and clean the drive.’ 

   

4. Lastly, hit the Reset option and factory reset of your HP laptop will start. 

   

On Windows 11

Use the suggested steps to reset your HP laptop in Windows 11. 

1. Open Settings and in System, navigate to Recovery. 

   

2. Press on Reset PC within the Reset this PC heading.

   

3. Opt for either ‘Keep my files’ or ‘Remove everything.’

   

4. Then decide whether you want to reinstall Windows via ‘Cloud download’ or ‘Local reinstall.’

   

5. Tap on Change Settings if you want to modify anything or else confirm Next. 

   

6. Here, your PC is finally ready for reset. Press Reset to proceed. 

   

How to Factory Reset Dell Laptop? 

The method to factory reset a Dell laptop is pretty similar to an HP laptop, with a few changes in options here and there. And similar to HP laptops, the process of factory resetting will change depending on the Windows version you use. In the upcoming sections, we have covered steps to factory reset Dell laptops featuring Windows 10 and 11 for your convenience. 

On Windows 10

The subsequent steps explain in detail the factory reset of Dell laptop with Windows 10: 

1. Go to Settings, then tap on Update & Security. 

   

2. Head to Recovery and tap on Get started under the Reset this PC section. 

   

3. Now, you can either decide to ‘Keep my files’ or ‘Remove Everything’ depending on your data requirement. 

   

4. Again, choose between ‘Just remove my files’ or ‘Remove files and clean the drive.’ 

   

5. Now, your PC is ready for reset; press Reset to proceed. 

   

On Windows 11 

Refer to the steps mentioned below to learn how to factory reset Dell laptop having Windows 11:

1. Select Settings, click on System, and tap on Recovery under the system. 

   

2. Within Recovery, navigate to Reset this PC, then tap on Reset PC. 

   

3. Now choose between Keep my files or Remove everything. 

   

4. Select between Cloud download or Local reinstall for Window reinstallation.

   

5. A pop-up of Additional Settings will appear. Tap on Change settings if you want to make any changes; else, tap Next. 

   

6. Then toggle on for ‘Clean data?’ ‘Download Windows?’ and ‘Delete files from all drives?’

   

7. Once done with changing settings, click on Next. 

   

8. Finally, click Reset, and now your device is ready to reset. 

   

After the reset process, your laptop will be rebooted and started again. 

Conclusion 

As we come to an end, we hope now you know how to factory reset PC. One of the most important practices that you should do prior to resetting your laptop or PC is keeping a backup, because in this process you’ll lose all your data. Having a backup will come in handy when reconfiguring the laptop. Besides, we’ll always suggest you keep the factory reset option as your last resort because of the risk of losing data.