A factory reset is one of the most effective ways to fix a Windows PC or laptop that's running slowly, behaving erratically, or suffering from persistent software problems. Whether you're dealing with a virus, preparing a device for sale, or simply want a fresh start, knowing how to factory reset Windows correctly — without losing data you care about — is a genuinely useful skill. This guide walks you through the entire process for both Windows 10 and Windows 11.
When Should You Factory Reset Your PC?
A reset isn't always the first solution, but it's often the right one in these situations:
- Persistent virus or malware infections that survive removal attempts — see our virus removal service if you're unsure.
- Severe Windows corruption causing crashes, blue screens, or login failures.
- Selling or donating your PC — a reset wipes your personal data from the device.
- Dramatic slowdown that cleaning and optimisation haven't resolved.
- Bloatware-ridden laptops that came preloaded with software you never wanted.
If your PC is slow but otherwise stable, a reset might be overkill. Our guide to speeding up a slow Windows PC might solve things without the need for a full wipe.
Back Up Your Files First
Even if you plan to use the "Keep My Files" option (explained below), always back up important data before a reset. Things can go wrong — drives can fail mid-process, and unexpected errors can result in data loss.
Back up to an external hard drive, USB drive, or cloud storage. Our PC data backup guide explains the safest methods. Customers across Edinburgh — from Portobello to Corstorphine — regularly come to us after losing files during a poorly planned reset, so don't skip this step.
"Keep My Files" vs "Remove Everything" — Which Should You Choose?
Windows gives you two reset options. Choosing the right one matters:
- Keep my files — Removes apps and settings but leaves your personal files (documents, photos, videos) intact. Good for fixing software problems without losing your data.
- Remove everything — Wipes the drive and reinstalls Windows from scratch. Use this when selling or giving away the device, or when a virus is deeply embedded and has compromised your user profile.
If you're selling a device, choose "Remove everything" and then select the additional option to fully clean the drive — this overwrites the data, making it much harder to recover by the next owner.
How to Factory Reset Windows 11
- Open the Start menu and click the Settings gear icon.
- Go to System → Recovery.
- Under Recovery options, click Reset PC next to "Reset this PC".
- Choose either Keep my files or Remove everything.
- Select Local reinstall (uses files already on your drive) or Cloud download (downloads a fresh copy of Windows — requires a good internet connection).
- Review the summary and click Reset.
The process typically takes 30 minutes to an hour, depending on your hardware and which option you chose. Your PC will restart several times — this is normal.
How to Factory Reset Windows 10
- Open Settings (Windows key + I).
- Go to Update & Security → Recovery.
- Under Reset this PC, click Get started.
- Choose Keep my files or Remove everything.
- Follow the on-screen prompts and click Reset to confirm.
The steps are almost identical to Windows 11. If your PC won't boot into Windows at all, you can also access the reset from the Windows Recovery Environment — hold Shift while clicking Restart, then navigate to Troubleshoot → Reset this PC.
What Happens During a Reset?
Windows reinstalls itself and removes third-party apps. Drivers for your hardware are usually preserved or re-downloaded automatically. After the reset completes, you'll go through the initial Windows setup process — choosing your region, connecting to Wi-Fi, and signing into your Microsoft account.
Your Microsoft account will automatically restore some settings (like your wallpaper and display preferences) if you were signed in before the reset.
After the Reset — What to Do Next
Once Windows is freshly installed, run through these steps before diving back in:
- Run Windows Update immediately — install all available updates, including optional driver updates.
- Reinstall your antivirus software — Windows Defender is on by default, but if you use a third-party solution, install it now.
- Reinstall essential apps — browsers, Office, your printer software, and anything else you rely on.
- Restore your files from your backup.
- Enable automatic backups going forward — our software troubleshooting service can help you configure a reliable backup routine.
When a Factory Reset Isn't Enough
Most software problems are fixed by a clean Windows installation. However, if your PC is still running slowly or crashing after a reset, the issue is likely hardware-related — a failing hard drive, overheating, or insufficient RAM. A reset won't fix a physically failing component.
Similarly, if the reset process itself fails or gets stuck, the drive may be developing bad sectors. In that case, professional diagnosis is the safest next step before you lose access to your files altogether.
Need Help? We're Here in Edinburgh
If you're not confident performing a reset yourself, or if things have gone wrong mid-process, bring your PC or laptop to us at PC Repair Services Edinburgh. We carry out clean Windows installations and OS reinstalls regularly — often on the same day — across all areas of Edinburgh and the Lothians.
If data recovery is needed after a failed reset, our data recovery service can retrieve files from damaged or wiped drives. Don't panic — get in touch and we'll assess what's recoverable. Book a repair online or drop us a message.