How to Reset Windows 10

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If your Windows 10 PC is experiencing issues or you are selling it, you should reset it. Performing a reset lets you choose to keep or remove your files, removes all apps and settings, and installs a fresh copy of Windows. This can also fix many problems such as slow performance.

Steps

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    Open the Settings app . Press the Start
    Windows Start
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    button which is located on the bottom-left of your screen and choose the settings gear
    Windows Settings
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    .
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    Under the "Reset this PC" heading at the top, click or tap on the Get started button.
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      After the reset, you can sign in to your Microsoft account. Any Windows Store apps purchased under this account will reinstall.
    • Keep my files removes your apps and settings, but keeps all of your personal files.
    • Remove everything erases your apps, settings, and personal files. If you don't have a backed up copy of your files, you may want to press Cancel , back them up , and begin this process again.
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    This should take under 30 seconds.
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    This will only show if you selected "Remove everything" in the previous step.
    • Choose Just remove my files if you are keeping the computer.
    • Opt to Remove files and clean the drive if you are selling or getting rid of your PC. Note: This can extend the reset process by a few hours.
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    Click or tap Next if you are warned that you just upgraded to Windows 10 and won't be able to roll back to the previous operating system.
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      Windows will prepare to reset your device. Simply wait until you're taken to a blue screen.
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    Windows will restart and begin resetting. Your PC may reboot several times as the reset is occurring.
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  • Question
    If I choose to remove everything, does it erase all the drives in/connected to my computer or only the one that I'm running Windows 10 on?
    Community Answer
    It'll only erase the Windows 10 OS drive (usually C: drive). Other drives in/connected to your computer won't be affected.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
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  • Question
    How can I do this if my screen is broken?
    Community Answer
    You can't, unfortunately. You will need to get a new screen.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
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    Not Helpful 4 Helpful 8
  • Question
    If I've logged into any website, will that history be removed as well?
    Community Answer
    Yes, depending on what browser you are using. To remove your browser history, just go to your settings in the browser and delete your history. You can also use incognito modes to avoid having your history saved.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
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      Warnings

      • Even if you've selected to keep your files, something might go wrong during the process and your file might get damaged or deleted. It is always good to have them backed up .
        Thanks
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      Things You'll Need

      • Device running Windows 10

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      References

      1. http://www.laptopmag.com/articles/reset-windows-10-pc

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