How to Factory Reset Windows 8 from Boot (Restore, Refresh, and Reset Your PC)

PDF download Download Article
PDF download Download Article

It's bad enough when your computer is unresponsive, but what do you do if you're locked out of it as well? Fortunately, it is possible to factory reset your Windows 8 PC from boot. Factory resets should only be a last resort, as you will lose all your files and applications. This wikiHow article will teach you how to factory reset your Windows 8 PC from boot.

Method 1
Method 1 of 2:

Factory Reset From Power-On

PDF download Download Article
  1. Obviously, if you are locked out of your PC, you may not have the luxury of backing up all your files. That's why it's important to back up your files on a regular basis. [1]
  2. If your PC is already on, power it off and power it back on. You will need to press a series of keys in conjunction with turning your PC on.
    Advertisement
  3. This should bring up a Choose an option menu.
    • If this key combination doesn't work, try Shift + F8 or F12. You can also search the appropriate combination for your PC based on its manufacturer.
  4. From the Choose an option menu, select Troubleshoot to continue.
  5. Keep in mind this will remove all of your files and reset your PC to its factory settings. Your PC will warn you accordingly, but you can click Next to continue and start your PC's factory reset.
    • This process may also come in handy when trying to sell a PC you can't log in to, or when you have been gifted a secondhand PC that is yet to be reset.
    • Because a factory reset restores your PC to its original factory settings, the apps that came with your PC will remain. [2]
    6. Advertisement


Method 2
Method 2 of 2:

PDF download Download Article
  1. Obviously, if you are locked out of your PC, you may not have the luxury of backing up all your files. That's why it's important to back up your files on a regular basis.
    • You can back up your files using Microsoft OneDrive, automatically enabled on most Windows 8 PCs.
  2. If your PC automatically logs you in, you will have to log back out to get to the login page. Of course, if you're in need of a factory reset, you are likely stuck on this page anyway.
  3. This should open a pop-up menu with two options: Shut down and Restart . [3]
  4. This will open your PC's recovery screen, populated with a few different options. We want Troubleshoot . Click the Troubleshoot tile to continue.
  5. Keep in mind this will remove all of your files and reset your PC to its factory settings. Your PC will warn you accordingly, but you can click Next to continue and start your PC's factory reset.
    • This process may also come in handy when trying to sell a PC you can't log in to, or when you have been gifted a secondhand PC that is yet to be reset.
    • Because a factory reset restores your PC to its original factory settings, the apps that came with your PC will remain. [4]
    6. Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Tips

      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
      Advertisement

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Get Windows 8.1 for Free
      How to
      Find Your Windows 8 Product Key
      How to
      Open File Explorer
      How to
      Connect to WiFi on Windows 8
      How to
      Turn On Bluetooth & Pair Devices on Windows 8
      How to
      Install Windows 8
      How to
      Install Windows 8 on an Android Tablet
      How to
      Install Windows 8.1
      How to
      Reinstall Windows 8 Without a CD
      How to
      Install Windows 8 in VirtualBox
      How to
      Use Remote Desktop on Windows 8
      How to
      Connect Your Android to Windows 8
      How to
      Set Up USB Game Controllers on Windows 8
      How to
      Change Your Password in Windows 8
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://www.cisa.gov/sites/default/files/publications/data_backup_options.pdf
      2. ↑ https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/how-to-refresh-reset-or-restore-your-windows-8-1-pc-51391d9a-eb0a-84a7-69e4-c2c1fbceb8dd
      3. ↑ https://support.lenovo.com/us/en/solutions/ht116905-how-to-enter-or-boot-to-safe-mode-in-windows-7-8-81-and-10
      4. ↑ https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/how-to-refresh-reset-or-restore-your-windows-8-1-pc-51391d9a-eb0a-84a7-69e4-c2c1fbceb8dd
      5. ↑ Scott St Gelais. IT Consultant. Expert Interview. 27 July 2021.

      About This Article

      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 28,671 times.

      Is this article up to date?

      Advertisement