Easy Ways to Reset a Gateway Laptop to Factory Settings: With & Without Password

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The ultimate guide to restoring your Gateway laptop to its original factory settings
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If your Gateway laptop is crashing frequently or won't boot into Windows, it may be time for a reset. Luckily, there are three ways you can do this – with and without the password. Read on to learn more about resetting a Gateway laptop, with or without the password.

Quickly Reset a Gateway Laptop

If you can log in with the password, go to Settings > Update & security > Recovery > Reset this PC . If you can't, click the Power menu on the login screen, press and hold Shift as you click Restart , then go to Troubleshooting > Reset this PC .

Section 1 of 3:

Using Built-in Windows Settings

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  1. This is the most recommended method since you don't have to back up your files.
  2. It's in different places based on your Windows version:
    • Windows 11 - Go to Settings > System > Recovery > Reset this PC .
    • Windows 10 and lower - You'll find this in Settings > Update & security > Recovery > Reset this PC .
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  3. This is the best option if you have a lot of personal files and no backup.
    • However, if you have a backup and want to start your Gateway fresh, select Remove everything .
  4. The option you choose will also change how your Gateway is updated.
    • Cloud - Reinstalls Windows OS over the internet. This does not include tools, apps, and settings that came with the manufacturer.
    • Local - Uses the files on the computer to restore Windows OS. You can also download the tools, apps, and settings from the manufacturer.
  5. The page immediately after you select "Cloud" or "Local" is called the "Additional settings" page, where you can see what the reset will do. This includes a list of what's being deleted (if you selected "Remove everything") and a "Change settings" option.
    • Click Next to continue.
  6. You can read the items that will be removed from your laptop before continuing. You can stop by clicking Cancel at any time to create a backup . [1]
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Section 2 of 3:

Using Gateway Recovery Without Password

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  1. If the laptop is on, shut it down. It also needs to be plugged in so it will stay on for the duration of the reset process.
  2. You may need to press the keys a couple of times for them to register. This will load the Recovery Manager.
    • If prompted by the Windows Boot menu, press Enter.
  3. You will be asked several times to confirm that you want to proceed. Starting the restore will erase all the data on the disk and then reinstall Windows and the programs that came with your laptop. The restore process can take up to an hour to complete.
  4. Once the restore process is complete, the laptop will act as if it has been turned on for the first time after you purchased it. You will be prompted to create a Windows account and configure your personal settings.
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Section 3 of 3:

Using Windows Reset Without Password

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  1. Even if you don't know the password, you can use this method instead of this one .
    • From the login screen or from the desktop, if you can log in, click "Power" to open the Power menu, then press the Shift key on your keyboard as you click Restart in the Power menu.
  2. It's next to an icon of some tools.
  3. It's usually the first option.
  4. This is the best option if you have a lot of personal files and no backup.
    • However, if you have a backup and want to start your Gateway fresh, select Remove everything .
      • Select Remove everything if you don't remember the password and can't access your laptop. This option will allow you to create a new account and start fresh.
  5. The one you choose will also change how your Gateway is updated.
    • Cloud —This reinstalls Windows using the cloud, so you need internet access. It does not include the tools, apps, and settings that came with the manufacturer.
    • ' Local —This option restores Windows using files already on the computer. It will also install the manufacturer's tools, apps, and settings.
  6. The page immediately after you select "Cloud" or "Local" is called the "Additional settings" page, where you can see what the reset will do. This includes a list of what's being deleted (if you selected "Remove everything") and a "Change settings" option.
    • Click Next to continue.
  7. You can read the items that will be removed from your laptop before continuing. You can stop by clicking Cancel at any time to create a backup . [2]
    • If you've completely wiped the laptop and reinstalled Windows using the factory reset process and the problem still isn't gone, the cause is likely a hardware component. Computer repair specialist Matt Ham suggests that installing a new hard drive or installing new RAM are both fairly straightforward processes and may be able to fix your problem. [3] You may need to contact Gateway for factory service if these don't help.
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Community Q&A

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  • Question
    My Gateway NV56R14u won't reboot. It only shows the cursor. How can I fix it?
    Community Answer
    Press F8 during boot-up. Select "repair my computer" from the list. Restore your PC to an earlier date.
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  • Question
    My laptop is trying to reboot but it ends up shutting off and trying again. It has been going on for days now, and I don't think it's going to stop. How can I get around this reboot loop?
    Community Answer
    The hard disk may be broken, or there is not enough RAM, or it could be may other things. Take it in to a computer repair shop to have them look at it.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
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  • Question
    Where can I find a reboot disk for my Gateway computer?
    Adam Hendi
    Community Answer
    Gateway can supply them to you for around $20 CAD. However, if you're under warranty, you can just send it in.
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      References

      1. ↑ https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/give-your-pc-a-fresh-start-0ef73740-b927-549b-b7c9-e6f2b48d275e#ID0EBD=Windows_11
      2. ↑ https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/give-your-pc-a-fresh-start-0ef73740-b927-549b-b7c9-e6f2b48d275e#ID0EBD=Windows_11
      3. ↑ Matt Ham. Computer Repair Specialist. Expert Interview. 14 May 2021.

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