Once upon a time, resetting a computer’s operating system was the same process as reinstalling it. In most cases, this meant losing all your data and system settings. Luckily, it’s much easier nowadays to resetand refresh operating systems like Windows 10. If your Microsoft software is causing you problems, resetting it could make a lot of sense. You should give consideration to this option if, for example, the PC is operating very slow, the operating system is constantly crashing, certain functions and applications can only be opened to a limited extent, or if you’d like to sell your PC.
There are different options to reset Windows 10. We’ll show you the three best options.
Contents
Reset Windows 10 and keep your files
The first option to factory-reset Windows 10 allows you to keep all of your personal files. However, all installed programs will be deleted. The principal requirement for resetting the operating system is that Windows 10 can be started properly, as it can only be reset via the system settings.
Tip
Restoring older versions of Microsoft’s popular operating system is just as easy. In our guide to resetting Windows 8, you can find out how to factory-reset earlier editions of Windows.
Reset Windows 10 with the Media Creation Tool
Another option to reset Windows 10 is to use the free Media Creation Tool. The tool is actually used to prepare USB boot sticks and other removable storage devices to reinstall the operating system. However, you can also use the Media Creation Tool to reset the operating system. This is especially useful if attempts to repair the operating system don’t provide the desired results or it appears to be faulty.
Tip
The Media Creation Tool is principally designed to create installation media. Of course, you can also reset to older versions such as Windows 7. You should ideally use the tool to create a so-called USB boot stick, though, from which you can install Windows on any PC you plug it into.
Factory reset Windows 10 (incl. deleting personal data)
The option to factory-reset Windows 10 will return your operating system to the condition it was in the day you first began using your PC or laptop. Apps that were preinstalled by the manufacturer will remain, but all apps and programs you’ve installed subsequently will be deleted – along with any other personal data. A fresh operating system returned to its default settings has the advantage that it will run more smoothly and should generally return to its original level of performance.
Tip
If you would like to keep your old data despite returning to factory settings, you’ll have to create a back-up first.
Related articles
Windows 10: split your screen with your mouse or shortcuts
When you use two or more programs at the same time, the back and forth between them can be tiresome and ineffective. Luckily, there’s a practical solution to this in Windows 10: split screen mode. With split screen, two windows can be presented in one half of the monitor (or four programs for a quarter of the monitor). We’ll show you how to split your screen in Windows 10 using your mouse or…
Preparing to configure Windows is stuck – how to fix it?
After a computer update, you may see the message: “Preparing to configure Windows. Do not turn off your computer.” It can take a while for the process to finish so patience is in order. However, if you’ve been waiting for a long time, preparing to configure Windows may be stuck. Find out how to fix it.
Related Products
Cloud ServersSee packages Web hosting for agencies
Provide powerful and reliable service to your clients with a web hosting package from IONOS.
View packages Popular Articles Create a hair salon website
We’ll show you how to quickly, easily and affordably create a professional hair salon website…
Build a real estate website
With a real estate website, you can set yourself apart from the competition…
Handyman website
With the right tools, a homepage for tradesmen can be created quickly and legally compliant…
Create dental website
Patients can easily find you online and gain an overview of your clinic’s services and offers…
Build a photography website
In this article, we’ll give you an overview of what components a website for photographers should have…
<