A Windows reset erases your personal information and returns the PC to a clean setup screen. Follow the visual guide below—Windows does most of the work.
Choose your version to see the right instructions.
Leave the PC plugged into power and do not turn it off while the reset is running.
Settings for your display, sound, storage, and recovery
Press Windows + I to open Settings. Select System, then scroll down and choose Recovery.
Settings → System → RecoveryRecovery options
Find Reset this PC under Recovery options. Click the Reset PC button on the right.
How would you like to reinstall Windows?
This is the important choice. Select Remove everything so your accounts, files, apps, and settings are erased.
Current settings
Choose Local reinstall or Cloud download—either is fine. Under Change settings, switch Clean data to Yes for a more thorough wipe.
This PC will restart automatically
Review the summary, click Next, then Reset. The PC will restart several times. Leave it plugged in until you see the first Windows setup screen.
Leave the PC plugged into power and do not turn it off while the reset is running.
Windows Update, recovery, backup
Press Windows + I. Choose Update & Security, then select Recovery.
Settings → Update & Security → RecoveryIf your PC isn't running well, resetting it might help.
Under Reset this PC, click the Get started button.
Select Remove everything to erase your personal files, applications, accounts, and settings.
Choose either reinstall option. If asked, select Remove files and clean the drive for the more thorough wipe.
Your PC will restart several times
Click Next, then Reset. Leave the PC plugged in until Windows reaches its initial setup screen.
You can leave the PC as-is. We can help you reset it during pickup. Before either option, copy anything important—documents, photos, browser exports, game saves, and account recovery files—to a USB drive, another computer, or trusted cloud storage.
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