Recovery options in Windows – Refresh, reset, or restore

If you are keeping the computer, choose the former for speed. The next window will warn you that you won’t be able to roll back to a previous version of Windows. If you’re happy with that, click ‘next’ to proceed. Then click on the Reset button and Windows will then restart and reset itself.

This process will take several minutes. Lastly, click on continue when prompted. Once the PC is restarted, you can then reinstall your apps, and configure settings. If the system still crashes, there may well be a hardware problem, in which case a hardware engineer may need to inspect the system for any issues the PC might have. It is a fact of life that most Windows PCs come with a stunning array of software that most users never wanted or will ever use.

Luckily, Microsoft has a tool that allows a user to install a clean version of Windows without any OEM programs to clutter up your system. To download the tool, click here. To use it, you will have to sign up to the Windows Insider programme. The link above gives more details about this approach. Fit-for-purpose IT infrastructure for digitally determined organisations.

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If you choose to erase data quickly, some data might be recoverable using special software. If you choose to erase data thoroughly, this will take longer but it makes recovering data less likely. If you think an app or driver that you recently installed caused problems with your PC, you can restore Windows back to an earlier point in time, called a restore point. Windows automatically creates a restore point when you install desktop apps and new Windows updates, if the last restore point is older than 7 days.

You can also create a restore point manually at any time. Swipe in from the right edge of the screen, and then tap Search. If you’re using a mouse, point to the upper-right corner of the screen, move the mouse pointer down, and then click Search. Enter Control Panel in the search box, and tap or click Control Panel. Enter Recovery in the Control Panel search box, and then tap or click Recovery.

If you need additional help refreshing, resetting, or restoring your PC, check out the Repair and Recovery community pages in the Windows forum for solutions that other people have found for problems they’ve experienced. Windows 8. Support for Windows 8. Need more help? Join the discussion. Was this information helpful? Yes No. Thank you!

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How to Factory Reset Windows 10 without Losing Data? – Join or Sign In

 
However, it cannot solve system problems as thoroughly as Reset. This method applies to all PC manufacturers.

Re-install free Windows 10 after factory reset (downgraded to – Microsoft Community.How to Factory Reset a Windows 10 or 11 PC | Tom’s Hardware

Note: For information about this topic in Windows 10, see Recovery options in Windows Refresh your PC to reinstall Windows and keep your personal files and settings. Refresh also keeps the apps that came with your PC and the apps you installed from the Microsoft Store. Reset your PC to reinstall Windows but delete your files, settings, and apps—except for the apps that came with your PC.

Restore your PC to undo recent system changes you’ve made. If you want to back up and restore your personal files using File History, see Set up a drive for File History. If your PC came with Windows 8.

Check the info that came with your PC to see if your PC manufacturer provided these discs or media. In some cases, you might have created them when you first set up your PC. For more info, see Create a USB recovery drive. If you upgraded your PC to Windows 8.

If your PC isn’t performing as well as it once did, and you don’t know why, you can refresh your PC without deleting any of your personal files or changing your settings. Warning: Apps you installed from websites and DVDs will be removed. Apps that came with your PC and apps you installed from Microsoft Store will be reinstalled.

Windows puts a list of removed apps on your desktop after refreshing your PC. Swipe in from the right edge of the screen, tap Settings , and then tap Change PC settings. If you’re using a mouse, point to the upper-right corner of the screen, move the mouse pointer down, click Settings , and then click Change PC settings.

Tap or click Update and recovery , and then tap or click Recovery. Under Refresh your PC without affecting your files , tap or click Get started. If you want to recycle your PC, give it away, or start over with it, you can reset it completely. This removes everything and reinstalls Windows. Warning: All of your personal files will be deleted and your settings will be reset. All apps that you installed will be removed.

Only apps that came with your PC will be reinstalled. Under Remove everything and reinstall Windows , tap or click Get started. Note: You’ll be asked to choose whether you want to erase data quickly or thoroughly.

If you choose to erase data quickly, some data might be recoverable using special software. If you choose to erase data thoroughly, this will take longer but it makes recovering data less likely. If you think an app or driver that you recently installed caused problems with your PC, you can restore Windows back to an earlier point in time, called a restore point. Windows automatically creates a restore point when you install desktop apps and new Windows updates, if the last restore point is older than 7 days.

You can also create a restore point manually at any time. Swipe in from the right edge of the screen, and then tap Search. If you’re using a mouse, point to the upper-right corner of the screen, move the mouse pointer down, and then click Search. Enter Control Panel in the search box, and tap or click Control Panel. Enter Recovery in the Control Panel search box, and then tap or click Recovery. If you need additional help refreshing, resetting, or restoring your PC, check out the Repair and Recovery community pages in the Windows forum for solutions that other people have found for problems they’ve experienced.

How to refresh, reset, or restore your PC Windows 8. Need more help? Join the discussion. A subscription to make the most of your time. Try one month free. Was this information helpful? Yes No. Any other feedback? The more you tell us, the more we can help.

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