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How to reset Windows 10 and reset the system to factory defaults? Step by step guide

How to reset Windows 10 and reset the system to factory defaults? Step by step guide

Every day you use your computer, which already has Windows 10 installed, whether you installed it yourself or came from the factory, but let me tell you that the days will not pass in vain and this also applies to it . After a few months it is advisable to maintain your PC. Although there is no specific period for this, you should consider doing it regularly. This should be taken into account according to how often you use your computer.

Windows 10, came out on July 29, 2015 . This brought a lot to talk about at the time, since it was very criticized. Therefore, there were updates such as: Windows Creator Update , Anniversary Update among others that have made it by far one of the best operating systems today. However, all these changes affect the computer, which begins to reduce or decrease its functioning. If this is your case, it’s time to do a Hard Reset.

A hard reset is simply formatting, reinstalling or restoring to those first values ​​of your computer . This should be done at your discretion, since as we said, there is no estimated time to do it. This will make your team more “lighter” and even if I can’t tell you, he will thank you. Therefore, in this post we will show you step by step how to reset your Windows 10. We will do it through explanatory texts and a series of images, so that you can do it without any problem.

Steps to restore and hard reset to Windows 10

If you want to restore W10 , reset it or do a hard reset, what you should do is follow the steps that we explain below.

  • First you have to go to: « Configuration «

Ir a Configuración Windows 10

  • After the part that says: « Update and security «.
  • Once inside, select where it reads: « Recovery > «.
  • When you click on« Recovery «, you will find a series of information on the right side of your monitor:« How to reset your PC «.
  • Select the option:« Start «.

hacer hard reset en Windows 10 Restauración

Hard reset types For Windows 10 on PC Which one do I choose?

Once the previous steps have been completed, a text box will be displayed that will say: Choose an option. These 3 options that point to you will have different consequences. You must know them all before thinking about selecting one.

  • “Keep my files” : This is the first option that displays the text box. With this, you proceed to reset your entire operating system, although this method will keep your personal files. Which could be documents, videos, music among others.
  • «Remove all» : With this option, your operating system will be deleted, as well as each and every one of your personal files and its configuration. You must be very attentive before choosing this section.
  • “Restore factory settings” : If you had to pay attention to the previous point, here you have to be much more. The option to restore factory settings is only for very specific cases. It can proceed to take you to an earlier operating system. Lately the computers already come with their backup in their operating systems which allows them to restore them when this method is applied.

restaurar windows 10 elegir una opción

You should evaluate these 3 options according to your purpose . Now we will proceed to show you, one by one, these options with their respective procedures.

Keep my files

Of all the options we present in this post, this is undoubtedly the most used . This is because it will allow you to keep your valuable information. We will show you step by step how to proceed to use it

Choose the option: restore or hard reset Windows 10 keeping my files . After that, the system will perform a brief analysis of what you have previously installed. Then, the same proceeds to indicate that:

The applications that are from the store will be easy to reinstall, as it will be enough to go to our library and choose the ones we want to have again. Then, the classic desktop programs, the installation software will be required to replace them. Therefore, Windows what it will do is place you on the desktop a list of all that . This way we don’t have to point them out, and then reinstall them.

Once you click on the following button, the system will make a kind of summary of the operations to be executed:

  • Move all programs that did not contain the device.
  • Change the settings to their default values.
  • Reinstall Windows without deleting your personal files.
  • Finally and to complete the process, the computer will restart and start the restoration.

Remove all

This process is similar, but it has different characteristics and sections. In this case, you will also delete your personal files . For this option, your OS will give you 2 more options to which you should pay proper attention.

  • The fast method : this will be the one that runs in less time, but you should keep in mind that it is the least secure. This is because your files are not physically erased from your hard drive. Which can be good if you want to recover them at some time but bad if you give the PC to someone else. You decide what your case is.
  • The slow method : quite the opposite of the previous one. This takes much longer but will be safer . In this, the deletion will not be partial, here the deletion will be total and final. As we mentioned in the previous point, you decide which one best suits your wishes and needs.

Done, once you have chosen the option of your choice the system and will proceed to remove the programs, the changes made and delete all the files (either partially or totally). Once this is done, the device will restart to complete the Hard Reset process .

Restore factory settings

The latter is the most extreme case, you must use it at your own discretion because there are 2 possibilities:

  • The first one: If your computer was purchased with a previous Windows and you proceeded to install Windows 10. It proceeds to return to that original Windows. Either Windows 8 or Windows 7.
  • The second: Here, if your computer is native to this version of the operating system, it will return to the original configuration. The W10 was the last Windows that came out, from its launch so far only updates have been made. If you choose this section your computer will return to that original version of Windows 10. This always in case of having been factory assembled with it.

What do you have to consider before formatting a computer with Windows so as not to lose any data?

Formatear un ordenador con Windows 10

There are a number of aspects that you should consider when doing a hard reset to a Windows 10 computer and then not regret it and do it safely:

  • Know the origin of your equipment : there is a possibility that the equipment is second-hand. If so, you should know what the original or factory Windows was.
  • Anticipate if the device will only be used by you : It may be the case that your device at some point pass to other hands. Make sure those hands cannot access your data or documents. Always keep in mind a total reset so that no one can recover the information that used to lie there.
  • Know why you are formatting or resetting your device : there may be many reasons They take you to reset your factory equipment. You should consider them all since many times the solution may not be so drastic.
  • Have a backup or backup : It’s always good to have a backup of your programs and documents. Either on an external device or on the Drive.
  • Be aware of the Windows that came from the factory : Even if your device has always been yours, time does not pass in vain . You must remember which was the original Windows that your device brought. So if the computer returns to that native Windows, you always know the Why? Looking at this.

Ready, you are already an expert in doing Hard Reset on Windows 10. Regardless of which one was your case and what was the option you chose. Your team will now have better performance and therefore the hours you spend in front of your computer will be more enjoyable.