If you backed up your files using an online backup service or Recovery Drive, they can now be restored to the machine. Otherwise, you can sign back into Windows 10 to make sure that whatever you selected to be removed has been wiped from the machine. If you are getting rid of the computer, your work is done now. Your computer will restart, and after several minutes, it will boot back up again. If you selected Keep my files, you can look at a list of apps that will be removed with the reset.įinally, click Reset to actually commit. Once you make all your decisions, click Next, and Windows will generate a screen that summarizes all the decisions you have made. Microsoft recommends wiping the drive completely if you're looking to get rid of your PC, which will make it much harder to recover deleted files. While this will take several hours to complete, it's the more secure option. However, you can also choose to clean the drive completely by clicking Change settings at the Additional Settings screen and toggling the Clean data? option to Yes. This is the default option, and it is the quickest way to remove your personal files. If you want to delete everything, click Remove everything, and Windows will simply erase all your files. Any preinstalled apps will also be returned, but you can prevent this from happening by clicking Change settings at the Additional Settings screen and switching it off. When you choose Keep my files, apps and settings will default to what they were when the PC was brand new, but your personal files will be saved. It's also a more convenient alternative to booting from a USB stick. While Windows gives you the choice, the cloud download option is meant to be a faster and more reliable option over using local files that may end up being corrupted. The cloud option, added in the May 2020 update, pulls Windows installation files from Microsoft's servers, instead of asking your computer to gather necessary files from local storage. You will then be asked how you want to reinstall Windows Cloud download or Local reinstall. If you plan to get rid of the computer, Remove everything is the way to go.

If you are resetting Windows in order to roll back an issue, try Keep my files first. Use the instructions in this link: How can I create Recovery Media (DVD or USB), or order Recovery Media (DVD or USB) from Lenovo. Obtain recovery media on DVD or USB from Lenovo's download site or the support center. Both choices will also give you additional settings to change. Use one of the following methods to restore the system to the factory default: 1. At this point, you have two options: You can either keep your personal files and only remove downloaded apps and settings, or you can wipe everything and start from scratch.

Reset pc to factory settings windows 10