How to factory reset Windows 10: A privacy-focused guide
Improving performance and protecting privacy
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Your computer holds a lot of sensitive information. When things start slowing down, acting up, or if you're simply preparing your device for a fresh start, a factory reset can be the best option. Whether you want to clear out lingering system clutter or ensure no traces of personal data remain before passing your device to someone else, this guide will walk you through how to reset Windows 10 with privacy in mind.
Why resetting Windows 10 might be necessary
Sometimes, starting over is the best way to move forward. Resetting your system can help if:
- Your device is running painfully slow, and nothing seems to fix it.
- You suspect malware or tracking software might be lurking in your system.
- You want to remove personal data completely before selling or gifting your device.
- You’re troubleshooting persistent system errors or software issues.
What happens when you factory reset Windows 10?
A reset restores your system to its original state by wiping installed applications, settings, and optionally, your personal files.
Your reset options:
- Keep My Files: Removes apps and settings but keeps your personal files intact.
- Remove Everything: Wipes everything, restoring your PC to a clean state.
If your goal is privacy, choosing “Remove Everything” is the safest bet to ensure no personal data lingers.
How to factory reset Windows 10
Back Up Your Data First
Before hitting reset, safeguard any important files. Cloud storage or an external hard drive is your best bet.
The simplest way to reset your PC is through the built-in settings.
- Click Start, then Settings (gear icon).
- Navigate to Update & Security.
- Select Recovery from the sidebar.
- Under Reset this PC, click Get Started.
- Choose either Keep my files or Remove everything. 6 .Follow the prompts to complete the reset.
If your system won’t boot properly, use Advanced Startup Mode.
- Restart your PC and press F11 during boot (varies by manufacturer).
- Select Troubleshoot.
- Click Reset this PC.
- Choose between Keep my files or Remove everything.
- Follow the on-screen prompts.
If you can’t sign in, reset your PC directly from the login screen.
- Click the Power button on the bottom right.
- Hold Shift and click Restart.
- Select Troubleshoot > Reset this PC.
- Choose either Keep my files or Remove everything.
- Follow the prompts.
Other Ways to Reset Windows 10
If nothing else works, resetting with a bootable USB drive is another option.
- Download the Windows 10 installation media from Microsoft.
- Create a bootable USB using the Media Creation Tool.
- Boot your computer from the USB drive.
- Click Install Now and then Repair your computer.
- Select Troubleshoot > Reset this PC.
- For advanced users, Command Prompt provides another way to reset.
- Open Command Prompt as Administrator. Type: systemreset -factoryreset
- Choose Keep my files or Remove everything. Follow the prompts.
What to do after a factory reset
After resetting, reinstall apps like:
- Private browsers (e.g., Brave)
- Productivity tools (LibreOffice, Microsoft Office)
- Privacy tools (e.g., VPNs, encrypted messaging apps)
To keep your system secure:
- Open Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.
- Click Check for updates.
- Install all available updates.
If you saved files before resetting:
- Copy them back from external storage.
- Retrieve them from your cloud storage.
Factor resetting Windows: FAQs
"Keep my files” reinstalls Windows but preserves personal documents and accounts. “Remove everything” restores to factory state—erasing apps, settings, and data—recommended before device handoff.
Yes. While Windows typically reinstalls drivers automatically, backing them up ensures hardware like printers or Wi‑Fi adapters work properly post-reset.
Boot into Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) by pressing Shift+Restart or interrupting boot twice. Then select Troubleshoot → Reset this PC and choose your preferred reset method.
Cloud download fetches the latest build but requires stable internet; local reinstall is faster and offline but may retain outdated files. Choose based on your connection and needs.
A full reset can eliminate most malware. For absolute clean-up, consider wiping the drive entirely and installing fresh OS—especially if resetting doesn’t resolve lingering issues.
About the authors
Benjamin Nemeroff
Casey Ford. PhD
Technical reviewerTable of contents
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