How to reset Windows 10 or 11 without losing everything

Resetting a Windows 10 or 11 computer is very simple, but the risk of data loss cannot be ignored. To avoid data loss, you need to prepare in advance and select the right option.

There are two main reasons for resetting a computer: fixing serious performance issues, or thoroughly clearing data before selling, donating, or processing the device. If you are considering using factory reset as a fix, make sure you have tried all the troubleshooting options, especially if your computer has no problems other than running slowly and/or overheating.

It is worth noting that while factory reset is the most thorough way to reset it, it is not necessary. Factory reset is actually a clean OS version installed – everything will disappear except for the files and applications preinstalled by the computer manufacturer. However, Windows provides options that allow you to retain personal data, settings, and applications during the reset process. This is a customization process, make sure you use the settings that best suit your needs.

Step 1: Backup your files

While reset doesn't necessarily clear everything on your computer, it's best to back up everything you want to keep before proceeding. Everyone has their own favorite method of file storage, but if you need advice, you can refer to our basic backup guide.

If you use OneDrive in Windows 10 or 11, many files may have been backed up to the cloud. The situation is similar if you sync files to third-party cloud services such as Google Drive or Dropbox. Even so, you should quickly check your hard drive to make sure everything is backed up.

Important Tips: If you know or suspect that your computer has been infected with malware, be sure to back up the contents. Don't just back up all visible folders at will – take some time to make sure you do recognize them. You do not want to back up the virus and reinfect the device you just reset.

Step 2: Backup your application (if possible)

Not every computer program can be backed up or synchronized with cloud storage services, but some can. Browse through the app you want to keep and see if it can save its data. Even if you can't save the data, make sure you have all the necessary files, purchase details and login information before doing factory reset or any other type of system refresh – you can use a password manager or write the information on paper superior. You may need to re-download some or all of the apps and set them up from scratch, and you do not want to lose access to paid content.

Step 3: How to reset Windows 10 or 11

The steps to reset a Windows 10 or 11 computer are basically the same, but the path and menu may vary. This guide uses Windows 10 (the most popular of the two) as a benchmark and provides specific instructions on the differences between Windows 11. Also, if you have encrypted your laptop or desktop, you will need your BitLocker key to reset it. If you are not sure where or what the key is, Microsoft can help you find it.

Lastly, make sure your computer is plugged in - if the computer is powered on battery, it cannot be reset.

1. Open the reset option. The easiest way is to click on the Start menu of Windows 10, go to Settings (Gear icon), and select Update and Security and select Recover. There, find Reset this computer and click Start.

• On Windows 11, the steps are slightly different: StartMenu> Set(Gear Icon)> System > Recover > Reset this computer > Reset the computer.
• In the 2020 release of Windows 10 versions before 2004, you need to follow these steps: Start > Settings > Update and Security > Windows Defender > Equipment Performance and Health > New Start > Other Information > Start .

If for some reason you cannot access your computer settings, you can also reset your laptop or desktop from the login screen. To force your Windows 10 or 11 computer to display the login screen, press Win L to lock the computer. Then click the Power button icon in the lower right corner of the screen ( not the physical power button of the computer), press and hold Shift, and then click the pop-up menu Restart on. This will turn on the Windows recovery environment. On the Select an option screen, select Troubleshoot and to reset this computer .

2. Decide how much content you want to keep or delete. The next screen will provide two options: keep or delete your files, applications, and settings. Regardless of which option you choose, you may also need to choose whether Windows will reinstall from the cloud (Cloud Download) or from your device (Reinstall locally.

• Keep my file. If Windows asks, select whether you want to save the file in the cloud or in the local drive. By default, this option restores all applications and settings that came with your PC's factory-complete factory reset. To avoid this and keep only what you have recently, click to change the settings and restore the preinstalled app? The toggle switch under is set to No, and then click to confirm . If you don't see these additional options, your computer does not have any applications pre-installed.
Delete all content
• . As you might guess, this will reinstall Windows 10 or 11 and delete your personal files, the applications you and your PC manufacturer installed, and any changes you make to your computer settings. After selecting this option, you can also click the
  Change settings
  • link to decide how clean you want your device to be (clear data under the ? There is a under the title is >/NoTurn switch-select one and click Confirm to lock it). It can take several hours to clear the drive, but Microsoft recommends that you do this when you plan to process your PC – doing so will make it harder for others to recover anything. Otherwise, you can choose not to clear the data, which will be faster but less secure. The company also noted that this type of data erasure is targeted at consumers and does not meet government or industry standards, so people with sufficient expertise and resources may still be able to recover some of the data.

3. Check what will be reset. No matter which option you choose, you must click Next step to continue. Windows will tell you that it is ready to reset your PC and lists all the actions that reset will do. You can click to view the app that will be deleted to see exactly what will be deleted.

4. Reset your PC. After confirming everything, click Reset to start the process. There is no standard time required for this process on Windows 10 or 11, but your screen may turn black for more than 15 minutes and your PC may restart multiple times. Overall, you may have to wait a few hours, so be patient – ​​if you try to manually restart your computer while it is running, the reset may fail.

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