

This method also works if your computer has been compromised in some way and can’t start on its own. If you can’t sign in to your Microsoft account, you can accomplish this same process from the “Boot Options” on your computer. Once it’s done, though, your PC should be safe to sell or give away to someone else without you having to worry about the safety of your old files! Other Methods Next, it will take a while for Windows to erase everything on your hard drive. Make sure you choose “Remove everything.” If you choose “Keep my files,” your PC will not be wiped!Īdditionally, make sure you select “Remove files and clean the drive” in the next window. A window will appear that gives you two choices. When you have settings open, click on “Update & Security.”įrom there, click on “Recovery” from the list, then choose “Reset this PC.” If you don’t see the “gear” icon on your toolbar, you can get to settings simply by typing “settings” with the start menu open.

If you don’t do this, your data may be recovered by whoever uses it next, and you don’t want that! However, you need to specify that Windows needs to delete all of your data. The actual process of wiping your PC with Windows 10 is very easy since Windows handles it all for you. However, if yours does not, you will want to have your external serial number (often found on a sticker on the outside of your PC) or a recovery drive handy. Many Windows 10 PCs now come with a software license integrated into the computer. While this isn’t a required step, it’s quick and easy, and it may be a time-saver later. There’s a secret here, though: If you don’t make note of your programs before you reset your PC, you might forget some of them! We recommend writing down the names of your important programs first. Most games and programs, like Microsoft Office or Steam, will remember your previous purchases, and getting your programs back is as easy as downloading the software and logging back in. It’s also smart to make note of any games and software that are installed on your computer. However, if you do not back up your data anywhere else, take a thumb drive or flash drive and move your important files onto it. If you use a cloud service like Google Drive to store your documents and pictures, your important files may already be safe. There are several easy ways to preserve your data before wiping your PC. This means that all the previous data on your computer will be erased as if it were never there. With a factory reset, your PC is returned to the state it was in when you first got it.
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“ Factory reset” is another term for resetting your PC. If you have already backed up your data or don’t care about it, excellent – that saves you some time! However, if you want to keep your files or move them to a new computer, don’t skip this step! However, there’s a catch: you need to prepare your PC first. Windows 10 makes wiping your PC pretty easy.
