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You are here: Home / Tech Questions & Answers / Q&A: How do I restore my Windows PC to the factory default settings?

Q&A: How do I restore my Windows PC to the factory default settings?

Posted on February 3, 2013

reset-pc-to-factory-defaultsQuestion from Lynn:  How do I restore my laptop to the factory settings before I give it to somebody else?

Rick’s answer:  Lynn, there are two ways to reset a Windows PC back to its factory settings. The first one is to simply insert the Restore disc into the optical drive and boot from it. You can reinstall Windows from there.

The second option is probably the most widely used one these days since most PCs come without a set of Restore discs and few people take the time to create one. Here are step-by-step instructions for resetting a PC that’s running either Windows 7 or Windows 8…

Note: The actual wording of the links and buttons in the following steps might vary depending on the brand/model of your PC. Also, if you choose to follow these instructions to reset your PC back to its factory default settings, please understand that you do so at your own risk. After all, sometimes things just go wrong, you know? Do you still want to proceed? Ok then, lets go!

To reset a Windows 7 PC:

1 – Click the Start Orb.

2 – Type Recovery into the Search box.

3 – Click on Recovery Management. (The actual wording might vary just a bit depending on the brand of your PC.)

4 – Click Restore.

Next, choose either step 5 or 6, depending on what you wish to accomplish. Be careful when making your choice because the results are irreversible.

5 – Click Restore Operating System to Factory Defaults (Use this option ONLY if you want to completely wipe the hard drive and reinstall Windows.)

6 – Click Restore Operating System and Retain User Data. (Use this option if you want to reinstall Windows but keep your existing files.)

To reset a Windows 8 PC:

1 – Press the Windows +C key combination (i.e. press the “Windows” key and the “C” key at the same time) to open the Charms Bar. You’ll find the Windows key on the lower-left corner of the keyboard between the “Ctrl” and “Alt’ keys.

2 – Click Settings.

3 – Click the Change PC Settings button.

4 – Click the General tab.

Next, choose either step 5 or 6, depending on what you wish to accomplish. Be careful when making your choice because the results are irreversible.

5 – Select Refresh Your PC if you want to reinstall Windows but leave your files intact.

6 – Select Reset your PC if you want to wipe everything from the hard drive and reinstall Windows.


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