How to reset settings on a Windows 10 laptop

No matter how perfect the next build of Windows 10 may seem, new problems continue to emerge. Resetting or rolling back Windows 10 is caused by shortcomings in the latest updates or cluttering of the system with software garbage that slows down the PC and makes it difficult for it to operate quickly and smoothly.

Why reset Windows 10 to factory settings

The reasons for resetting Windows 10 are as follows:

Installation too large quantity programs that were subsequently removed as unnecessary, but Windows began to work noticeably worse.
Poor PC performance. You did a good job for the first six months - then Windows 10 began to slow down. This is a rare case.
You don’t want to bother yourself with copying/transferring personal files from drive C and intend to leave everything as it was for an indefinite period.
You have incorrectly configured some components and built-in applications, services, drivers and libraries that already came with Windows 10, but you don’t want to spend a lot of time understanding them, remembering how it was before.
Work has slowed down significantly due to Windows “brakes,” and time is precious: it’s easier for you to reset the OS to its original settings in half an hour in order to quickly return to the interrupted work.

Practical ways to roll back and reset Windows 10

Each subsequent build of Windows 10 can be “rolled back” to the previous one. So, you can roll back from Windows 10 Update 1703 to Windows 10 Update 1607.

How to roll back to a previous build of Windows 10 within 30 days

Take these steps:

Give the command “Start - Settings - Update and Security - Recovery”.
Choose to roll back to a previous build of Windows 10
Please note your reasons for downgrading to an earlier build of Windows 10.
Can you explain in detail the reason for returning to previous version Windows 10
Confirm the rollback by clicking Next.
Confirm your decision by clicking the button to proceed to further actions
Confirm the return to the previous build again.
Confirm Windows 10 rollback again
Click the process start button Windows rollback 10.
Finally, click the return to button previous version Windows 10

The OS update will be rolled back. After a restart, the old assembly will start with the same components.

How to undo the latest Windows 10 update

This reset helps when Windows errors 10 accumulated in quantities at which normal work in the “ten” became impossible.

Windows 10 will begin to reset.

Video: how to reset Windows 10 with a running OS

How to Restore Windows 10 to Factory Settings Using Refresh Tool

To do this you need:

Go to the familiar Windows 10 recovery submenu and click the link to clean install Windows.
To initialize the Refresh Tool download, click on the link to the Microsoft website
Go to the Microsoft website and click on “Download Tool Now” (or a similar link that means loading Windows 10 Refresh Tool).
Launch the downloaded application and follow Windows instructions 10 Refresh Tool.
Follow the Windows Refresh Tool wizard instructions

The Windows 10 Refresh Tool application resembles the interface of the Windows 10 Media Creation Tool - for convenience, it is made in the form of a wizard with tips. Like the Media Creation Tool, the Refresh Tool allows you to save your personal data. It seems to perform the opposite function of the Media Creation Tool - not an update, but a reset of Windows 10.

During the reset process, the PC will restart several times. After this, you will start working with Windows 10 as if you had just reinstalled it - without applications and incorrect OS settings.

There is no rollback from version 1703 to 1607/1511 yet - this is a task for future updates Windows utilities 10 Refresh Tool.

Video: Refresh Tool shortcomings

How to reset Windows 10 if it has startup problems

The operation is performed in two stages: checking startup from a flash drive in the BIOS and selecting options to reset the OS itself.

Checking the PC boot from a flash drive in BIOS

As an example, here is the BIOS version of AMI, which is most often found in laptops. Insert the bootable USB flash drive and restart (or turn on) your PC before proceeding further.

When your PC manufacturer's logo screen appears, press the F2 (or Del) key.
The inscription below tells you to press Del
Once in the BIOS, open the Boot submenu.
Select the Boot submenu
Give the command Hard Disk Drives - 1st Drive (" Hard disks- First carrier").
Enter the list of drives that are visible in the BIOS list
Select your flash drive as the first media.
The name of the flash drive is determined when it is inserted into the USB port
Press the F10 key and confirm saving the setting.
Click Yes (or OK)

Now the PC will boot from the USB flash drive.

The BIOS version indicated on the manufacturer's logo screen can be any (Award, AMI, Phoenix). On some laptops BIOS version is not indicated at all - only the key for entering the BIOS Setup firmware is described.

Running a Windows 10 reset from installation media

Wait for the PC to start booting Windows flash drives 10 and do the following:

Click the "System Restore" link.
Confirm to reset Windows 10. The reset request message here is not much different from those discussed in the guides above.

Once the reset is complete, Windows 10 will start with default settings.

Reset from installation flash drive Windows 10 is essentially a way to recover lost or damaged files that prevented the OS from starting. Windows recovery options have been around since Windows 95 (fixing startup problems) - the steps have been made clearer over 20 years, without having to type fancy commands.

Problems with resetting Windows 10 to previous settings

No matter how clear and no matter how easy the process of resetting Windows 10 may seem, there are also difficulties here.

Windows 10 rollback does not run on an already running system. You have exceeded the month allotted for recovery or did not stop counting these days in the manner described above. Only reinstalling the OS will help.
Windows 10 reset options are not displayed when a flash drive or DVD is inserted. Check the boot order of your PC from BIOS. Check if the DVD drive or USB ports are working or readable DVD disc or flash drive. If hardware faults are detected, replace the installation DVD or flash drive, and service your PC or laptop. If we are talking about a tablet, check whether the OTG adapter, microUSB port, USB hub (if using a USB-DVD drive) are working, and whether the tablet “sees” the flash drive.
Reset/ Windows recovery 10 does not start due to incorrectly written (multi) bootable flash drive or DVD. Rewrite your installation media again - you may have written it in such a way that it turned out just copy of Windows 10, not the boot drive. Use rewritable (DVD-RW) discs - this will allow you to correct the error without sacrificing the disc itself.
Resetting Windows to factory settings does not work due to a stripped-down version of Windows 10. This is a very rare case when the recovery and update options are excluded from the Windows build - only reinstalling from scratch works. Typically, many other “unnecessary” components and applications are cut out from such an assembly, trimmed graphical shell Windows and other “tricks” in order to reduce the space occupied on the C drive after installing such an assembly. Use full builds of Windows that allow you to rollback or reset without resorting to new installation with the removal of all data.

Rolling back or resetting Windows 10 to factory settings is a simple matter. In any case, you will eliminate errors without losing important documents, and your system will again work like a clock. Good luck!

The proposed article-instructions discusses how reset Windows 10 to factory settings via interface operating system, using a new utility Refresh Windows Tool, in preload mode and possible problems during the reset process.

Restoring Windows 10 is much easier than any of its predecessors due to the new concept of storing an image file to restore the operating system. It is stored in compressed form on the system volume, and in most cases, bootable media with the OS distribution is not required to resuscitate the “tens”.

A rollback of the “ten” to its original state is performed when it has ceased to function normally, and all other methods of resuscitating the system, such as checkpoints and recovery system files, does not work. A reset implies the automatic installation of Windows 10 on the same partition where it is located, but with the ability to leave all personal files: application settings, documents, downloads, saved games and other user files. Installed programs are not saved and will have to be installed again. If the settings files for them remain, the need to configure applications disappears, which saves a lot of time.

Reset from a working operating system

The first and easiest way for the user to return Windows Ten to a functioning state is to perform a rollback through its interface.

This option is only suitable for cases when the computer at least turns on and allows you to call up the menu Options.

Let's consider the sequence of actions:

We open the new OS configuration interface using the Win + I key combination or through the gear icon located in Start.
In the window that appears, call up the last menu item called “ Update and Security" by clicking on it.
Go to the section " Recovery».
In the first subsection of the menu called “”, click on the icon that says “ Begin" You will then be asked to select a satisfactory option.
A window that appears will offer a choice of actions. If you need to save user files, select the first option. If there are no important files on the system disk or copies of them have been created, in case of selling the computer or because it is no longer needed, then you can choose the second method, which will be faster.
Next, get acquainted with the operation parameters and click Reset.

The click will launch a chain of processes, the completion of which will be marked by the automatically installed Windows 10.

If you choose the method of saving personal documents, they will be placed in the Windows.old directory. If necessary, this folder can be deleted using the Disk Cleanup tool.

Reinstalling the system using the Refresh Windows Tool

Users who have installed build version 1607 on their computer, released in early August 2016, have access to another way to reinstall Top Ten with or without saving files. It is relevant for situations where the first method did not work or its use fails. The sequence of actions performed will be as follows:

As a result, Windows 10 will be reset to standard, factory settings.

Reset Windows 10 when it won't boot

If it is not possible to get into Options, Windows will not boot, you can reset the operating system only using a recovery disk or flash drive. To do this you need to do the following:

We boot from the flash drive or DVD that was used to install the current operating system. In recovery mode, in the window with the Install button, select “ System Restore».
Next, go to the section “ Troubleshooting».
In the window " Diagnostics» select « Return the computer to the initial state ».
In the next window, you must make a choice between saving or deleting personal documents and files.
Next, we indicate the data of which users we will leave if the option to save them is selected.
In the next window, enter the password for the administrator account, if one is set.
Next, get acquainted with the selected parameters and press the button.

Cleaning Windows.old

After reset Windows settings 10 has come true, it is advisable to get rid of the backup copy of the previously used operating system, if everything necessary files user are pulled from the Windows.old directory. Let's start solving this problem:

After some seconds, one, or even more than ten gigabytes of free space will appear on the disk.

Before deciding to take such a step, you should make sure that alternative ways bring Windows 10 back to life broken.

You should definitely try booting into safe mode, which will open up the opportunity to solve the problem.

With help additional parameters You can rollback to previous system states if the appropriate option is enabled and restore points are created.

Checking the integrity of files and scanning the drive for presence on it bad sectors can also help solve the problem.

Reset Windows 10 Mobile

Like the computer version of Windows 10, Mobile is also not free from an important drawback: almost every system update not only solves old problems and closes existing gaps, but also creates new ones. Sometimes, after updating the phone’s operating system, it stops working normally, annoying the user with application freezes, all sorts of errors, glitches and the inability to use the phone at a crucial moment.

Although Windows 10 Mobile has been released to the masses for a long time, it will not be able to get rid of many important shortcomings anytime soon, and the likelihood of the phone turning into a brick in need of flashing does not make anyone happy.

If the operation of the phone based on the “Ten” is not satisfactory, then instead of re-flashing the device, it is recommended to reset the operating system settings, and if this does not help, then reset the mobile Windows 10 itself. This is done by following the following instructions.

First we do backup copy device in case problems arise during a reset:

Now let's move directly to reset settings:

If the device is hopelessly frozen, then perform a reset in another way:

Now you can start setting up your smartphone.

Conclusion

This article discussed several ways to reset Windows 10 to factory settings. Each user can choose the option that is most suitable for their situation. A solution was also proposed for smartphones running Windows 10 Mobile.

Video on the topic

When searching for ways to reset your computer to factory settings, the Internet produces a variety of results. This is an extreme option, but it can solve many problems with Windows 10/8/7.

A factory reset involves returning the operating system to its original state by erasing all information stored on the device.

This method is often performed to fix many computer problems. Perhaps it's experiencing performance issues, is running slowly, has picked up a virus, or you want to delete all files, passwords, programs, and other sensitive information and then throw away the device. All this can be achieved using a factory reset.

How to return Windows 10/8/7 to its original state

Let's list the different methods.

Method 1: Using a recovery partition

This section is needed to reset the system to factory settings in case of failure. If it is installed on a GPT disk (partition table with GUID codes), then in the management tool Windows disks you will find a special section for system recovery. In addition, there is another type of section from the supplier (manufacturers Dell, HP, Lenovo and others). Both types are capable of returning the system to factory settings.

To reset /8/7 follow these steps:

Step 1. Restart your laptop.

Step 2. To get into the recovery environment during computer startup, press the corresponding key. In fact, the specific key differs from one device manufacturer to another. For example, Dell (F8), Acer (Alt + F10), HP (F11), Samsung (F4), Lenovo (F11), Asus (F9), Toshiba (0).

Step 3. After this, follow the simple instructions of the wizard.

Method 2: Reset the laptop

This method is ideal if your laptop does not have a recovery partition.

Step 1. After clicking the Start button, select Settings.

Step 2. Click Update & Security.

Click “Update and Security”

Step 3. Then go to the "Recovery" tab. To begin resetting the system to factory settings, click “Start.”

Step 4. It will then display two options including “Keep my files” or “Delete everything.” Make the proper choice.

Step 5. Then you will see a list installed applications, which will be deleted after the reset procedure is completed. Click Next.

Step 6. Click Reset.

Enter WinRE if the corresponding reset window does not open. Go to Diagnostics/Reset your computer/Keep my files/Select account"/"Enter password"/"Reset".

Method 3: Using a Windows Restore Point

Try performing a factory reset using the point created after purchasing the laptop.

Step 1. When the device starts, press F8. Then select " Safe mode" by using command line.

Step 2. After launching the command prompt using administrator rights, enter “rstrui.exe” in the appropriate window. Eventually, the system recovery options will open and you can return Windows 10 to factory settings according to the instructions.

The need for system backup

You can fix laptop sluggishness or other problems by performing a reset in one of three ways, but all user data and programs from the moment you purchased the device will be deleted. You will have to reinstall them, which takes a lot of time and effort. In this case, it is recommended to regularly back up your system. You will end up resetting Windows to an earlier date.

The note! In most cases, you need to use the built-in backup tool. However, the whole process takes time, and the copy itself takes up too much space.

Try a system backup and recovery program called MiniTool ShadowMaker.

it is very easy to use;
Among the main functions: backup system, partition, disk and recovery Windows 10/8/7;
The program is equipped with a scheduler.

Backup Windows 10/8/7

Step 1. After opening the laptop and installing MiniTool ShadowMaker, select control local computer or another device on the same local network.

Step 2. In the corresponding program window, find the system drives that will be used to boot the laptop when performing a backup operation (by default, system partitions of the current OS are defined). To select the storage location for the system image, click “Destination”. It's better to choose an external one HDD, which can be connected to a laptop via a USB cable.

Then you will see the source and destination partition.

In the backup window, look for the Schedule option, which allows you to run the task regularly. There are four modes available here such as Daily, Weekly, Monthly and Event. Make the proper choice.

Step 3. Perform a system backup operation by clicking the "Back up now" button. Then wait a few minutes until the task is completed.

Why you need a system restore

You know three ways to reset Windows 10/8/7 to factory settings and how to backup it using MiniTool ShadowMaker.

Restoring the system to factory settings erases all user data and programs. Then they need to be downloaded again (a lot of Internet traffic will be consumed) and installed. This is not the best solution systemic problems, so use it when all else fails.

How to reset to factory settings

To completely clean your computer, follow these three steps in the following order:

Back up the data you want to keep.
Use shredder programs to clean your computer.
Perform a factory reset.

The exception is Windows 10 with a built-in uninstall feature unnecessary files, so skip step 2.

Note! does not guarantee that all data on the computer will be erased. Some of them are hidden in a format that the system cannot read. This means that if someone uses the file recovery program, he can easily get them back.

Video - How to return Windows 10 to factory settings

Video - Windows 10 Reset to original state

Let's consider everything possible ways How to reset Windows 10 OS to factory settings.

Reset settings (or Hard Reset) - This is the procedure for returning to factory settings. All options and settings will be returned to their original settings.

In Windows 10 there is two types of reset:

With saving user files . After the reset, you will receive a completely new system in which only standard applications for the build will be installed. All parameters will be reset, but files and folders with photos, videos, and documents will not be deleted;

Complete removal of all data . As a result, you will receive a copy of the OS, which is identical to the newly installed “clean” Windows. It will be necessary to perform basic setup(specify region, date, time, log in to your account or create a new one).

A rollback to the original settings should be done if your programs take too long to load or the system takes more than a few minutes to boot.

What does a reset do?

Method 1 – Reset from already installed Windows 10

Note! The system rollback process may take a long time. It all depends on the number of files being deleted and the current OS settings.

Method 3 – Reset using a bootable USB flash drive or disk

If for some reason you were unable to roll back to factory settings using the above methods, you can use boot disk or flash drive.

The essence of this method is that you download the Windows 10 image to any other device and move the file to a flash drive or disk.

If you already have licensed disk, with which you installed the OS on your computer, you can use it.

Note! Assemblies installed on your computerWindows10 and the version stored on the drive must be identical. For example, onyou can download the flash driveWindows 10 Professionalonly if the same system modification is installed on your computer.

For creating boot drive use the program.

The most popular utilities:

Daemon Tools;
Ultra ISO;
Nero Burning ROM;
Alcohol 120%;
Gizmo Central and others.

All of the above programs have free versions, with which you can easily add a previously downloaded OS image to disk and make it bootable.

Method 4 – Instructions for laptops

On all laptops, the developer provides the ability to quickly restore.

For this purpose, a special partition is allocated on the system’s hard drive for a factory copy of the OS.

If you formatted the HDD, you will not be able to roll back using this method.

Does your computer have a separate drive called Recovery? In this case, you can start with new system. This version of Windows 10 will retain all the programs and settings that the manufacturer installed.

The method for launching the reset utility may vary.

It all depends on the brand of your laptop:

HP – immediately after pressing the “Power” key, click on F instead Windows icon 10 The window for enabling the recovery service will appear. Follow the instructions to roll back your existing OS to its original state;
ASUS – click on F9 to start working with the window Recovery utilities Manager. Next, select "Reset current Windows version» and wait for the process to complete. After the computer automatically restarts, you will start using the “clean” firmware;
Samsung – click on F4 while turning on the computer. Next select "Reset OS to factory version";
Acer And Lenovo – press the key combination Alt +F On Acer laptops you will need to enter an access password. By default it is six zeros - 000000 . Also, the built-in recovery utility can be launched in the Windows environment. If the software fails to start during the startup process, find in the list of all installed programs Recovery icon and open the utility.

Please note that users often experience that nothing happens when they press the desired key. The normal system boot begins instead of the recovery window appearing. This occurs due to the activated option "Boot Acceleration" VBIOS.

Go to the system menu by pressing the ESC key after turning it on (also, your laptop model may have its own way of starting the BIOS. The floating line at the bottom of the startup screen will tell you how to do this).

In BIOS, open the “Boot” tab and deactivate the “Boot Booster” option, as shown in the figure below:

Bottom line

As you can see, you can easily reset Windows 10 to factory settings using the system that is already turned on.

Over time, for many users, the computer begins to work slower, and the system becomes clogged unnecessary applications, files, viruses, etc.

There are three simple solutions to this problem:

system reinstallation.
cleaning the system.
system reset.

It is the reset that is the best way, since the rest require time and certain skills. In this article we will show you how to perform reset windows 10.

The changes will only affect local disk S: (system). Before performing a reset, transfer everything necessary files from this section to others. This also includes the desktop and folders documents, images, etc.

As a result of the reset, you will get a clean system with the latest updates.

Open the Start menu and go to Settings (gear icon).
In the window that opens, go to the “Update and Security” section.
Go to the "Recovery" section on the left side of the window.
At the top of the window, find the option “Reset your computer to its original state” and click the “Start” button.
Click on the “Delete everything” button. As stated earlier, only drive C will be affected. The data you want to save must first be transferred to other partitions.
In the next window, click on the “Reset” button.
The system reset procedure will begin, during which the computer will restart several times.

This procedure can take quite a long time. We recommend installing an antivirus first. You can find out how to do this here.