Like in life, your Windows Device may also need a reset for a fresh start. In fact, in some scenarios, switching your device back to the factory defaults may even improve battery life, speed, security, and browsing experience — According to Microsoft’s own support resource.
So how can you implement a factory reset in Windows 10? Follow along!
Step by Step Instructions on Performing a Factory Reset in Windows 10
Executing a factory reset really boils down to deciding between two choices that Windows 10 will offer. They are:
- “Keep my files” recovery/reset option
- “Remove everything” recovery/reset option
To get started, check out the 5-stepper instructions below.
Step 1: Open the “Settings” App

If you don’t have a shortcut to get to the settings app, search for “settings” (without the quotes) in the start menu and open the app.
Step 2: Click on “Update & Security”

From your settings page, select “Update & Security” option.
Step 3: From the Left Window Panel, Go to “Recovery”

Going to recovery will allow you to initiate the factory reset process.
Step 4: Hit the “Get started” Button To Begin Factory Reset

Under the heading of “Reset this PC,” choose the “Get started” button to commence the reset of your Windows 10 device.
Step 5: As Your Final Step, Decide Which Factory Reset Option You’d Prefer
As mentioned initially in this post, Windows 10 provides two choices for performing a factory reset. For reference again, these choices are:
- Keep my files
- Remove everything
In this step, you will finally pick which one you incline towards and proceed from there.
Do note that both choices will invoke additional selections in the form of:
- Cloud download: Go with this if you want to do everything online — from the cloud.
- Local reinstall: With this, you can choose your own device for a clean and fresh installation.

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In Closing
As you can see, conducting a factory reset in Windows 10 isn’t complicated. In fact, it’s relatively straightforward.
The only caveat here would be to ensure you have backups in place if the clean & fresh installation does not go as planned or you lose your critical files after the reset.
Lastly, on a parting note, here’s (screenshot below) another warning from Microsoft as it relates to apps, and other third party apps.
