Whether you want to return the laptop to its brand-new state because it has slowed down or because you are giving it to someone else, it is important to understand how to factory reset a laptop.
It is crucial that you reset the laptop to erase all data on the drives and remove all personal information from the system before you give it away.
Whether you are selling the laptop, giving it to someone, or discarding it, you must erase all traces of data from your laptop. When you reset your laptop, the data is erased in a meticulous manner, which makes it extremely difficult for someone to recover it.
In this guide, we will be exploring how you can reset your laptop and return it to its brand-new state.
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Step-by-Step Guide To Factory Reset A Laptop
If you are going to reset your laptop for the first time, the process can be a bit tricky. I will be sharing detailed step-by-step instructions to help you understand the process and do it correctly.
Step 1: Understanding What Factory Reset Means
First of all, you need to understand what factory reset means. Do you still remember when your laptop was brand new and you started it for the first time? There was no data inside it, all the drives were empty. There were only system files.
You had to download everything, create accounts for everything, remove bloatware, and customize settings according to your preferences.
That’s what a factory reset will do to your laptop. It will remove all the data, personalization, and details from your laptop and make it just like its brand-new state.
Step 2: Creating Backup
Before you decide to reset the laptop, you must create a backup for all your necessary files. If you have a limited number of files or something very specific you want to save, you can copy it to an external drive and move on to the next step.
However, sometimes people reset the laptop because it has slowed down. This allows users to improve the speed of their laptops. If that’s the case, you don’t have to delete all your data and files. You can just create a backup.
Creating a backup for your files will help you get all the data back once you have reset the laptop. Of course, the backup will not be stored inside the laptop. You can create a backup in cloud storage online or in an external drive.
Simply attach the external drive, go to Settings, navigate to the Backup section, and select the external drive for backup.
Once you click on Backup Now, Windows will start the process of creating a backup. Once it is finished, you can disconnect the external drive and move to the next step.
On the other hand, if you are just giving the laptop away and have nothing to save, then you can skip this step.
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Step 3: Sign Out Of Everything
While you don’t need to sign out of your online accounts or save anything, since all of the data will be saved in your Google or Microsoft account, you do have to deregister the software licenses.
You must save the information regarding the license keys of the software you were using and then sign out of everything. You must also sign out of any other applications that you were using on the device.
Signing out allows the system to remove your personal data and create a two-layer cleaning. Then, when you reset the laptop, it will be more efficient in removing your personal data.
On the other hand, if you are just doing the reset to make your laptop faster, this step is not important.
Step 4: Initiate The Factory Reset
Now it’s time to start the factory reset process. Go to Settings from the Start Menu. Click on Updates & Security and then Recovery from the left tab.
You will see the option “Reset This PC” on the top. Under this option, Get Started. Click on it.
A prompt will appear asking you whether you want to keep your files or remove everything.
Now, if you have created a backup, you can simply go with remove everything. This option is more efficient and completely wipes off the drive.
However, if you are simply trying to make your laptop faster and don’t want to create a backup, you can proceed with keeping my files to keep your personal data intact.
But keep in mind that this process will not be as effective as the previous one and should not be preferred when you are giving your laptop away.
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Step 5: Wait Till the Reset Is Complete
Once the process for reset starts, it will take some time before your laptop is ready for use. The reset can take anywhere between 30 minutes to 3 hours.
You have to make sure that your laptop is connected to a power source and doesn’t turn off during factory reset.
If the laptop turns off, it will lead to an unresponsive system. You won’t be able to turn your laptop on again and will have to take it for repair. You might end up making the laptop completely useless.
Hence, you must ensure that the laptop is connected to the power source when you are doing a factory reset.
Step 6: Factory Reset Completed!
Once the process is completed, your laptop will be as good as new. You can now start using the laptop again or give it away.
All the data and apps have been successfully removed from the system and you will notice a significant difference in speed and performance of the laptop.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do I completely factory reset my laptop?
Doing a factory reset requires you to go to Settings > Updates & Security > Recovery > Reset This PC. Once you do that, you will be asked whether you want to keep personal files. Click on wipe everything to completely factory reset your laptop.
Does a factory reset completely wipe a laptop?
When you are going to do a factory reset, you will be provided with two options. You can either erase all the data, apps, and settings or you can just erase the apps and settings and keep personal files. So, the choice is yours.
How long does a factory reset take?
It can take anywhere between 30 minutes to 3 hours. It will depend on the size of the storage in your laptop and how much data is stored in the storage. Generally, the more time you have spent on the laptop, the longer it takes to wipe the system.
Wrapping Up!
Summing it all up, doing a factory reset on a laptop can be a tricky task. You need to take into account a lot of things.
The above guide shares everything you need to know about doing a factory reset on a laptop. It includes all the important steps as well as necessary precautions.
Good Luck!