How to Reset Your PC in 2024: Step-by-Step Guide

Over time, computers can slow down due to accumulated files, installed software, or even malware. If your PC isn’t performing well, learning how to reset your PC in 2024 can be a quick solution. A reset can restore speed and functionality. Resetting your PC will reinstall Windows, giving you the option to keep or remove your files.

Table of Contents

1 Step-by-Step Guide to Resetting Your PC
2 What Does “Resetting Your PC” Do?
3 Top Reasons to Reset Your PC
4 CRITICAL: What to Do BEFORE You Reset
5 Reset vs. Fresh Install (Advanced)
6 Conclusion

Step-by-Step Guide to Resetting Your PC

In this guide, we will cover the steps to reset your PC in 2024 for both Windows 10 and 11. This will ensure your system is ready for a fresh start. Anyway, if you want to learn more about how to reset a MacBook: Step-by-Step Guide

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Step 1: Back Up Important Files

Before resetting, back up any important files to an external drive. Use cloud storage or a USB flash drive to prevent data loss.

Step 2: Open the Settings Menu

Click the Start button on your desktop.
Select Settings (gear icon) from the Start menu.

Step 3: Navigate to Recovery Options

In the Settings menu, go to System (for Windows 11) or Update & Security (for Windows 10).
Select Recovery from the menu on the left.

Step 4: Start the Reset Process

Under Reset this PC, click Get Started.
You’ll see two options:

Keep my files – Removes apps and settings but keeps personal files.
Remove everything – Remove all personal files, apps, and settings for a complete reset.

Choose the option that best fits your needs.

Step 5: Choose How to Reinstall Windows

Select either:

Cloud download – Downloads a fresh version of Windows from Microsoft. This method is recommended if your system is running slowly due to errors.
Local reinstall – Reinstalls from the files already on your PC (recommended if you have limited internet).

Step 6: Confirm Settings and Start Reset

Review your selections carefully. Confirm any additional reset options. This includes wiping the drive fully. This step is useful if you’re giving away the PC.
Click Next and Reset to begin.

Step 7: Wait for the Reset to Complete

Your PC will restart and start the reset process. This may take from a few minutes to an hour, depending on the system and reset type.
When the process is finished, Windows will restart, and you’ll be greeted with the initial setup screen.

How to Reset Your PC in 2024 Step-by-Step Guide

Resetting your PC in 2024 is easier than ever with clear options to either keep or remove your files. With this guide, you can complete the reset smoothly and have your computer running like new again. Remember to update Windows after resetting to keep your PC secure. Explore our website for more tech guides to help you troubleshoot and get the most from your devices.

Resetting your PC is a built-in feature in Windows 10 and Windows 11. It allows you to restore the operating system to its original state. It’s a powerful tool for solving serious problems, but it should be used with caution.

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What Does “Resetting Your PC” Do?

Essentially, it reinstalls Windows. You have two main options:

Keep my files: This option reinstalls Windows and removes apps and settings you’ve changed. However, it preserves your personal files in folders like Documents, Pictures, Music, and Videos.
Remove everything: This option does a complete wipe. It removes all your personal files, apps, games, and settings. It’s the most thorough clean slate.

Top Reasons to Reset Your PC

1. To Fix Serious Software Problems

This is the most common reason. Over time, Windows can become unstable due to:

Corrupted System Files: That can’t be fixed by the standard sfc /scannow command.
Persistent Malware or Viruses: If antivirus software can’t fully remove a deep-rooted infection, a reset can wipe it out completely.
Constant Crashes, Blue Screens of Death (BSOD), or Freezes: When the operating system itself becomes unreliable, troubleshooting might fail. In such a case, a reset can be a faster solution than an n-hour-long diagnostic process.

2. To Prepare the PC for a New User

If you’re selling your computer, giving it away, or recycling it, you must reset it and choose “Remove everything”. This is a critical security step. It ensures all your personal data, browsing history, saved passwords, and documents are completely erased. These should be unrecoverable by the next owner.

3. To Improve Performance

A PC that feels sluggish after years of use often suffers from:

Bloatware: Pre-installed software and trial programs that run in the background.
Too Many Background Processes: Applications installed over the years that auto-start and consume resources.
Registry Clutter: A vast database of settings that can become bloated and disorganized.
Resetting the PC clears all this out. It returns the PC to a clean, fresh state. This often results in noticeably better performance and boot times.

4. To Resolve Driver or Configuration Conflicts

Sometimes, a faulty driver (software for hardware like graphics cards or printers) can cause problems. A deep, misconfigured system setting can also lead to issues. These problems are incredibly difficult to pinpoint. Resetting the PC removes all these custom drivers and settings, allowing you to start over.

5. As a Last Resort Before a Full Reinstall

In the past, achieving a clean slate was possible only by using a USB drive. It was necessary to completely reinstall Windows. The reset feature offers a more user-friendly approach. It integrates the process to accomplish the same goal without requiring external installation media.

CRITICAL: What to Do BEFORE You Reset

Resetting, especially the “Remove everything” option, is destructive. Backing up your data is non-negotiable.

Back Up Your Files: Copy all your important documents, photos, and videos to an external hard drive. Alternatively, use a USB drive. You can also use a cloud service like OneDrive, Google Drive, or Dropbox.
Gather Your Software Licenses: Make sure you have the login information and installation keys for any paid software you use (e.g., Microsoft Office, Adobe apps, etc.). You will need to reinstall them after the reset.
Know Your Passwords: You will need to sign back into everything—your Windows user account, email, browsers, and apps. Ensure you know your passwords or that they are saved in a password manager.
Check for a “Cloud Download” Option: Modern Windows versions often offer a choice:
- Cloud Download: Downloads a fresh copy of Windows from Microsoft. This is often the best option as it ensures no system files are corrupted.
- Local Reinstall: Uses the files already on your PC. It’s faster, but it won’t help if those core files are damaged.

Reset vs. Fresh Install (Advanced)

Reset This PC: Happens from within Windows. It’s easier, faster, and designed for consumers. It tries to preserve your Windows activation and some basic drivers.
Clean Install from USB: Involves creating bootable installation media. It gives you more control, like deleting all partitions. It is often considered the “purest” fresh start. However, it’s more complex.

Conclusion