How to reset Windows to fix software issues safely
To reset Windows and fix software issues, open Reset this PC and choose **Keep my files** to reinstall Windows without removing personal files, or **Remove everything** to erase the PC. A reset removes installed applications and many settings, so try less destructive repairs first and back up your files, licenses, sign-in details, and recovery information before starting. If Windows cannot start normally, use the same reset options in the Windows Recovery Environment.
Before you reset, make sure it is the right fix
A reset makes sense when Windows remains unstable after ordinary repairs, several applications fail because system components are damaged, or you want to return the operating system to a clean software state without manually reinstalling it. It can also help after a serious configuration change that you cannot undo.
Try less destructive fixes first when the problem began recently or affects only one program:
- Uninstall and reinstall the affected app.
- Remove a recently installed app, driver, or Windows update.
- Run the app’s built-in repair or reset option.
- Use System Restore if restore points are available.
- Install pending Windows and application updates.
- Run a reputable malware scan if the symptoms suggest an infection.
Before starting, make sure you have:
- A backup of documents, photos, downloads, desktop files, browser data, project folders, and other files stored locally. Use an external drive or a cloud service, and open a few backed-up files to confirm they are usable.
- The Microsoft account password or the password for the local administrator account. You may need it during setup.
- Sign-in details and license information for paid applications, games, VPNs, password managers, and work or school services. Confirm that you can download them again.
- Exported browser bookmarks and any application data that is not synchronized online.
- The BitLocker recovery key or device-encryption recovery information. Check your Microsoft account, your organization’s account, or the place where your administrator stored it. Do not assume you will be able to retrieve it later.
- The power adapter connected to the PC. A reset can take a while, and interrupting it can leave Windows unable to start.
If the computer belongs to an employer or school, check with the administrator before resetting it. Management software, encryption policies, and application licenses may need to be restored by that organization.
Choose the reset option that matches what you need to keep
Windows offers two main choices. Both remove installed applications and reset many settings, so neither replaces a backup of your files.
| Choice | What it does | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| Keep my files | Reinstalls Windows while preserving personal files in your user folders | Repairing Windows while keeping documents and photos |
| Remove everything | Removes personal files, applications, and settings before reinstalling Windows | Preparing a PC for another person or starting from a fully clean state |
Keep my files does not preserve installed programs. Make a list of the applications you need and locate their installers, store pages, product keys, or subscription accounts before resetting. Some program data may also be stored outside your usual Documents folder, so check the developer’s instructions.
You can also choose how Windows obtains its installation files:
- Cloud download downloads a fresh Windows image from Microsoft. It can help when local Windows files are damaged, but it needs a reliable internet connection and uses several gigabytes of data.
- Local reinstall uses installation files already on the PC. It is usually quicker and does not need a large download, but it may reuse damaged local files.
For a typical software issue, choose Keep my files with Cloud download if your internet connection is reliable and you suspect Windows components are corrupted. Choose Local reinstall when the local recovery files appear healthy or your connection is limited. If you are selling or giving away the PC, select Remove everything and review the drive-cleaning option carefully.
How to reset Windows from Settings or the recovery screen
Save your work, close applications, connect the power adapter, and keep your backup and recovery key available. The labels can vary slightly by Windows update, but these are the current paths for Windows 11 and Windows 10.
Windows 11
- Open Settings and select the recovery page.
Settings > System > Recovery- Select Reset PC beside Reset this PC. The reset choices will appear.
- Choose Keep my files or Remove everything. Windows will explain what each option removes.
- Choose Cloud download or Local reinstall.
- Review the settings summary. Select Change settings if Windows offers additional choices, such as cleaning the drive when removing everything.
- Select Next, read the final summary, and select Reset. The computer will restart several times.
Windows 10
- Open Settings and select the recovery page.
Settings > Update & Security > Recovery- Select Get started under Reset this PC.
- Choose Keep my files or Remove everything.
- Select Cloud download or Local reinstall, if Windows offers both choices.
- Review the additional settings and the list of programs that will be removed. Save that list if it will help you reinstall your software.
- Select Next, confirm the summary, and select Reset.
Do not turn off the PC or force a restart after the reset begins. The process can take a substantial amount of time, depending on the PC, storage drive, download speed, and selected options.
If Windows will not start normally
- Turn on the PC and wait for Windows to begin loading.
- Hold the power button to turn the PC off when Windows starts loading.
- Repeat the interruption until Windows enters Automatic Repair. This normally opens the Windows Recovery Environment after several unsuccessful starts.
- Select Advanced options. The recovery tools will appear.
- Select Troubleshoot, then Reset this PC.
- Choose Keep my files or Remove everything.
- Select Cloud download or Local reinstall, if available, and follow the confirmation screens.
If BitLocker asks for a recovery key, stop and retrieve the correct key before continuing. A Windows installation USB can also provide access to recovery tools, but creating or using one may require another working computer and a valid Windows installation source.
What to do when the reset finishes
Windows will start its first-run setup. Select your region and keyboard layout, connect to a network if requested, and sign in with the Microsoft account or local account you intend to use. Windows may ask you to restore settings or files from a backup; review those choices rather than accepting every option automatically.
You will know the reset has finished when Windows reaches a fresh desktop and the selected personal files are available. Previously installed applications will be absent.
After reaching the desktop, use this order:
- Open Windows Update and install available updates, including optional driver updates only when you know you need them.
- Restart the PC when Windows requests it, then check for updates again until no further required updates are offered.
- Confirm that device encryption or BitLocker is configured as you expect, and store the recovery key safely.
- Install only the applications needed for the first test. Get them from their official publisher, Microsoft Store, or your organization’s approved source.
- Restore personal files from your backup. Copy rather than move the backup at first so the original remains available.
- Test the software problem before reinstalling every old program, browser extension, utility, and driver. Open the affected program, repeat the action that used to fail, and use it long enough to confirm that the issue has not immediately returned.
If the program works before you restore additional software, add older applications one at a time. That makes a newly reintroduced conflict easier to identify.
If the same software problem comes back
A reset that does not fix the problem points away from ordinary Windows file corruption. Check whether the application supports your Windows version and whether it needs a particular runtime, service, driver, or hardware feature. Install updates from the application publisher and use the publisher’s repair or diagnostic tools.
The problem may also involve a graphics, storage, network, or chipset driver. Use drivers from the computer manufacturer or hardware maker rather than random driver-download sites. Run a malware scan if there are unexplained pop-ups, disabled security tools, or unusual account activity.
If crashes continue across several freshly installed programs, check the hardware. Failing memory, an unreliable storage drive, overheating, or power problems can make a clean Windows installation appear to be at fault. Back up your files before running hardware diagnostics.
A clean installation from Windows installation media is more destructive than Reset this PC and requires careful backup, activation, and driver planning. Consider it only when reset and targeted repairs have failed. If you cannot access the recovery key, the data is irreplaceable, the drive may be failing, or the computer is managed by an organization, professional help is safer than repeated reset attempts.
Conclusion
Reset Windows when the operating system itself appears damaged and simpler repairs have not worked. Back up your files and protect your passwords, licenses, and BitLocker recovery information first. Use **Keep my files** for a normal repair, and choose **Remove everything** only when you deliberately want to erase the PC. After Windows returns, update it, reinstall a small set of applications, and test the original problem before rebuilding the system.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will Keep my files preserve my installed programs?
No. It normally preserves personal files in your user folders, but it removes installed desktop applications and many settings. Windows may show a list of removed programs before the reset starts.
How long does a Windows reset take?
The duration varies with the PC, storage speed, internet connection, and reset choices. Cloud download and drive-cleaning options generally take longer. Keep the PC connected to power and do not interrupt it while it is working.
Can I reset Windows if I forgot my password?
You may be able to reset from the recovery environment, but encrypted devices can require the BitLocker recovery key. If you use a Microsoft account, recover that account before proceeding. Do not erase the PC until you know you can access the data you need.