Vision Tech

Home / Windows laptops & PCs

Windows laptops & PCsAdvanced2 min read

How to reset this PC (and keep your files safe)

Reset this PC reinstalls Windows. It can fix serious problems or prepare a laptop for a new owner, but it is a big step and can erase your files and programs if you choose the wrong option.

Back up first

Before you start, copy everything you care about, such as photos, documents and downloads, to a USB drive or OneDrive. Check you can open the copies. Make a note of your Microsoft account sign-in, your Wi-Fi password, and any licence keys for programs. Plug in the charger. You will need to reinstall your programs afterwards.

Step by step

  1. Open Settings by pressing the Windows key and I together.
  2. Windows 11: choose System, then Recovery. Windows 10: choose Update & Security, then Recovery.
  3. Under Reset this PC, click Reset PC (Windows 11) or Get started (Windows 10).
  4. Choose Keep my files to remove apps and settings but keep personal files. Or choose Remove everything to erase all. Pick Keep my files unless you are selling or giving the laptop away.
  5. Choose Cloud download or Local reinstall. Either is fine. Cloud download needs the internet and uses a few gigabytes of data.
  6. Read the final summary carefully, then click Reset and leave the laptop plugged in. It restarts several times. Do not switch it off.

If that did not work

  • If you cannot reach Settings, hold the power button to switch off during start-up two or three times to bring up the blue recovery screen, then choose Troubleshoot, then Reset this PC.
  • If the reset fails and rolls back, try again with Keep my files, or make more space first.
  • Afterwards, run Windows Update and reinstall your apps from their official websites.

When to get more help

Stop and email us if you do not have a backup and cannot make one, you are asked for a recovery key, the laptop belongs to work or school, or the reset fails more than once. Please do not use Remove everything if there is any doubt about your files. Tell us what is on the laptop and what problem you are trying to solve.

Did this help? If you are still stuck, email Vision Tech and tell us what you can see on the screen. Menus and button names can differ slightly between versions and makes. If something does not match, stop and ask rather than guess.

Related guides

Windows laptops & PCsMediumHow to back up your filesA backup is a second copy of your files kept somewhere else.Windows laptops & PCsMedium'This app can't run on your PC' and programs that will not installThese messages are usually about compatibility: the program was not made for your version of Windows, or something is stopping it from installing.Windows laptops & PCsEasyHow to check your Windows version, PC specs and Windows 11 readinessKnowing what Windows you have and what your PC is made of helps when buying software, getting support, or deciding whether you can upgrade to Windows 11.