Resetting a Windows 10 laptop sounds simple enough, but honestly, it can be kinda frustrating trying to get it just right — especially if things go sideways or the process stalls. It’s basically like hitting the refresh button, wiping out the clutter and bugs, but the devil’s in the details. Sometimes you’ll find that the reset options aren’t as straightforward as they look, or you might run into weird glitches, like Windows hanging on “Preparing to reset” or losing access to your files because of some hidden glitch. Of course, Windows has made it easier than ever with built-in recovery options, but because of course, it has to complicate things, I’ll walk through some of the tweaks and tricks that actually help make this smoother.
How to Reset a Windows 10 Laptop
Method 1: Use the built-in Reset feature from Settings
This is the go-to if your system isn’t totally broken but sluggish or acting weird. Opening Settings, clicking through the menus, and choosing “Reset” can help fix a lot of nastiness. The key thing to note here is, if your Windows isn’t booting properly or you can’t get into Settings, then this method might not work — you might have to boot into recovery mode instead.
Step 1: Open Settings
- Click the Start menu and then the gear icon to open Settings.
- Or press Windows + I for a quicker shortcut.
This menu is basically your control center, where you can tweak just about everything. But sometimes, if Windows is crashing or freezing, you won’t even get here — then it’s time for other approaches.
Step 2: Head to Update & Security
- In Settings, hit Update & Security.
- This is the real hub for troubleshooting and recovery stuff.
It also holds your Windows Update settings and some recovery tools. Think of it as the gear-up zone for fixing your OS.
Step 3: Click on Recovery
- Select the Recovery option from the sidebar.
- If your Windows isn’t working right, this is where you find options for refresh or reset.
If your PC is totally unresponsive or stuck, you might need to access recovery options through advanced startup options, like booting into Safe Mode and choosing “Troubleshoot” > “Reset this PC.”
Step 4: Hit Reset this PC
- Under Reset this PC, click Get Started.
This button launches the reset wizard. Sometimes, it’s finicky or fails to launch if system files are corrupted, so keep that in mind. In those cases, boot into WinRE (Windows Recovery Environment) and navigate to Troubleshoot > Reset this PC directly.
Step 5: Choose what to keep
- Select either Keep my files or Remove everything.
- This impacts whether your personal files stay safe or get wiped out. Be honest about what you want — because on some setups, “Keep my files” still uninstall some apps and settings.
Once you’ve made your choice, Windows will handle the rest, which could take anywhere from half an hour to a few hours depending on your PC’s specs. A weird thing: Sometimes, after clicking reset, it may hang on “Preparing” or “Getting ready”—a sign the reset’s stuck or your system’s having a bad day. In that case, forcing a reboot might be needed, but that can cause other issues, so be cautious.
Method 2: Use Advanced Startup (if the system won’t boot)
This is kinda the backup plan if Windows refuses to start normally or Settings are frozen. Power down your machine, then turn it back on, and as Windows starts, force a shutdown (hold power button) during the Windows logo. Do this 2-3 times, and Windows should boot into the recovery mode called WinRE. From here:
- Select Troubleshoot > Reset this PC
This is where you can get around a broken OS that won’t let you reset through normal routes. Again, be aware that choosing “Remove everything” at this stage will wipe your drive — so make sure your backups are in order if you care about your files.
Tip: Use a bootable USB if the recovery options won’t load
If all else fails, creating a Windows 10 bootable USB with media from Microsoft’s official website can rescue you. Boot from that, select “Troubleshoot”, then “Reset this PC”.Sometimes, that’s the only way to nuke a stubborn problem or if your system refuses to boot into Windows at all.
Why these methods matter
They help because Windows’ internal reset options are designed to nuke malware, fix corruption, or just clear out the clutter, but they’re not foolproof. When Windows gets too messed up, you may need to go into recovery mode manually, or use external media. Also, if you’re noticing weird boot issues, these resets can sometimes resolve them without a full reinstall.
Tips for Resetting a Windows 10 Laptop
- Backup Important Data: Don’t skip this. Use an external drive or cloud service. Because of course, Windows has to make it harder than necessary.
- Charge Your Laptop: You don’t want it dying halfway through, trust me.
- Disconnect peripherals: Keyboards, external drives, printers — unplug those if you can. Some USB devices can mess with the reset.
- Remember your passwords: You’ll need your login info and Wi-Fi passcodes afterwards, so keep those handy.
- Be patient: It can take a while. Don’t panic if it seems stuck or slow — sometimes it’s doing heavy lifting in the background.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I lose all my files if I reset?
If you pick “Keep my files, ” your personal data stays, but apps and settings vanish. Choosing “Remove everything” wipes the slate clean, so don’t do that unless you’re ready for a fresh start.
Can resetting fix malware or viruses?
Yes, especially if you select “Remove everything.” It’s basically starting over, wiping out malware hiding in your system.
How long does it usually take?
Depends on your hardware, but generally between 30 minutes and a few hours. Faster SSDs mean quicker resets, of course.
Is it safe to interrupt a reset?
Not really. Stopping a reset midway can cause further issues or even corrupt your OS. Wait for it to finish.
Can I reset without losing files?
Yep, just choose “Keep my files” — but seriously, back up any important stuff just in case. Weird stuff happens sometimes.
Summary
- Open Settings via the Start menu or Windows + I
- Go to Update & Security
- Select Recovery
- Click Get started under Reset this PC
- Pick what to do with your files and follow prompts
Wrap-up
Resetting a Windows 10 laptop isn’t always a walk in the park, but it’s often the best shot at fixing stubborn software issues. Just make sure to back up first, keep a charger nearby, and be patient for the process to run its course. Sometimes, it’s not perfect — things can get stuck or go wrong — but on the whole, it’s a pretty solid fix for a sluggish or glitchy machine. And honestly, it kind of feels good to wipe stuff clean and start fresh.
Hopefully, this info saves someone a headache or two. Good luck, and don’t forget to keep those backups handy!