Resetting a Windows 10 laptop sometimes feels like a necessary evil — especially when it’s running slow, throwing errors, or just refuses to behave. It’s kind of weird, but doing a reset can really clear out the cobwebs and get things running smoother, like a fresh install without the hassle of reinstalling everything manually. Just make sure to back up anything important first; because of course, Windows has to make it harder than necessary, and your files might vanish if you’re not careful. Plus, it’s not always instant — on some setups, the reset process can take quite a while, so patience is key.
How to Fix a Windows 10 Laptop by Resetting It
Method 1: Using the Settings menu to Reset Windows 10
Starting with the built-in reset option is usually the easiest way, especially if your system is still booting normally. It helps restore your PC back to factory settings, which can fix tons of weird glitches and performance issues. Here’s how it usually goes:
- Open Settings: Hit the Start menu and click on the gear icon, or press Windows key + I. This is your gateway to all system tweaks.
- Select Update & Security: Inside Settings, go to Update & Security. Not gonna lie, it’s a clustered little menu, but you want the recovery options here.
- Choose Recovery: On the left sidebar, click Recovery. This is where Windows keeps its emergency reset tools.
- Click on Reset this PC: Under the Recovery heading, hit the button that says Reset this PC and then click Get started. This is where the magic begins, but note: the options you pick here determine what happens next.
- Pick your reset option: You’ll see choices like Keep my files or Remove everything. If you’re just troubleshooting, the first can keep your docs intact but wipe apps, while the second is pretty thorough, perfect for selling or scrapping the device. After that, just follow the prompts and wait. On some machines, it works right away, on others, it stalls or loops — so don’t get upset if it’s not instant.
Method 2: Booting into Windows Recovery Mode for a Reset
Sometimes Windows won’t boot properly, or the reset option is grayed out. No worries, you can force Windows into recovery mode. Here’s the usual way:
- Hold down the Shift key and click Restart from the login or power menu.
- Windows will reboot into a special menu. Pick Troubleshoot.
- Go to Reset this PC and choose your preferred reset option.
This route is good if Windows is totally busted or won’t open normally. The reset process should look familiar, and you’ll finally get a fresh start, even if your OS was being stubborn.
Tips for Resetting and Making It Less Painful
- Definitely back up your files first, because deciding to wipe everything will do just that — wipe. Cloud storage or external drives work fine.
- Plug the laptop into power — because an interrupted reset can mess things up worse than your slow laptop.
- If you want to keep personal documents but wipe apps and settings, pick the Keep my files option — it’s usually less stressful.
- For a clean slate, especially if planning to sell, choose the Remove everything, and consider cleaning the drives if you have the tools.
- After reset, connect to Wi-Fi, run Windows Update, and re-install any crucial apps.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will resetting delete all my files?
If you select Remove everything, yes, all personal data is going bye-bye. But if you go with Keep my files, your docs stay put, though apps are wiped out.
How long does it usually take?
Depends on your hardware and what you choose, but generally anywhere from 30 minutes to a couple hours — especially if it’s removing everything and updating drivers at the same time.
Is backing up really necessary?
The short answer: yes. You don’t want to lose irreplaceable photos or docs just because of an oversights. Better safe than sorry, especially with a reset that’s all or nothing.
Can I cancel once it starts?
Best not to. Interrupting the reset can lead to messy system errors, so only do it if you’re ready to lose the current state of your machine.
What about my installed apps and programs?
They’re gone after a reset, similar to a fresh install. You’ll have to reinstall the ones you need afterward, which is kind of annoying, but that’s how it goes if you want that clean system vibe.
Summary
- Open Settings, Update & Security → Recovery
- Click Reset this PC
- Choose to keep files or remove everything
- Follow prompts and wait — it’s not instant, so patience helps
Wrap-up
Resetting a Windows 10 laptop can be a real game-changer, tidying up the mess and fixing issues that stubbornly stick around. It’s not a fun process, but the results can be worth it—faster, cleaner, less hair-pulling. Just make sure you’ve got backups and patience, and it’s usually smooth sailing. Hopefully, this shaves off a few hours for someone. At the very least, it’s a solid move to keep your system in check. Fingers crossed this helps someone get their device back to life.