Wiping a Windows 10 computer might seem like a daunting task, especially if you’re planning to sell or give it away, or just want to start with a clean slate. The process involves resetting your PC to its factory state, wiping out all personal files, apps, and tweaks you’ve made over time. But, honestly, it’s pretty straightforward once you know where to look. Just make sure you’ve backed up anything important, because this thing deletes everything. Sometimes it’s weird — the reset can hang or take longer than expected, especially if your system’s cluttered — so patience is key. The goal is to have a device that runs fresh, no junk left behind, and ready for a new user or just sharper performance.
How to Fix a Windows 10 Reset that’s not working as expected
Recovery process stuck or failing to start
If clicking “Get Started” in Settings doesn’t do anything or the reset gets stuck halfway, here’s what to try. Sometimes Windows’ built-in recovery tools get wonky, especially if there’s corrupted system files or a recent update gone sideways. Open Settings > Update & Security > Recovery again, then instead of clicking “Get Started, ” try to boot into advanced recovery options. You can do this by holding Shift while clicking Restart from the login screen or Start menu. This’ll take you to the recovery environment, where you can select “Troubleshoot” > “Reset this PC” again. On some setups it’s worth running sfc /scannow in Command Prompt (admin) — it scans and repairs system files, which might be causing issues. Running this command inside Command Prompt in recovery mode can sometimes make the difference.
Slow or failed wipe due to disk errors or encryption
If your drive has bad sectors or is encrypted with BitLocker, the reset might fail or take forever. Check the drive health first with tools like CrystalDiskInfo or run chkdsk /f /r from an elevated Command Prompt. Also, if you have BitLocker enabled (which is common on OEM laptops), you’ll need to decrypt the drive first — head to Control Panel > System and Security > BitLocker Drive Encryption and turn it off. This way, the reset won’t stumble over encrypted data. Keep in mind, the reset process might be much faster after decryption, especially if the drive was heavily encrypted.
Resetting via ISO or bootable media when Windows won’t cooperate
Sometimes, Windows just refuses to reset, or the UI is corrupted. In this case, creating a bootable Windows 10 installer USB with the Media Creation Tool (download from Microsoft’s site) is a good move. Boot from that USB, select “Repair your computer, ” go to Troubleshoot > Reset this PC, or even re-install Windows entirely. This is especially handy if your PC is infected or has corrupted files that can’t be fixed from within Windows. Just don’t forget to have your product key or digital license ready, because you might need it later.
Remember: Always double-check your backup before starting
Because of course, Windows has to make it harder than necessary. Double check that all your important files, pictures, and docs are stored somewhere safe — whether that’s a cloud service like OneDrive, Google Drive, or an external drive. Once you hit reset, there’s no turning back. And if you’re planning to pass the machine on, this is your last chance to make sure no personal info is lurking around.
Wiping your PC can be a little nerve-racking — not sure why it works sometimes and not others, but it’s part of the game. Whether you’re just doing basic reset or trying to fix a stubborn system, patience and backup are your buddies. Happy wiping!
Summary
- Back up all important stuff first, always.
- Try to run the reset from Settings > Update & Security > Recovery.
- If it’s stuck or won’t start, boot into recovery mode with Shift + Restart.
- Run system file checks like
sfc /scannowif needed. - Check drive health and encryption status if the process is slow or fails.
- Use a Windows recovery USB if nothing else works.
Wrap-up
Wiping a Windows 10 machine isn’t totally foolproof — sometimes it’s a bit of trial and error, especially if stuff’s been wonky or updates broke things. But generally, if you approach it with a plan, it works out. Just remember to back everything up, keep your tools handy, and be patient. Hopefully, these tips help avoid the endless waiting or a reset that never finishes. Fingers crossed this helps someone get that fresh start done without too much drama.