Resetting your Windows 10 operating system can be a useful solution when you are facing performance issues, software conflicts, or simply want to start fresh. While there are various ways to reset Windows 10, using Command Prompt is a popular method due to its accessibility and effectiveness. In this blog post, we will explore the challenge of resetting Windows 10, the things you should prepare for, and four different methods to reset your Windows 10 system using Command Prompt.
Video Tutorial:
The Challenge of Resetting Windows 10
Resetting Windows 10 can be challenging for several reasons. Firstly, the process may delete your personal files and installed applications, so it is crucial to back up any important data before proceeding with the reset. Secondly, depending on the method you choose, you may need to have administrative access or a bootable USB drive for the reset process. Lastly, understanding the different options available for resetting Windows 10 and choosing the most suitable method can be confusing for users who are unfamiliar with Command Prompt.
Things You Should Prepare for
Before you begin resetting your Windows 10 system using Command Prompt, there are a few things you should prepare for. Here is a checklist of items you will need:
1. Backup your files: As mentioned earlier, resetting your Windows 10 system can result in the deletion of personal files and applications. It is essential to create a backup of all your important files and folders to an external storage device or cloud storage service, to ensure you do not lose any data.
2. Administrative access: To perform certain Reset options using Command Prompt, you will need administrative access to your Windows 10 system. Make sure you have the necessary credentials or are logged in as an administrator.
3. Bootable USB drive (optional): If you encounter issues while resetting Windows 10 or if your system is unbootable, having a bootable USB drive with a Windows 10 installation media can be helpful. This allows you to access the Command Prompt from the bootable USB drive and perform the reset.
Now that we have covered the essentials, let’s dive into the different methods to reset Windows 10 using Command Prompt.
Method 1: How to Reset Windows 10 via Settings
Using the Settings app is one of the easiest ways to reset Windows 10. Follow these steps:
1. Press the Windows key + I on your keyboard to open the Settings app.
2. Click on "Update & Security."
3. From the left sidebar, select "Recovery."
4. Under the "Reset this PC" section, click on "Get Started."
5. You will be given two options: "Keep my files" or "Remove everything." Choose the option that aligns with your preferences. (Note: Select "Remove everything" if you want to perform a complete reset.)
6. If prompted, enter your current password or PIN.
7. Click on "Next" and then "Reset" to begin the process.
8. Your system will restart and proceed with the reset. This may take some time, so be patient.
Pros:
1. Easy to perform with a familiar user interface.
2. Allows you to choose between keeping personal files or removing everything.
3. Does not require administrative access or a bootable USB drive.
Cons:
1. May not address deep system issues.
2. Cannot recover deleted files or applications.
Pros & Cons:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 1. Easy to perform with a familiar user interface. | 1. May not address deep system issues. |
| 2. Allows you to choose between keeping personal files or removing everything. | 2. Cannot recover deleted files or applications. |
| 3. Does not require administrative access or a bootable USB drive. |
Method 2: How to Reset Windows 10 via Command Prompt
Using Command Prompt allows you to have more control and flexibility during the reset process. Here’s how you can do it:
1. Press the Windows key and type "Command Prompt."
2. Right-click on the Command Prompt result and select "Run as administrator."
3. In the Command Prompt window, type the following command and press Enter:
systemreset -cleanpc
4. A prompt will appear, asking if you want to continue with the reset. Type "Y" for Yes and press Enter.
5. Follow any additional prompts that appear to complete the reset process.
Pros:
1. Provides more control and flexibility.
2. Allows for a deeper reset, potentially addressing more complex issues.
Cons:
1. Requires administrative access.
2. Command line interface may be unfamiliar to beginner users.
Pros & Cons:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 1. Provides more control and flexibility. | 1. Requires administrative access. |
| 2. Allows for a deeper reset, potentially addressing more complex issues. | 2. Command line interface may be unfamiliar to beginner users. |
Method 3: How to Reset Windows 10 Using Installation Media
If you have a bootable USB drive with a Windows 10 installation media, you can use it to reset your Windows 10 system. Here’s how:
1. Insert the bootable USB drive into your computer.
2. Restart your computer and boot from the USB drive.
3. On the Windows Setup screen, select your language preferences, and click "Next."
4. Click on "Repair your computer" at the bottom left corner of the screen.
5. Select "Troubleshoot" and then "Reset this PC."
6. Choose the reset option that suits your needs.
7. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the reset.
Pros:
1. Allows for a reset even when the system is unbootable.
2. Provides access to advanced troubleshooting options.
Cons:
1. Requires a bootable USB drive with Windows 10 installation media.
2. May not be suitable for inexperienced users.
Pros & Cons:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 1. Allows for a reset even when the system is unbootable. | 1. Requires a bootable USB drive with Windows 10 installation media. |
| 2. Provides access to advanced troubleshooting options. | 2. May not be suitable for inexperienced users. |
Method 4: How to Reset Windows 10 Using Recovery Partition
Some computers come with a dedicated recovery partition, which can be used to reset Windows 10. Here’s how to do it:
1. Restart your computer and repeatedly press a key (e.g., F11 or F12) to access the boot options menu.
2. Select the option that corresponds to your recovery partition, usually named "Recovery" or "Reset."
3. Follow the on-screen instructions to initiate the reset process.
Pros:
1. Requires no additional tools or installations.
2. Allows for a recovery even when the system is unbootable.
Cons:
1. Availability of a recovery partition varies depending on the manufacturer.
2. May not be available on custom-built computers.
Pros & Cons:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 1. Requires no additional tools or installations. | 1. Availability of a recovery partition varies depending on the manufacturer. |
| 2. Allows for a recovery even when the system is unbootable. | 2. May not be available on custom-built computers. |
Why Can’t I Reset Windows 10?
There might be several reasons why you are unable to reset Windows 10. Here are a few common ones and their possible fixes:
1. Lack of administrative access: Make sure you are signed in as an administrator or have the necessary administrative credentials to perform the reset.
2. Corrupted system files: If your Windows 10 installation contains corrupted system files, it may prevent the reset process. In this case, you can try running the System File Checker (SFC) utility to repair the files. Open Command Prompt as an administrator and type the command sfc /scannow.
3. Insufficient disk space: Free up disk space on your system drive by deleting unnecessary files or uninstalling unused applications. Windows 10 requires a certain amount of free space to perform a reset.
Additional Tips
Here are three additional tips to keep in mind when resetting Windows 10 using Command Prompt:
1. Create a system restore point: Before performing any reset, it is recommended to create a system restore point. This allows you to roll back to a previous state if any issues arise during or after the reset process. You can create a restore point by searching for "Create a restore point" in the Windows 10 search bar.
2. Verify your backup: Ensure that your backup is complete and accessible before proceeding with a reset. It is always better to double-check than to lose important data.
3. Update your drivers and software: After performing a reset, make sure to update your drivers and applications to the latest versions. This helps ensure compatibility and can improve system performance.
5 FAQs about Resetting Windows 10
Q1: Can I reset Windows 10 without losing my personal files?
A: Yes, you have the option to keep your personal files during the reset process. However, it is still recommended to create a backup of your important files as a precaution.
Q2: How long does it take to reset Windows 10?
A: The time it takes to reset Windows 10 varies depending on multiple factors such as system specifications, amount of data being reset, and the chosen reset option. It can range from a few minutes to several hours.
Q3: Will resetting Windows 10 remove all my installed applications?
A: Yes, resetting Windows 10 removes all installed applications. Make sure to reinstall any required software after the reset.
Q4: Can I cancel the reset process?
A: In most cases, you cannot cancel the reset process once it has started. It is important to ensure that you have a full backup and are ready to proceed before initiating the reset.
Q5: Do I need an internet connection to reset Windows 10?
A: An internet connection is not required to perform a reset using the methods mentioned above. However, some steps during the reset process may require an internet connection to complete, such as downloading the latest Windows updates.
In Conclusion
Resetting Windows 10 can be a helpful solution when you encounter performance issues, software conflicts, or simply want a fresh start. Using Command Prompt provides flexibility and control during the reset process. In this blog post, we explored the challenge of resetting Windows 10, the things you should prepare for, and four different methods to reset your Windows 10 system using Command Prompt. Remember to follow the necessary precautions, such as creating a backup and verifying your data, before proceeding with a reset.