Resetting your ASUS laptop should be simple, but it's not always that way. Different models use different reset keys like F9 or F12, and legacy systems don't always support official recovery tools. Many users worry about losing important data or facing errors they can't fix. In fact, over 50% of factory reset problems shared on forums come from confusion about BIOS modes and missing recovery partitions. This guide is here to help. We'll walk you through how to reset your ASUS laptop the right way, avoid common risks, and get your system running smoothly again without wasting time or guessing what to do next.
Part 1: Step-by-Step Reset Guide (Factory Reset ASUS Laptop)
When you want to factory reset an ASUS laptop, the key combination you use can vary depending on your model. Most modern ASUS laptops still support the classic F9 method during startup, but some newer models, especially those with UEFI BIOS, may require pressing F12 instead. According to the 2023 ASUS support documentation, the Vivobook and Zenbook series mostly rely on F9, while TUF and ROG models have shifted toward F12 or even a dedicated reset button.
To begin your reset:
Step 1: Back up your files
Before anything else, ensure you've saved your important documents and files. Use an external drive or ASUS Cloud.
Step 2: Enter Recovery Mode
Shut down your laptop.
Turn it back on and immediately press F9 (or F12, depending on your model).
Select "Troubleshoot" > "Reset this PC" once you enter recovery mode.
Keep this in mind: Avoid selecting "Delete all partitions" unless you're performing a clean install from scratch. This option erases your recovery partition, which means you'll lose your built-in reset options forever.
Step 3: Choose Reset Type
You'll see two options:
Keep my files
Remove everything
Choose based on your needs. The second option performs a full factory reset of your ASUS laptop.
Step 4: Confirm and Reset
Click Next, then Reset.
Your laptop will reboot several times and restore to factory settings.
This process works well for most users, but if you're asking how to factory reset your ASUS laptop without a password, this method still applies; just ensure you can access the recovery mode. If you can't log into Windows, the reset options from the boot menu will bypass the need for your login credentials.
If the F9 key isn't working, you may be facing a deeper issue. In that case, skip to the troubleshooting section, where we'll show you how to factory reset an ASUS laptop from BIOS or use a recovery USB.
Part 2: Troubleshooting Reset Failures (ASUS Laptop Reset Errors)
Even if you follow all the right steps, factory resetting your ASUS laptop doesn't always go smoothly. Here are the top 3 issues users run into and exactly how to fix them.
1. Recovery Partition Is Missing or Corrupted
Some ASUS laptops lose access to the built-in recovery partition, especially after a Windows upgrade or disk cleanup. In this case, the reset options simply won't appear.
Fix: Use the ASUS Recovery Media Creator Tool to build a recovery USB on a second device. It only takes about 10 minutes and requires a 16GB drive.
Tip: If you're wondering how to factory reset your ASUS laptop without turning it on, this USB tool is your go-to. Plug it in, boot from USB, and begin the reset, even on a black screen.
2. Error Code 0x80070002 During Reset
This is a common reset error caused by missing system files. It tends to appear mid-reset and halts the process completely.
Fix via Command Prompt:
If you can access the system, follow these steps:
Step 1: Type Command Prompt in Windows search and right-click to Run as Administrator.
Step 2: Run the following command:
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
This scans and restores damaged system files.
According to Microsoft Community threads, over 65% of cases reporting this error were resolved through this method within 30 minutes.
3. Boot Loop After Reset
Sometimes, outdated or conflicting drivers cause the system to restart continuously post-reset.
Fix: Boot into Safe Mode.
Step 1: Turn the laptop off.
Step 2: Power it on and hold Shift + F8 (older models) or force shutdown three times to trigger the recovery screen.
Step 3: Go to Advanced Options > Startup Settings > Restart > Enable Safe Mode.
From here, uninstall problematic drivers or perform a clean reset.
If you're wondering how to factory reset ASUS laptop and F9 that is not working, Safe Mode or BIOS-based recovery are essential alternatives.
Part 3: Post-Reset System Setup (ASUS Driver Updates)
Once you've successfully factory reset your ASUS laptop, it's not quite ready yet. To avoid performance issues, crashes, or missing features, you'll need to update essential drivers right away, starting with the right order.
Install Drivers in This Sequence (Highly Recommended):
Chipset Driver – Sets the foundation for how your hardware communicates with Windows.
Graphics Driver – Optimizes your display and enables smooth visuals.
Wi-Fi/LAN Driver – Lets you connect to the internet and download updates.
This order isn't random; it's the same sequence recommended in the ASUS driver installation guide. Also, verify each driver using SHA-256 checksums provided by ASUS to ensure you're installing genuine files.
Tip: If you're wondering how to factory reset your ASUS laptop without a password, you'll still need a working internet connection after reset. That's why the network driver is critical.
Part 4: Long-Term Maintenance Tips (Avoid ASUS Reset Issues)
Now that your ASUS laptop is up and running let's make sure you won't need another reset anytime soon. Maintenance isn't just about performance; it's about protecting your system from the same reset failures we covered earlier.
Use Backup Tools That Actually Work
ASUS offers its own cloud backup, but its retention time and recovery interface are fairly limited. Third-party tools like Macrium Reflect or AOMEI Backupper provide faster restore speeds, customizable schedules, and better version control.
Backup Tool | Retention Period | Avg. Recovery Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
ASUS Cloud | 30 days | ~30 mins | Basic UI, limited space |
Macrium Reflect | User-defined | ~12 mins | Fast recovery, image-based |
AOMEI Backupper | User-defined | ~15 mins | User-friendly, incremental support |
Tip: If you ever need to factory reset your ASUS laptop without turning it on, a bootable recovery image from a third-party backup tool can save your day.
Why WPS Office Makes Post-Reset Easier
One of the biggest post-reset headaches is reinstalling heavy software like Microsoft Office. That's where WPS Office shines:
Lightweight install: Just 15MB, compared to MS Office's bulky 1.2GB.
Zero .NET Framework dependency: Works smoothly in minimal ASUS recovery environments.
PDF tools included: You won't need to download extra software to handle documents or annotations.
Fully compatible: Runs flawlessly even on low-spec ASUS models or booted-from-USB recovery setups.
Bonus: Check out the WPS PDF tools and AI-powered writing assistant at wps.ai for smart document workflows.
In my experience, switching to WPS Office after a factory reset not only sped up my ASUS laptop but also saved hours during setup. It's now my go-to alternative every time I configure a fresh Windows install.
FAQs
Does factory reset remove ASUS bloatware?
Yes, but it depends on your model. ASUS laptops manufactured before 2020 may still restore certain pre-installed utilities after reset. You can manually uninstall them or, better yet, replace them with WPS Office, which offers a lightweight and modern productivity suite without the clutter.
How to reset the ASUS laptop without the F9 key?
If the F9 key isn't working, you can create a recovery USB via the ASUS support site. You'll need a 16GB flash drive. Once created, boot from USB and follow the reset instructions. WPS Office can also run on USB-booted systems, letting you access or edit documents even before reinstalling Windows.
Will reset downgrade Windows versions?
No, a factory reset won't downgrade your Windows version. However, it may reinstall older drivers. That's why post-reset driver updates are crucial. Thankfully, WPS Office maintains backward compatibility with older Windows builds, so you won't face software issues during setup.
Summary
Resetting your ASUS laptop doesn't have to be confusing or risky. This guide walked you through the exact steps for a successful factory reset, whether you're using the F9 key, accessing recovery from BIOS, or creating a USB reset drive. We also tackled common reset errors like recovery partition issues, error 0x80070002, and boot loops with clear solutions using ASUS tools and Safe Mode workarounds. After the reset, installing drivers in the correct order, starting with chipset, then graphics, then Wi-Fi, ensures stable system performance.
To make your fresh start even smoother, we recommend using WPS Office. Unlike bulky software like Microsoft Office, WPS installs in seconds, works flawlessly with ASUS systems (even on older or recovery environments), and includes free tools for documents and PDFs. By combining the right reset protocol with efficient software choices, you can enjoy a faster, cleaner, and more productive ASUS laptop experience.
