In today's fast-paced digital age, we rely heavily on our computers for various tasks. Over time, our Windows operating system may accumulate unnecessary files, software glitches, or performance issues that can slow down our PC. This is where a Windows factory reset from boot comes in handy. But some users don't know how to perform Windows 10 factory reset from boot. So how to perform Windows 10 factory reset from boot? In this comprehensive guide, you'll walk users through the process of resetting your Windows PC from boot, ensuring a fresh start and optimal performance.
Part 1: What does a factory reset Windows do?
A factory reset in Windows essentially restores your computer to its original state, akin to how it was when you first brought it home from the store. This process removes all installed applications, settings, and personal files, giving you a clean slate to work with. It's like hitting the reset button on your PC, erasing any accumulated clutter, software glitches, or performance issues.
By initiating a factory reset, you can effectively address persistent software problems, speed up a sluggish system, or prepare your computer for a fresh start. It's a powerful tool for troubleshooting and rejuvenating your Windows operating system.
Part 2: When to use factory reset Windows?
Factory resetting Windows becomes necessary under specific circumstances. Here are the scenarios when opting for a factory reset is beneficial:
Persistent Software Issues: If your computer is plagued by recurrent software glitches, crashes, or freezes, a factory reset can help rectify these problems by restoring the system to a clean state.
Severe Performance Slowdown: Over time, accumulated files, unnecessary applications, and system clutter can significantly slow down your computer's performance. A factory reset provides a fresh start, improving speed and responsiveness.
Malware or Virus Infections: In cases where your system is heavily infected with malware or viruses, a factory reset can be a drastic but effective measure to remove the threats and restore system integrity.
Preparing for a New User: Before selling or passing on your computer to someone else, performing a factory reset ensures that your personal data and settings are wiped clean, protecting your privacy.
Resolving Unidentified Issues: When facing mysterious or unidentifiable problems with your computer's performance or functionality, a factory reset can serve as a last-resort troubleshooting method.
Remember to back up your important files before proceeding with a factory reset, as this process erases all data on the system.
Part 3: Precautions for using factory reset on Windows 10:
Before proceeding with a factory reset on Windows 10, it's important to take certain precautions to ensure a smooth and successful process. Here are some crucial details to keep in mind:
Back up your important files. This includes your personal documents, photos, music, and videos. You can back up your files to an external hard drive, cloud storage service, or even a USB flash drive.
Deactivate or take a record of all the credentials of the software you have purchased. Once you factory reset your computer, you'll need to reinstall all of your programs and activate them again.
Erase all the data from the hard drive after backup. If you're selling or giving away your computer, you should erase all of the data from the hard drive to prevent the new owner from accessing your personal files.
Ensure that the copy of Windows you have, should not be corrupted. If you're reinstalling Windows from a recovery partition on your hard drive or SSD, make sure that the recovery partition is not corrupted. If it is, you'll need to reinstall Windows from a bootable USB drive or DVD.
By following these precautions, you can perform a factory reset on Windows 10 with confidence, knowing that you've taken the necessary steps to safeguard your data and system integrity.
Part 4: Steps to perform Windows 10 factory reset from boot:
Performing a factory reset from boot in Windows 10 can rejuvenate your system and resolve various issues. Here's a step-by-step guide along with my personal insights for each method:
Method 1: Using Recovery Drive
Step 1: Insert the recovery drive into your computer and restart it.
Step 2: When your computer restarts, you should see a boot menu. Press the key that corresponds to your recovery drive to boot from it.
Step 3: On the Choose an option screen, select Troubleshoot.
Step 4: On the Troubleshoot screen, select Reset this PC.
Step 5: On the Reset this PC screen, select Remove everything.
Step 6: On the Choose a drive screen, select the drive where Windows is installed.
Step 7: On the Reset screen, click Reset to start the factory reset process.
I have used this method to factory reset my Windows 10 computer a few times, and it has always worked successfully. The process is relatively straightforward, but it can take some time to complete, depending on the amount of data on your computer.
Method 2: Using Installation Disk
Step 1: Insert the Windows 10 installation disk into your computer and restart it.
Step 2: When your computer restarts, you should see a boot menu. Press the key that corresponds to your installation disk to boot from it.
Step 3: On the Windows Setup screen, select your language and region, and then click Next.
Step 4: On the Repair your computer screen, click Troubleshoot.
Step 5: On the Troubleshoot screen, select Reset this PC.
Step 6: Follow the same steps from steps 5 to 7 in Method 1 to complete the factory reset process.
I have also used this method to factory reset my Windows 10 computer, and it has also worked successfully. This method is similar to Method 1, but it requires that you have a Windows 10 installation disk.
Method 3: Using the Windows recovery
Step 1: If you can't boot into Windows normally, you can try to factory reset your computer using the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE).
Step 2: To access WinRE, you can either press and hold the Shift key while you click the Restart button in the Windows sign-in screen, or you can restart your computer three times in a row.
Step 3: Once you're in WinRE, select Troubleshoot.
Step 4: On the Troubleshoot screen, select Reset this PC.
Step 5: Follow the same steps from steps 5 to 7 in Method 1 to complete the factory reset process.
I have not had to use this method to factory reset my Windows 10 computer, but I have used it to troubleshoot other problems with my computer. WinRE is a powerful tool that can be used to fix a variety of Windows problems, including factory resetting your computer.
Part 5: Choose new office software after resetting - WPS Office
After performing a factory reset, it's essential to equip your system with efficient office software. One of the best alternatives to Microsoft Office is WPS Office. Here's a brief introduction along with the advantages and how to download it:
WPS Office is a versatile and free office suite that provides seamless compatibility with Microsoft Office files. It enables you to effortlessly create, edit, and save documents in formats like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. This software is fully compatible with both Windows and Mac operating systems.
Advantages of WPS Office
Free and Full-Featured: WPS Office offers free access to robust tools for creating documents, spreadsheets, and presentations. It doesn't compromise on features.
Powerful PDF Toolkit: In addition to standard office functions, WPS Office provides a comprehensive PDF toolkit for handling PDF documents efficiently.
Rich Template Store: It boasts an extensive collection of templates for various document types, saving you time on formatting.
Abundant Functions: WPS Office is equipped with a wide range of functions, ensuring you have all the tools you need for productive work.
Lightweight: Unlike some office suites, WPS Office is light on system resources, ensuring smooth performance even on less powerful computers.
Support for Online Documents: You can seamlessly work on documents stored in the cloud, allowing for easy collaboration and accessibility.
Safe and Stable: WPS Office prioritizes the security and stability of your documents, giving you peace of mind.
Having extensively used WPS Office, I've found it to be an excellent alternative to Microsoft Office. Its intuitive interface and feature-rich environment make it suitable for a wide range of users, from students to professionals.
How to free download WPS Office
To free download WPS Office, visit the WPS Office website and click the "Free Download" button.
Step-by-step guide to installing WPS Office on Windows:
Step 1: Download the WPS Office installer from the WPS Office website.
Step 2: Double-click the installer file to start the installation process.
Step 3: Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.
Once WPS Office is installed, you can start using it to open and edit your Microsoft Office files.
WPS Office is a great option for users who are looking for a free or low-cost alternative to Microsoft Office. It is also a good option for users who need a lightweight office suite that can run on older computers. If you are looking for a compatible office suite that can be used on multiple devices and operating systems, WPS Office is a good choice.
FAQS:
1. Is a factory reset the same as reinstalling Windows?
A factory reset erases everything on your computer and restores it to its original state. Reinstalling Windows means installing a fresh copy while keeping your files and settings.
2. Can I undo a factory reset?
No, a factory reset is irreversible. Make sure you have backed up all important data before proceeding.
Summary
In this comprehensive guide, we've outlined three common methods for performing a factory reset on Windows 10 from boot, providing users with a fresh start for their PCs. Additionally, we introduced WPS Office as a standout alternative to Microsoft Office, highlighting its impressive features and compatibility on both Windows and Mac platforms. With a powerful PDF toolkit, rich template store, and user-friendly interface, WPS Office offers a cost-effective solution for various office tasks. Make the switch to WPS Office for a seamless and productive document editing experience.
