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How to Reset Windows While Keeping Personal Files and Removing Programs
Question details
The user wants to clean up a Windows computer by safely removing installed desktop programs without losing their personal files and folders.
- Product
- Windows
- Device & OS
- Windows
- Scenario
- Resetting a cluttered or used computer to its default state while preserving user documents, photos, and media.
- Observed behavior
- The 'Keep my files' reset option successfully preserves data in default user folders but removes user-installed apps and resets system settings.
Before resetting your PC, ensure you have the necessary product keys or installation files for essential software like Microsoft Office, as you will need to reinstall them after the reset.
Use the Reset this PC Feature in Windows Settings
Use the built-in Windows recovery tool to refresh your system, uninstall third-party software, and keep your personal files intact.
The 'Reset this PC' feature is the safest way to clean up a Windows system. Choosing the 'Keep my files' option ensures that common folders like Documents, Desktop, Downloads, Pictures, Videos, and Music are preserved.
Please note that all installed desktop programs, including applications installed by previous owners, games, and productivity suites, will be completely removed. Your Windows settings will also be restored to their factory defaults.
Click the Start menu and select the gear icon to open Settings, or press the Windows key + I on your keyboard.
In Windows 10, go to 'Update & Security' and select 'Recovery' from the left pane. In Windows 11, navigate to 'System' and then click on 'Recovery'.
Under the 'Reset this PC' section, click on the 'Get started' or 'Reset PC' button to initiate the setup wizard.
When prompted to choose an option, click on 'Keep my files'. This will instruct Windows to remove apps and settings but keep your personal files.
Review the summary of what will be removed, then click 'Reset' to begin. Your computer will restart automatically during the process.
Need to reinstall Office after a PC reset? Try WPS Office
Since a Windows reset removes all installed applications, including Microsoft Office, it is the perfect time to switch to a lightweight, free alternative. WPS Office provides powerful Word, Excel, and PowerPoint tools without the hefty subscription fees, allowing you to seamlessly get back to work on your freshly reset PC.
- 1. Download the Installer: Visit the official WPS Office website and download the free installation package for Windows.
- 2. Install the Software: Run the downloaded executable file and follow the quick on-screen instructions to install the suite.
- 3. Open Your Documents: Launch WPS Office and immediately start opening or editing your retained personal files without any format conversion.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will 'Keep my files' save my installed games or Microsoft Office?
No. The 'Keep my files' option only preserves personal data in folders like Documents, Pictures, and Desktop. All installed applications, including games and Microsoft Office, will be removed and must be manually reinstalled.
Does resetting my PC delete files stored on other drives?
During the reset process, Windows typically asks if you want to remove files from all drives or only the drive where Windows is installed. If you choose only the Windows drive, your secondary drives remain unaffected.
How do I know which programs were uninstalled during the reset?
Once the reset is complete and you log back into Windows, you will find an HTML file named 'Removed Apps' on your desktop. Opening this file will display a comprehensive list of all the programs that were uninstalled.
