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These will all be lost during the process.
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Make a backup of all your documents and files.You will need an Internet connection, sufficient storage (16 GB is recommended), and a computer that meets Windows 10 system requirements.If you have tried all other repair methods, including the factory reset that removes everything from your computer, a clean install may be the only option you have left.
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Otherwise, your files and documents will all be removed. The computer will reset to Windows 10 factory conditions and save any documents you have if you choose to keep your files. Now choose whether you want to “Keep files” or “Remove everything” and continue. Click the “Get started” button found underneath that. You should see “Reset this PC” on the right. Choose “Settings” from the menu.Ĭlick on “Update & Security.” Then click “Recovery” on the left side. Here are the steps to perform a system reset if you are having computer problems and want to reset the computer to factory standards: In this case, you have worked through troubleshooters and cannot resolve a serious problem any other way.Īt that point, you would reset the computer as a last resort before a clean install. If you have Windows 10 on your computer, it is usually best to try the “Reset” feature before attempting a clean install for computer trouble. Keep in mind, though, if there are programs that you want to keep, you will need to reinstall those after the clean install.Ī clean install is also sometimes needed for certain computer issues. This saves you from going through and manually uninstalling all of it. Before you add files from your old computer, install new programs, or make any setting changes, you can perform a clean install of the OS to get rid of the bloatware that was installed in the factory. Because of all this, it is much better to simply clean install the new version of the OS.Īnother good reason to perform a clean install is if you purchase a new computer. Chances are good, even if the upgrade completes, you will still end up spending time reinstalling programs that will not run because they are set to run on the old OS.Īlso, upgrades will transfer all the bloatware that came originally installed on your computer. Upgrades don’t just transfer the files and apps you need they transfer everything including some registry changes from old, uninstalled programs that you might not want on the new version of your operating system (OS). Yes, Microsoft offers “upgrade” options that promise to painlessly transfer all your files, documents, settings, and programs, but in actuality, these hang during the upgrade and sometimes create big problems. The first and foremost reason you would perform a clean install is if you are upgrading your computer. Only your system and hardware are evaluated.
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