How to Reset a Windows 10 Computer | 2 Ways!

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how to reset a windows 10 computer

Discover how to upgrade Windows 10 without wasting your money on your programs and information in this informative manual. When facing a critical system problem, reinstalling Windows 10 may be a viable solution. Read on to learn more.

Understand Windows 10 refresh and reset

If your PC encounters problems, you have options to update, reset, or restore the system from backup in Windows 10. While upgrades and resets may sound similar, but they have differences that should be noticed.

Updates, used to be called “upgrade your PC” in earlier versions of Windows 10 and older operating systems such as Windows 8, including reinstalling and updating Windows whileining files and personal settings. However, most programs will be removed.

In the latest version of Windows 10, the update was integrated in “Reset this PC” as the “Save My Files” option. This PC reset also includes the “Delete Everything” option, which evolved from the “Restore Your Computer” feature found in older versions of Windows and removes everything during the reset process.

In conclusion, both recovery and reset can fix system errors. It allows you to choose betweenining files or deleting everything. If you want to retain your personal files and installed apps, please try using the method below to upgrade Windows 10 without losing programs.

Method 1: Reset Windows 10 without losing programs by upgrading repairs.

To upgrade Windows 10 without losing programs and data, you can upgrade the repair by running Windows Setup.exe inside Windows 10. Follow these steps to get started:

  • Connect your Windows 10 installation disk to your computer or download MediaCreationTool from Microsoft and use it to create an installation medium or ISO file.
  • Open the installation disk or ISO file and find Setup.exe in the root box or source folder.
  • Accept license conditions upon request.
  • In the Windows 10 settings window, select “Upgrade this PC Now”.
  • Re-accept the license.
  • On the ready to install page, check that “Keep Private Files and Apps” is selected, then click Install to reset Windows 10 without losing files and applications.

During this process, your computer will be restarted several times. As this method allows files and programs not to be affected yet. It may take longer than a normal reset. However, if the program you installed causes system problems, the problem may remain as there are no changes in the custom installed program.

Method 2: Create custom updated images with all programs for reset.

If you want to reset Windows 10 without losing files and apps, you can create custom updated images that include all your information and programs. Follow these steps using the DISM command in Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE):

  1. Press and hold the Shift button while selecting the restart on the login screen or boot your computer from the recovery media or installation disk.
  2. After rebooting the computer, select Troubleshooting > Advanced Options > Recommend Command. You may need to enter your account password to access the command.
  3. In the Command Prompt window, enter the following command and press Enter to run it. This command will create a backup of the current system to the specified location by saving it as an “install.wim” image file. Adjust the position path as desired.
  • dism / Capture-Image /CaptureDir:C:\ /ImageFile:D:\windows10\install.wim /

Tip:

  • /Capture-Image- Capture a drive image to a new .wim file.
  • /CaptureDir- Specify the source directory, the location to be captured.
  • /ImageFile- Specify target location to store the image file.
  • /Name- Specify a name.
  1. Once you have installed additional programs and saved personal files, you can create additional images according to the original recovery image using the /Add-Image option. This option works similarly to advanced image backup.
  • Delete /Pand-Image /ImageNAME OF TRANSLATORS file:D:\windows10\install.wim /CaptureDir:C:\ /
  1. When a recovery image is created, run the following command to reset without losing the program:
  • reagentc /setosimage /path D:\windows10 /index 1

How to reset Windows 10 without a password

Resetting your Windows 10 computer through those settings apps is easy even if you forget your password and can’t log in. However, before proceeding with the reset, bear in mind that you need to back up all your important information. Here’s how you can do factory settings without a password:

  • Press and hold the SHIFT button while sending the restart command on the login screen. Release the Shift button when the “Please wait” screen appears.
  • When the “Select Options” window appears, select “Problem Solving”.
  • Select “Reset this PC”
  • On the next screen, choose “Save My Files” to delete apps and settings but retain personal files. Or choose “Delete Everything” to remove all programs, level settings and files.
  • Choose the way you want to reinstall Windows by downloading the installation file from the cloud or from the current Windows file on your PC.
  • In the “Reset This PC” window, click on “Cleanse Drive Completely” if you plan to sell your PC, or select the “Delete My Files” option if you intend to still use it yourself.
  • Finally, click on the “Reset” button to start the process.

Why should you reset Windows 10 or 11 from factory?

You can consider a factory reset of your Windows 10 or 11 if it is continuously defective or fails to operate slowly, or if you plan to transfer ownership. Factory resets can fix these problems, remove malware and unwanted software, and give a restart. However, bear in mind that factory settings will delete applications, settings, personal file options, and accounts.

Before making a factory setup, it is important to have a backup of your data. If you intend to keep your PC, you will need to install a new application operating system and configure previously deleted settings.

Please note that factory reset differs from deleting a hard drive completely as it protects the operating system in general. However, it is recommended to explore alternative troubleshooting options before using factory settings. Read on to discover how you can reset Windows 10 and 11 by default without losing important data.

>>Also Read: How To Restore Deleted Files on Windows 10 (7 FREE Ways)