How to restore factory settings on W10
Recently, the demand for restoring factory settings of Windows 10 systems has increased significantly. Many users need to reset the system due to system lags, virus infections, or hardware upgrades. This article will introduce in detail the steps, precautions and relevant hot data of restoring W10 to factory settings to help users complete the operation easily.
1. Preparations before restoring factory settings

Before operating, please make sure you have completed the following preparations to avoid data loss or operation failure:
| steps | Description |
|---|---|
| 1. Back up important data | Save personal files, photos, videos, etc. to an external hard drive or cloud drive. |
| 2. Check the power supply | The notebook needs to be connected to a power adapter to avoid interruption of operation due to insufficient battery. |
| 3. Record activation information | Make sure the system is activated, or back up the product key in advance. |
2. Two methods to restore factory settings
Windows 10 provides two reset methods, users can choose according to their needs:
| method | Applicable scenarios | Operation steps |
|---|---|---|
| keep my files | Only reset system settings, keep personal files | 1. Open Settings > Update & Security > Recovery 2. Select "Keep my files" and follow the prompts to complete |
| Delete all content | Completely wipe system and personal data | 1. Enter the "Restore" option as above 2. Select "Delete everything" and check "Completely clean drive" |
3. Recent popular questions and answers
According to the search data of the entire network in the past 10 days, the following are the TOP5 issues that users are most concerned about:
| Ranking | question | answer |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Do I need to reinstall the driver after restoring to factory settings? | The system will automatically install the basic driver. It is recommended to manually update the graphics card/sound card and other drivers. |
| 2 | How long does the operation take? | Usually 30-60 minutes, SSD is faster, mechanical hard drive is slower. |
| 3 | How to solve reset failure? | You can try to use the Media Creation Tool to repair it through the USB boot disk. |
| 4 | Will pre-installed software be restored? | Brand-name computers will restore OEM software, and assembled machines will only restore pure systems. |
| 5 | C drive space not released after reset? | The Windows.old folder needs to be deleted manually (disk cleanup tool). |
4. Precautions
1.Encrypted data risks: If BitLocker is enabled, the key needs to be backed up in advance, otherwise data may be permanently lost.
2.Multiple system users: Resetting in a dual-system environment may damage the boot partition. It is recommended to use professional tools.
3.Hardware compatibility: Drivers may be missing after old devices are reset, so you need to download the manufacturer's driver package in advance.
5. Extended reading: Technology hot spots in the past 10 days
1.Windows 11 23H2 update: The release of the new version has triggered discussions among users about upgrading, and the compatibility issues of some old devices have attracted attention.
2.The rise of AI PC concept: Microsoft Copilot+PC promotes localized AI computing and drives demand for system resets.
3.Ransomware virus warning: Recently, many corporate data encryption incidents have prompted individual users to strengthen their awareness of system reset protection.
Through the above structured guidance, users can complete the Windows 10 system reset safely and efficiently. If you encounter special problems, it is recommended to contact Microsoft official support or professional technical personnel for assistance.
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