Are you considering resetting your PC to its factory settings, but you’re worried about losing all your files, settings, and apps? You’re not alone! In this in-depth guide, we’ll dive into the world of PC resetting, exploring what happens when you hit that reset button, what gets deleted, and what stays intact.
What is a PC Reset, and Why Would You Need It?
Before we dive into the nitty-gritty of what gets deleted, let’s first understand what a PC reset is and why you might need it.
A PC reset, also known as a system restore or factory reset, is a process that restores your computer to its original state, wiping out all installed apps, settings, and data. This can be a lifesaver when your PC is plagued by malware, viruses, or system crashes, or when you want to start from scratch.
You might need to reset your PC for various reasons, such as:
- Malware and virus infections: When your PC is infected with malware or viruses, a reset can be the most effective way to remove the infection and restore your system to its original state.
What Happens When You Reset Your PC?
So, what exactly happens when you hit that reset button? The process varies depending on the type of reset you choose and the operating system you’re running. Here’s a general breakdown of what you can expect:
Windows 10 Reset Options
Windows 10 offers two reset options:
Keep My Files
The “Keep My Files” option removes all installed apps, settings, and Windows updates, but keeps your personal files, such as documents, pictures, and videos, intact. This option is ideal when you want to remove bloatware or unwanted apps without losing your important files.
Remove Everything
The “Remove Everything” option is a more aggressive reset, which wipes out all installed apps, settings, files, and data, restoring your PC to its original factory state. This option is suitable when you want to sell or recycle your PC, or when you’re experiencing severe system problems that can’t be resolved with the “Keep My Files” option.
What Gets Deleted?
When you reset your PC, several things get deleted or removed, including:
- Installed apps and software: All installed apps, games, and software will be removed, along with their associated settings and data.
- Settings and configurations: Customized settings, such as display settings, sound settings, and network configurations, will be restored to their default state.
- Windows updates: All installed Windows updates will be removed, and your PC will revert to the original version installed on the device.
What Stays Intact?
While a PC reset can be a scary thought, there’s some good news: some things remain intact, including:
Personal Files
If you choose the “Keep My Files” option, your personal files, such as:
- Documents
- Pictures
- Videos
- Music
will be preserved, unless you’ve installed apps that store data in these folders.
Hardware Drivers
Your PC’s hardware drivers, which control the functioning of your devices, such as graphics cards, sound cards, and network adapters, will remain intact.
Product Keys and Activation
Your Windows product key and activation status will be preserved, so you won’t need to reactivate your operating system after the reset.
Preparing for a PC Reset
Before hitting that reset button, it’s essential to prepare your PC and backups to ensure a smooth transition:
Backup Your Files
Even if you choose the “Keep My Files” option, it’s crucial to back up your important files to an external hard drive, cloud storage, or USB drive. This ensures that you don’t lose any critical data in case something goes wrong during the reset process.
Deactivate and Uninstall Apps
Deactivate any subscription-based apps, such as Microsoft Office or Adobe Creative Cloud, to avoid losing access to these services after the reset.
Disconnect External Devices
Disconnect any external devices, such as USB drives, printers, or scanners, to prevent data loss or corruption during the reset process.
Conclusion
Resetting your PC can be a daunting task, but knowing what to expect and preparing your PC beforehand can make the process much smoother. Remember to back up your files, deactivate and uninstall apps, and disconnect external devices before hitting that reset button.
By understanding what gets deleted and what stays intact, you can make an informed decision about whether a PC reset is right for you. So, take a deep breath, and hit that reset button – your PC will thank you!
What is resetting a PC and why would I need to do it?
Resetting a PC means reverting it to its original state, removing all installed programs, settings, and files. You may need to reset your PC if it’s running slowly, experiencing errors, or if you’ve installed malware that you can’t remove. Additionally, if you’re selling or donating your PC, resetting it will ensure that all personal data is erased.
It’s often the last resort when troubleshooting doesn’t resolve the issue. However, with the right guidance, you can reset your PC and get it running like new again. Before proceeding, make sure you’ve backed up any important files and data, as the reset process will erase everything.
Will resetting my PC delete everything?
Yes, resetting your PC will delete everything, including all installed programs, settings, and files. This means that all data, documents, pictures, and videos will be erased, and you’ll be left with a PC that’s identical to when you first bought it. Make sure you’ve backed up any important files and data to an external hard drive or cloud storage service before resetting your PC.
It’s essential to understand that resetting your PC is not the same as formatting your hard drive. While both processes erase data, formatting only deletes the data on the hard drive, whereas resetting your PC reinstalls the operating system and removes all installed programs and settings.
How do I back up my files before resetting my PC?
To back up your files, you can use an external hard drive, USB drive, or cloud storage service like Google Drive, Dropbox, or OneDrive. Connect the external device to your PC, and then transfer the files you want to save to the device. Alternatively, you can upload your files to a cloud storage service, which will allow you to access them from any device with an internet connection.
Make sure to back up all important files, including documents, pictures, videos, and music. You should also export your bookmarks, contacts, and other settings from your web browser and email client. Take your time, and double-check that you’ve backed up everything you need before resetting your PC.
What are the different reset options available?
There are typically two reset options: “Keep my files” and “Remove everything.” The “Keep my files” option will remove installed programs and settings but keep your personal files intact. The “Remove everything” option, on the other hand, will delete everything, including your files, programs, and settings.
Choose the “Keep my files” option if you’re experiencing errors or slowdowns but want to preserve your personal data. However, if you’re selling or donating your PC, or if you’ve installed malware that you can’t remove, choose the “Remove everything” option to ensure that all personal data is erased.
How long does the reset process take?
The reset process can take anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours, depending on the speed of your PC and the amount of data to be erased. It’s essential to be patient and not interrupt the process, as this can cause errors or corruption.
During the reset process, your PC will restart multiple times, and you’ll see various screens displaying the progress. You can also monitor the progress from the Windows Settings app. Once the process is complete, your PC will restart, and you’ll be presented with a fresh, out-of-the-box experience.
Will I need to reinstall programs and drivers after resetting my PC?
Yes, you’ll need to reinstall programs and drivers after resetting your PC. Since the reset process erases everything, you’ll need to reinstall all programs, including Microsoft Office, Adobe Photoshop, and other software you use regularly.
You can reinstall drivers from the manufacturer’s website or use Windows Update to download and install the latest drivers. Make sure to also update your operating system to the latest version to ensure you have the latest security patches and features.
Is resetting my PC a safe process?
Yes, resetting your PC is a safe process when done correctly. The process is designed to erase all data and reinstall the operating system, which means that any malware or viruses will be removed. However, it’s essential to back up your files and data before resetting your PC to prevent data loss.
Additionally, make sure you’re connected to a reliable internet connection, as the reset process may require downloading updates and drivers from the internet. Avoid interrupting the process, and let your PC complete the reset process without interference.