You even have the option of keeping or removing your personal files in the process!
In Windows 8, this tool exists as two distinct and similarly-named processes:Refresh Your PCandReset Your PC.
If itisn’tstarting correctly, use theRepair your computerlink after booting from your installation media or recovery drive.
Troubleshoot ASO Menu in Windows 10.
We list several ways in that piece, so one is likely to work out.
Once at the ASO menu, selectTroubleshoot.
Choose the Reset Option You Want
From the Troubleshoot screen, chooseReset this PC.
Troubleshoot ASO Menu in Windows 10.
That’s coming up next in Step 3.
This screen looks a little different in Windows 8.
), orReset your PCif you want to reinstall Windows 8withoutkeeping any of your files.
Troubleshoot ASO Menu in Windows 8.
In case you’re not aware, resetting your PC isverydifferent from rebooting it.
This article covers resetting, but you might actually be looking for information onrebooting your PC.
SeeReboot vs. Resetfor a full explanation of their differences and why it matters so much.
Choose eitherKeep my files,Remove everything, orRestore factory settingsto continue.
Windows will back up your personal data and tuck it away safely while it reinstalls itself from scratch.
When complete, Windows will appear much like when you first bought your rig or installed it yourself.
Windows will erase everything on the drive its installed onto and then reinstall itself from scratch.
When complete, Windows will appear much like when you first bought your machine or installed it yourself.
Youmayneed to reconfigure some custom prefs and youwillneed to reinstall any software you want again.
Not Sure Which to Choose?
Starting over after a major malware infection is another good reason.
Only the last option, if present, allows you to keep your preinstalled software programs and apps!
Choose How to Reinstall Windows
Pick how you want Windows to be reinstalled.
You have two options that essentially do the same thing.
SelectLocal reinstallto have your PC use the system files already on your system to reinstall the OS.
Most people should choose the cloud option unless you have a reason not to.
If you have a decent internet connection, this will work faster than the local option.
Instead of Windows starting up as usual, you’ll see thisPreparingscreen.
This is pretty much what you’re thinkingthe Reset This PC process is loading.
There’s nothing to do here but wait, and probably only for several seconds.
Select your account, or whatever account is listed that you know the password for.
SeeHow to Reset Your Microsoft Account Passwordfor help.
What Are My Options?.
Choose eitherJust remove my filesorFully clean the driveto continue.
ChooseResetonce you’re absolutely sure that this is what you want to do.
In Windows 11/10, the Reset This PC process will begin immediately after you do this.
In Windows 8, you may see a second button that you’ll need to press before continuing.
If you decided to keep your personal files, those were backed up first.
Expect this part of the reset process to take 10 to 30 minutes on most computers.
You’re almost there!
Just a few more things and you’ll be back to using your setup!
If you chose to keep your files, expect this stage to take 5 minutes or less.
If you chose to remove everything, expect this stage to take 10 to 20 minutes.
Either way, you’re almost done…
Welcome back to your rig!
Assuming all went well with Reset This PC, you should again have working access to your gear.
Where Are All My Programs?
Reset This PC removed every non-original app and software program.
