If you don’t see a shortcut for it, pressWin+i.

WithSystemselected on the left side, chooseRecoveryon the right.

There areonline backup servicesandoffline backup programs.

Settings in Windows 11 Start menu

Pick how you want to reinstall Windows:Cloud downloadorLocal reinstall.

SelectNextto begin the reset.

Keep your laptop plugged in during this whole process to avoid issues.

Recovery in Windows 11 System Settings

Windows 10

The Reset This PC process is similar for Windows 10.

From theStartmenu, go toSettings>Update & Security.

ChooseRecoveryfrom the left, and thenGet startedfrom the right.

Reset PC in Windows 11 Settings

ChooseKeep my filesto store your documents.

Although unlikely, your personal files might get wiped should something unexpected happen.

Youll see a message sayingThis wont take longas the system readies your machine for a reset.

Keep my files in Reset This PC for Windows 11

ChooseResetto confirm and start the process.

Factory resetting your Lenovo laptop may take a long time.

To ensure it goes smoothly, keep your laptop plugged in to a power source.

Cloud Download and Local Reinstall in Reset This PC in Windows 11

Here’s how in Windows 11:

OpenSettingsfrom the Start menu.

SelectSystemfrom the left-hand side, and thenRecoveryfrom the right.

Pick how you want to reinstall Windows.

Next in Reset This PC for Windows 11

From the Start menu, go toSettings>Update & Security.

SelectRecoveryon the left, thenGet startedon the right.

If youll be keeping your PC, selectRemove everything>Just remove my files.

Update and Security option from Windows Settings menu

If you don’t see the second option, selectChange settingsand toggleData erasureon.

If you choose this route, theres no way to walk it back.

Whichever option you select, chooseResetwhen youre ready to begin.

Get started button under Reset this PC from the Recovery section of Windows Settings

Should You Reboot or Reset Your Lenovo Laptop?

Most computer problems can be fixed without a full reset.

Reinstalling the entire operating system is a wide fix, but it’s not always necessary.

Keep my files option from the Reset this PC dialog box in Windows

You might be better off first trying toreboot the computer.

It won’t erase anything and is often the first step when troubleshooting PC problems.

On the other hand, a reset is definitely preferred if you’re selling your laptop.

Getting things ready message that appears when a PC prepares to reset

Reset button when factory resetting a computer running Windows 10

Reset PC in Windows 11 Settings

Remove everything in Reset This PC for Windows 11

Get started button from the Reset this PC section of the Windows 10 Settings menu

Just remove my files option from Reset this PC dialog box on Windows 10

Remove files and clean the drive option from the Reset this PC dialog box on Windows 10

Reset button to factory reset a PC running on Windows 10