Don't know how to reset my device (Windows 10)

If you want to delete all the personal data in your computer and start from scratch, consider reinstalling your operating system.

To learn how to reinstall the operating system, check out the don't know how to (re-)install the operating system solutions.

Windows 10 offers an easy way for you to reset your computer, without having to reinstall it manually (From the DVD).

To reset Windows 10:

1. Go to the Start menu -> Settings.
   
   

   
   
   

2. Select Update and Recovery/Security (depends on the Windows version).
   
   

   
   
   

3. Select Recovery (if you clicked on Update & security) -> Click Get started under Reset this PC.
   
   

   
   
   

4. Select Remove everything.
   
   

   
   
   

5. Choose whether to fully clean your drive or not.
     * Bear in mind that Removing files and cleaning the drive will take much more time than the option Just remove my files.
   
   

   
   
   

6. Click Reset to start the procedure.
   
   

   

Note: you may notice the option Restore factory settings on some computers. If you select it, will reinstall any applications your computer manufacturer installed on your computer.

Do not interrupt the process to prevent data loss. If you use a laptop, connect it to its AC Adapter.

The System Restore feature ‘rewinds' your Windows to a certain restore point in the past when your computer was working properly, without affecting your documents. 

To restore your computer:

1. Go to the start menu -> Type sysdm.cpl -> Click sysdm.cpl
   
   
   
   
2. Select the System Protection tab -> Click the Windows 10 C: drive -> Select System Restore
   

   

   
   
   
3. Click Next
   

   

   
   
   
4. Select Choose a different restore point -> Click Next
   

   

   
   
   
5. Select Show more restore points -> Choose a restore point (from the yellow part of the window) -> Scan for affected programs (optional)
   

   

   Click Close once you see the list of affected programs
   

   

   
   
   
6. Click Next
   

   

   
   
   
7. Click on Finish
   

   

   
   
   

Note: In order for this feature to work you need a restore point from the period when your computer was working properly. If you didn't create one, (usually they are created automatically) this solution won't work for you.  Check out the other solutions.

By refreshing Windows 10, you won't lose all of your personal files such as pictures, music, videos, Only the settings will be reverted to the factory ones.

To refresh Windows 10:

1. Go to the Start menu -> Settings
   

   
   
   
   

2. Select Update and Recovery/Security (depends on the Windows version)
   

   
   
   
   

3. Select Recovery (if you clicked on Update & security) -> Click Get started under Reset this PC
   

   

   
   
   
4. Select Keep my files
   

   

   
   
   
5. Click Next once you see the applications that might be modified (deleted or those that need to be reinstalled)
   

   
   
   
   

6. Click Reset
   

   
   
   
   

Note: Do not interrupt the process to prevent data loss. If you use a laptop, connect it to its AC Adapter.