Don't know how to reset my device (Windows 8(.1))

If you use Windows 8(.1) and your computer starts misbehaving, and if you want to delete all the data stored on it (pictures, videos, sounds) consider resetting Windows. By resetting it you will restore the factory settings and delete personal data.

To reset Windows 8(.1):

1. Move the mouse pointer to the top/bottom-right corner -> Click Settings  -> Select Change PC settings 
   

   

   
   
   
   
2. Select Update and recovery -> click on Recovery
   

   

   

   
   
   
3. Select Get Started under Remove everything and reinstall Windows
   

   

   
   
   
4. Click Next -> Click one of the two offered options -> Click Reset
   

   

   
   
   
   
   
   

Note: You'll have to wait for approximately an hour for the process to complete, and the computer will restart a few times. Bear in mind that the full cleaning of the computer will take longer than Just remove my files.

Also, don't interrupt the procedure. If you use a laptop, connect it to the AC adapter to avoid sudden shutdowns.

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.

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.

If you use Windows 8(.1) and your computer starts misbehaving, and you want to prevent data loss (of pictures, videos, sounds) consider refreshing Windows. By refreshing it you will restore the factory settings and won't lose personal data. 

To refresh Windows 8(.1):

1. Move the mouse pointer to the top/bottom-right corner -> Click Settings  -> Select Change PC settings.
   
   

   

   
   
   
   
2. Select Update and recovery -> click on Recovery
   

   

   

   
   
3. Select Get Started under Refresh your PC without affecting your files
   

   

   
   
   
4. Insert the DVD that contains the Windows 8(.1) installation files (if needed) -> Click Next -> Click Refresh
   

   

   

   

Note: You'll have to wait for approximately half an hour for the process to complete, and the PC will restart a few times. Don't interrupt the procedure.Also, if you use a laptop, connect it to the AC adapter to avoid sudden shutdowns.