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How To Reset Your Computer to Factory Settings

Latest update on by Aoife McCambridge .

Most computers and laptops allow you to reset your device to factory settings in order to repair certain serious issues that you may be experiencing due to a software bug. This article will run through the most basic process for resetting your computer to its default state. Note that the procedure for resetting your device to its factory default varies slightly by model.

How To Restore Your Computer to Its Factory Settings

Before beginning the restoration process, it is crucial that all of your important data be backed up on an external hard drive, or on a cloud storage service. All personal data (documents, photos, music) will be deleted during the recovery process.

Windows 8.1: Reset to Factory Settings

Windows 8.1 has a built-in feature that enables you to quickly and easily reset your computer to its factory default. To begin, open the Charms bar, and click on Settings > Change PC settings > Update and Recovery:

Under the Recovery section, you will see two options: Refresh your PC without affecting your files and Remove everything and reinstall Windows. The latter option will completely reset your computer, deleting files and any personal information you have saved:


Once you select your option, you computer will begin its restoration process.

Restore a PC to Factory Settings Without Windows CD/DVD

For more information on how to reset your computer without a dedicated disk, please see our article on restoring a PC to factory settings without Windows CD/DVD.

Reset According to the Computer Brand

The links below will provide you with information on the restoration process for other computer brands:

Restore Your Acer Computer to Factory Settings

Restore Your Asus Netbook to Factory Settings

Restore Your DELL Computer to Factory Settings

Restore Your DELL Inspiron Laptop to Factory Settings

Restore Your Gateway Computer to Factory Settings

Restore Your HP Computer to Factory Settings

Restore Your Toshiba Laptop to Factory Settings

Restore Your Sony Vaio Computer to Factory Settings

Image: © Roman Kosolapov - 123RF.com

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This document, titled « How To Reset Your Computer to Factory Settings », is available under the Creative Commons license. Any copy, reuse, or modification of the content should be sufficiently credited to CCM (ccm.net).

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