How to Factory Reset a Computer

Factory resetting a computer can be a great way to clear out unwanted files, restore system performance, or prepare the device for a new user. A factory reset wipes your computer’s data and restores it to its original settings, much like when you first purchased it. This guide will walk you through the process of factory resetting both Windows and macOS computers.

Why Factory Reset a Computer?

Before diving into the steps, here’s why a factory reset may be beneficial:

• Troubleshooting Persistent Issues: If your computer has recurring software problems, such as freezing, crashing, or poor performance, a reset can help resolve these by restoring system stability.
• Improving Performance: Over time, computers accumulate files, applications, and settings that can slow down performance. A factory reset removes this clutter.
• Preparing for Resale or Donation: If you’re planning to give away or sell your computer, a factory reset ensures that all personal data is erased, protecting your privacy.

Note: A factory reset permanently erases all files and settings. Make sure to back up any important data before proceeding.

Step 1: Back Up Your Files

Before resetting, back up all essential files to an external hard drive, USB drive, or cloud storage (e.g., OneDrive or Google Drive). Factory resetting will erase everything, including installed programs and personal files.

Step 2: Access the Reset Option

1. Open Settings: Click the Start menu and select the Settings gear icon.
2. Go to Update & Security: In the Settings window, select Update & Security.
3. Select Recovery: From the left sidebar, choose Recovery.
4. Start the Reset: Under the Reset this PC section, click on Get started.

Step 3: Choose Reset Options

When you begin the reset process, you’ll have two options:

1. Keep my files: This option reinstalls Windows and removes all apps and settings but keeps your personal files.
2. Remove everything: This option deletes all files, apps, and settings, bringing your computer back to a completely clean state.

Tip: If you’re preparing the computer for a new user, select Remove everything for a full reset.

Step 4: Follow the Prompts

1. Confirm Reset Options: You’ll be asked to confirm your choice, and if you chose Remove everything, you’ll see an additional option to clean the drive.
2. Choose Clean Data (Optional): For added security, you can choose to Clean data instead of just removing files. This process takes longer but makes it harder to recover deleted files.
3. Begin the Reset: Click Next and then Reset to start the factory reset process.

Your computer will restart several times during this process. Once complete, it will boot up as a fresh Windows installation, allowing you to set it up as if it were new.

How to Factory Reset a Mac Computer

Step 1: Back Up Your Files

Use Time Machine (macOS’s built-in backup software) to save a copy of your files to an external drive, or back up files manually by transferring them to an external drive or cloud storage. Resetting a Mac will erase all files and settings.

Step 2: Sign Out of Accounts (Optional)

Signing out of accounts helps prevent any issues with apps that use your Apple ID.

1. Sign out of iCloud: Open System Preferences > Apple ID > Overview and click Sign Out.
2. Sign out of iMessage: Open Messages, select Messages > Preferences, go to the iMessage tab, and click Sign Out.
3. Sign out of iTunes: Open Music or Apple Music, go to Account > Sign Out.

Step 3: Restart in Recovery Mode

1. Shut Down the Mac: Click on the Apple menu in the top-left corner and select Shut Down.
2. Enter Recovery Mode: Turn on the Mac and immediately hold Command + R (or Command + Option + R for an internet recovery).
3. Select Disk Utility: In the macOS Utilities window, select Disk Utility.

Step 4: Erase the Hard Drive

1. Select Your Startup Disk: In Disk Utility, choose the main hard drive (often named Macintosh HD).
2. Click Erase: In the Disk Utility toolbar, select Erase. Choose APFS as the format for newer Macs or Mac OS Extended (Journaled) for older systems.
3. Confirm Erase: Click Erase to wipe the disk. Once complete, close Disk Utility.

Step 5: Reinstall macOS

1. Return to macOS Utilities: After closing Disk Utility, select Reinstall macOS from the Utilities window.
2. Follow the Installation Prompts: Choose your hard drive and follow the prompts to install a fresh version of macOS.

When installation finishes, your Mac will restart as a new system, ready to be set up or handed over to a new user.

Get Expert Assistance for Your Tech Needs

A factory reset can restore your computer to a “like-new” state, making it a powerful tool for improving performance, resolving issues, or preparing a computer for a new owner. By following these steps, you can reset both Windows and macOS systems, ensuring your data is cleared and your computer is ready for its next chapter.

If you need help resetting your computer or have any other technical issues, our support technicians are here to help. Contact us today to speak to an IT professional and have your technology issues quickly resolved.