What is how to factory reset windows 10?

Here's how to factory reset Windows 10:

You can perform a factory reset on Windows 10 using the built-in "Reset this PC" feature. This process allows you to reinstall Windows, choosing whether to keep your personal files or remove everything.

Steps to Factory Reset:

1. Accessing the Reset Option:

   • Click the Start button, then go to Settings (the gear icon).
   • Select "Update & Security".
   • In the left sidebar, click on "Recovery".
   • Under "Reset this PC," click the "Get started" button.

2. Choosing Your Reset Option:

   • "Keep my files": This option removes apps and settings, but keeps your personal files (documents, pictures, music, etc.).
   • "Remove everything": This option removes all your personal files, apps, and settings. This is a more thorough reset and is recommended if you're giving away or selling your PC.

3. Additional Settings (If you chose "Remove everything"):

   • You may be presented with additional options, such as:
     • "Just remove my files": This is faster but less secure, as files can potentially be recovered.
     • "Remove files and clean the drive": This takes longer but is more secure, as it overwrites the drive to make file recovery more difficult.

4. Reinstalling Windows:

   • You will be asked how you want to reinstall Windows. You may have the option to:
     • "Cloud download": Downloads the latest version of Windows from Microsoft. Requires an internet connection.
     • "Local reinstall": Reinstalls Windows using files on your device. This is faster but might use outdated files.

5. Review and Reset:

   • You'll be shown a summary of what will happen during the reset. Review the information carefully.
   • Click the "Reset" button to begin the process.

6. The Reset Process:

   • Your computer will restart, and the reset process will begin. This can take a significant amount of time (from 30 minutes to several hours), so be patient and do not interrupt the process.
   • Your computer may restart several times during the reset.

7. Setting up Windows:

   • Once the reset is complete, your computer will restart, and you'll be guided through the initial Windows setup process (selecting language, connecting to Wi-Fi, etc.).

Important Considerations:

• Back Up Your Data: Before performing a factory reset, it is highly recommended to back up any important data to an external hard drive, cloud storage, or other secure location. This is especially crucial if you choose the "Remove everything" option, as all your files will be deleted. See more on this subject: Back%20Up%20Your%20Data.
• Drivers: After the reset, you may need to reinstall some drivers, especially if you chose to remove everything. Windows Update will usually handle most of these, but you might need to download specific drivers from the manufacturer's website (e.g., graphics card drivers). Check your Drivers after the reset.
• Microsoft Account: You will likely need your Microsoft account credentials to log back into Windows after the reset, especially if you were using a Microsoft account before. If you forgot your password you can recover your Microsoft%20Account.
• Activation: In most cases, Windows will automatically reactivate after the reset. However, if you encounter activation issues, you may need to enter your product key. See Activation%20Keys for more information.
• Laptop Battery: If you are resetting a laptop, make sure it is plugged into a power source to avoid interrupting the process due to a low battery.

When to Consider a Factory Reset:

• Your computer is running very slowly.
• You are experiencing frequent crashes or errors.
• You are giving away or selling your computer.
• You want to start with a clean installation of Windows. If you are experiencing Frequent%20Crashes, factory reset may resolve this.