What factory reset does and when you need it
A factory reset removes everything you have installed or changed since you bought the computer and returns it to the state it left the manufacturer. This means your files, programs, settings, and user accounts all disappear. The operating system itself stays, but it goes back to its original version.
You would do this if your computer is running so slowly that normal fixes do not help, if malware has infected it badly enough that you cannot trust it anymore, or if you are selling or giving away the machine. A factory reset is also the right move if your computer will not start properly and you have already tried restarting it and running built-in repair tools.
Before you start, understand that this is not reversible. Once you begin, you cannot undo it by pressing a button. Back up any files you need to keep — documents, photos, videos, anything you created — to an external drive or cloud storage first.
Key Takeaways
- A factory reset erases everything on your computer and returns it to how it came from the manufacturer, so back up your files before you start.
- Windows computers use Settings > System > Recovery > Reset this PC, while Mac computers use System Settings > General > Transfer or Reset.
- You can choose to keep your Windows files and remove only programs, or erase everything — pick the option that matches what you are trying to fix.
- The process takes 30 minutes to several hours depending on your computer speed and which option you choose.
- After the reset finishes, you will need to set up Windows or macOS again as if the computer were brand new.
How to factory reset a Windows computer
On Windows 10 or Windows 11, open Settings by pressing the Windows key and typing "Settings", then pressing Enter. Click System in the left menu, then scroll down and click Recovery.
You will see a button that says "Reset this PC". Click it. Windows will ask whether you want to keep your files or remove everything. If you are trying to fix slowness or remove programs that will not uninstall normally, choose "Keep my files" — this removes all programs but leaves your documents and photos. If you are selling the computer or dealing with malware, choose "Remove everything" to erase the entire drive.
Windows will then ask where you want to reinstall from. Choose "Cloud download" if your internet connection is reliable and reasonably fast. Choose "Local reinstall" only if your internet is very slow or unstable. Cloud download takes longer but is more reliable. Click Next and let the process run — do not shut down the computer or unplug it. This usually takes 45 minutes to two hours.
When it finishes, your computer will restart and ask you to set it up. You will create a new user account, choose privacy settings, and connect to Wi-Fi. Keep your product key or Microsoft account password nearby, because you may need it during setup.
How to factory reset a Mac computer
On a Mac running macOS 12 or newer, click the Apple menu in the top left corner and select System Settings. Click General in the left sidebar, then scroll down and click "Transfer or Reset".
Click the "Erase All Content and Settings" button. Your Mac will warn you that this cannot be undone and will ask for your password. Enter it and click Continue. If you have a password on your Mac, you will need it to proceed — if you have forgotten it, you cannot reset the computer without help from Apple Support.
Your Mac will restart and begin erasing. This process is faster on newer Macs with Apple Silicon chips — usually 15 to 30 minutes — and slower on older Intel Macs, which may take an hour or more. Do not close the lid or unplug the computer while it is erasing.
When the erase finishes, your Mac will show the setup screen. You can sign in with your Apple ID to restore some settings and apps from iCloud backup, or set up as a new Mac. Have your Apple ID password ready.
Backing up your files before you reset
The most important step is making sure you have copies of anything you want to keep. On Windows, connect an external hard drive or USB drive, open File Explorer, and copy your Documents, Pictures, Videos, and Desktop folders to the external drive. If you use cloud storage like OneDrive, Google Drive, or Dropbox, make sure those files have synced to the cloud before you reset.
On a Mac, the easiest method is to use Time Machine. Connect an external drive, go to System Settings > General > Time Machine, click "Add Backup Disk", and select your external drive. Let it back up completely before you reset — this usually takes an hour or more depending on how much data you have. If you do not have an external drive, you can copy important folders to iCloud Drive or another cloud service instead.
Check that your backups actually worked before you start the reset. Open the external drive or cloud storage and make sure you can see your files there. This takes five minutes and prevents losing something important.
What to do if the reset gets stuck or fails
If your computer freezes during the reset and does not respond for more than 10 minutes, you can force it to shut down. On Windows, hold the power button for 10 seconds until the screen goes black. On a Mac, hold the power button until you see "Loading startup options" appear. Wait a few seconds and release.
After a forced shutdown, turn the computer back on and try the reset again from the beginning. If it fails a second time, the problem may be a failing hard drive or a hardware issue that the reset cannot fix. At that point, contact the computer manufacturer's support line or take it to a repair shop.
If you see an error message during the reset, write down the exact error code and search for it on the manufacturer's website. Windows errors usually start with "0x" followed by numbers and letters. Mac errors usually appear as a code in parentheses. The manufacturer's support site will have specific steps for that error.
Setting up your computer after the reset
After the reset finishes and your computer restarts, you will go through the initial setup process again. This is the same screen you saw when the computer was brand new. Create a user account with a password you will remember, choose your language and time zone, and connect to Wi-Fi.
Windows will ask about privacy settings. You can turn off most of these without breaking anything — Cortana, activity history, and app suggestions are optional. If you are not sure, the default settings are safe.
Once setup finishes, you will have a clean computer with no programs except what came with Windows or macOS. You will need to reinstall any programs you use regularly. If you backed up files to an external drive, you can copy them back now. If you used cloud storage, sign into those accounts and your files will sync back automatically.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will a factory reset remove viruses and malware?
A factory reset removes most malware because it erases the entire drive and reinstalls the operating system fresh. However, some advanced malware can hide in the firmware or BIOS, which a standard reset does not touch. If you suspect serious malware, run a full antivirus scan after the reset finishes, or contact a professional.
Can I undo a factory reset after I start it?
No. Once the reset begins erasing your drive, you cannot stop it and recover your files. This is why backing up before you start is critical. If you have already reset and lost files you needed, a data recovery service may be able to retrieve them, but this is expensive and not always successful.
Do I need my product key or password to reset?
On Windows, you may need your Microsoft account password during setup after the reset, but not to start the reset itself. On a Mac, you need your Mac password to authorize the erase, but not your Apple ID password. If you have forgotten your Mac password, you cannot reset without help from Apple Support.
How long does a factory reset actually take?
The erase itself usually takes 30 minutes to an hour. The reinstall of Windows or macOS takes another 30 minutes to an hour. The entire process from start to finish, including setup, typically takes 1 to 3 hours depending on your internet speed and computer age. Older computers and slower internet connections take longer.
What if I only want to remove programs, not erase everything?
On Windows, choose "Keep my files" when you reset — this removes all programs but leaves your documents and photos. On a Mac, there is no partial reset option; you must erase everything. If you only want to remove programs on a Mac, uninstall them individually through Applications instead.