🤔 What Does “Reset This PC” Actually Do?

Windows offers two reset options:

• Keep my files – Removes all installed apps and settings, but keeps your personal files (documents, photos, music, videos).
• Remove everything – Deletes all files, apps, and settings – essentially a clean install.

This guide focuses on “Keep my files”. It’s perfect when your PC is infected, has driver issues, or is running slowly, but you don’t want to lose your data.

✅ Before You Start – Backup & Preparation

Even though “Keep my files” is designed to protect your data, it’s wise to take precautions:

• Back up important documents to an external drive or cloud (OneDrive, Google Drive).
• Note down your product keys for paid software (Microsoft Office, Adobe, etc.).
• Export browser bookmarks (Chrome, Edge, Firefox) – they might be removed.
• Ensure your laptop is plugged in – the process can take an hour and you don’t want a power loss.

If you have a Microsoft account, your Windows licence is tied to it – you won’t need a key.

⚙️ Step‑by‑Step: Reset Windows 10 / 11

The steps are nearly identical for both Windows 10 and Windows 11.

Step 1: Open Settings

Click the Start button, then the gear icon ⚙️ (Settings). Or press Win + I.

Step 2: Navigate to Recovery

Windows 11: System → Recovery.
Windows 10: Update & Security → Recovery.

Step 3: Start the Reset

Under “Reset this PC”, click the Reset PC button.

Step 4: Choose “Keep my files”

You’ll see two options. Select Keep my files.

Step 5: Choose Reset Method (Cloud Download vs Local Reinstall)

Windows will ask how you want to reinstall Windows:

• Cloud download – Downloads a fresh copy of Windows from Microsoft (requires internet). Recommended for most users.
• Local reinstall – Uses the Windows files already on your PC (faster, but might not fix corruption issues).

Select Cloud download for a clean, up‑to‑date installation.

Step 6: Review Additional Settings

Windows will show you a summary of what will be removed (apps, settings). Click Next.

Step 7: Final Confirmation

Click Reset to begin. Your PC will restart and the reset process will start. This can take 30 minutes to over an hour, depending on your drive speed and internet (for cloud download).

During the process, your computer will reboot several times. Do not interrupt it.

🎉 After the Reset – What to Do Next

Once Windows finishes, you’ll see the initial setup screen (OOBE). Go through the setup (connect to Wi‑Fi, sign in with your Microsoft account, etc.).

Then:

• Reinstall your apps – The reset removed all third‑party software. Download and install what you need (browser, office suite, games, etc.).
• Run Windows Update – Go to Settings → Windows Update → Check for updates. Install any pending drivers and security patches.
• Restore your backed‑up files – If you backed up to an external drive, copy them back.
• Customise settings – Adjust privacy, taskbar, themes to your liking.