---
title: How to Reset a Windows 10 PC
description: "## Recovery Settings in Windows 10 ![win 10 recovery settings](https://i.pcmag.com/imagery/articles/06seN9qhHZtc6Rv8ocLmKZ2-1.fit_lim.size_768x.png) In Windows 10, click the Start menu and select the gear icon in the lower left to open up the Settings window. You can also select the Settings app from…"
url: "https://pharmcaresupport.com/docs/how-to-reset-a-windows-10-pc/"
updated: "2022-06-06"
category: Computer
---

# How to Reset a Windows 10 PC

## Recovery Settings in Windows 10

![win 10 recovery settings](https://i.pcmag.com/imagery/articles/06seN9qhHZtc6Rv8ocLmKZ2-1.fit_lim.size_768x.png)

In Windows 10, click the Start menu and select the gear icon in the lower left to open up the Settings window. You can also select the Settings app from the app list. Under Settings, click **Update & Security > Recovery**, then select **Get started** under Reset this PC.

## Choose What to Erase

![save or remove files](https://i.pcmag.com/imagery/articles/06seN9qhHZtc6Rv8ocLmKZ2-2.fit_lim.size_768x.png)

On either OS, you can choose **Keep my files** to remove only downloaded apps and settings. This will preserve your personal files and is recommended if you are trying to roll back an issue.

If your drive is beyond saving or you plan to get rid of the computer, select **Remove everything**, which wipes the drive clean by removing downloaded apps, settings, and personal files.

![erase options](https://i.pcmag.com/imagery/articles/06seN9qhHZtc6Rv8ocLmKZ2-17.fit_lim.size_768x.png)

## Reinstall Options

![win 10 reinstall](https://i.pcmag.com/imagery/articles/06seN9qhHZtc6Rv8ocLmKZ2-6.fit_lim.size_768x.png)

Before you can hit the reset button, you must determine how to reinstall Windows. Choose **Local reinstall** if you prefer the more hands-on approach of installing Windows from local storage.

![win 11 reinstall](https://i.pcmag.com/imagery/articles/06seN9qhHZtc6Rv8ocLmKZ2-18.fit_lim.size_768x.png)

If you want an easier route, click **Cloud download** to pull files directly from Microsoft's servers.

## Customize Additional Settings

![keep my files options](https://i.pcmag.com/imagery/articles/06seN9qhHZtc6Rv8ocLmKZ2-7.fit_lim.size_768x.png)

Once your selections have been made, there are a few extra settings you can customize, depending on what you picked. Click **Change settings** at the Additional settings screen to view your choices. If you chose **Keep my files**, apps and settings will default to what they were when the PC was brand new. However, you can change this by disabling **Restore preinstalled apps**.

By choosing **Remove everything**, Windows will erase all your files. This is the default option, and it is the quickest way to remove your personal files.

## Reset Your Computer

![remove apps](https://i.pcmag.com/imagery/articles/06seN9qhHZtc6Rv8ocLmKZ2-10.fit_lim.size_768x.png)

Once you make all your decisions, click **Next**, and Windows will generate a screen that summarizes them. If you selected **Keep my files**, you can look at a list of apps that will be removed with the reset.

![reset review](https://i.pcmag.com/imagery/articles/06seN9qhHZtc6Rv8ocLmKZ2-20.fit_lim.size_768x.png)

When you're ready to commit, click **Reset**. Your computer will restart and boot back up again after some time. If you are getting rid of the computer, your work is done. Otherwise, sign back into Windows and make sure what you opted to remove has been wiped from the machine.