How to Factory Reset Your Windows 11/10/8/7/XP/Vista

Penny Warren Published on September 09, 2026Windows Tips3-min reading

Factory resetting Windows 11/10 or earlier is a powerful functionality that enables you to restore your PC to its original state. It can be useful when you are experiencing performance issues, software glitches, preparing to sell your computer, or simply want a fresh start. This comprehensive guide will walk you through how to complete the process with the proven methods and detailed steps for every scenario.

In this article:

Part 1: Before Factory Resetting Windows
Part 2: How to Factory Reset Windows 11/10 from Settings
Part 3: How to Master Reset PC from Windows RE
Part 4: How to Factory Reset Windows with Installation CD
Part 5: Bonus Tip: How to Reset Windows Password

Part 1: Before Factory Resetting Windows

Resetting a Windows computer will erase all data on your PC, including the software you installed. Plus, the process requires enough battery power. Before proceeding, complete these essential preparations.

1.Back up all important files to an external hard drive, like documents, photos, videos, bookmarks and logins, game saves, and more.
2.Save the applications installed on your PC and their settings, like your username and password.
3.Ensure sufficient battery life or connect to power.
4.Remove and disconnect all peripherals and accessories.
5.Free up storage space of at least 10GB.
6.Disable or uninstall third-party antivirus software.

Part 2: How to Factory Reset Windows 11/10 from Settings

You can reset the computer to factory settings on Windows 11/10 by going to Settings and opening the Recovery menu. The prerequisite is that your PC is still accessible and you remember your user password.

On Windows 10

Step 1

Right-click on the Start menu at the bottom left corner and choose Settings.

Step 2

Choose the Update & Security option from the menu.

Step 3

Click the Recovery option on the left sidebar.

Step 4

Click the Get started button under the Reset this PC section.

Step 5

Choose Kee my files or Remove everything, depending on your situation. The former will remove all programs and restore settings to their default. The latter will erase everything on your PC.

On Windows 11

Step 1

Open the Settings app from the Start menu.

Step 2

Go to System and Recovery.

Step 3

Click the Reset PC button on the Reset this PC heading.

Step 4

Choose Keep my files or Remove everything.

Step 5

When prompted, choose Cloud download or Local reinstall to reinstall Windows.

Step 6

Read the message and click Next.

Step 7

Finally, click on the Reset button to initiate the process.

Part 3: How to Master Reset PC from Windows RE

If your PC is inaccessible, you can factory reset Windows 11 without Settings. You need to boot your PC into Windows Recovery Environment without entering the standard operating system.

Step 1

Power on your PC.

Step 2

On the login screen, hold the Shift key on your keyboard while clicking the Power button.

Step 3

Choose Restart to boot in Windows Recovery Environment.

Step 4

Navigate to Troubleshoot and Reset this PC.

Step 5

Choose Keep my files or Remove everything.

Step 6

Follow the onscreen instructions to initiate the process.

Step 7

When the process finishes, your PC will restart.

Part 4: How to Factory Reset Windows with Installation CD

If you forgot your login credentials, you have to factory reset Windows 11 without the password using the installation CD. First of all, you need to create an installation CD on an accessible PC. We share the steps below:

Step 1

Create an installation disk or USB on an accessible PC.

Step 2

Insert the disk into your computer.

Step 3

Restart or power on your PC.

Step 4

Press the F11 or F12 key on your keyboard during the boot-up process.

Step 5

Fill out the form on the Windows Setup window and click Next.

Step 6

Click on the Install now button to move on.

Step 7

Enter the product key or ignore it, and click Next.

Step 8

Select the right edition of Windows, and click Next.

Step 9

Check the box next to I accept the license terms to agree and hit Next.

Step 10

Choose the Custom: Install Windows only(advanced) option.

Step 11

Select the partition you want to install Windows on and hit Next to begin factory resetting Windows 7 and later.

Part 5: Bonus Tip: How to Reset Windows Password

If you just forgot your login password, you don't need to factory reset Windows. Alternatively, imyPass Windows Password Reset allows you to reset your password without losing data. Moreover, the intuitive interface makes it easy to navigate.

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How to Reset Windows Password Without Factory Resetting

Step 1

Create a password reset medium

Install the Windows Password Reset software on an accessible PC and launch it. Insert a blank disk or flash drive into the PC. Choose the medium under Create Password Reset CD/DVD or Create Password Reset USB Flash Drive accordingly. Click the Burn CD/DVD or Burn USB button to make a bootable medium.

Step 2

Select your account

Insert the bootable disk or drive into your PC. Start your computer and boot into the password reset medium. Next, choose your Windows and select your account.

Step 3

Reset your password

Click the Reset Password button to continue. When you are asked whether you want to set the user password to blank, click Yes or OK to confirm it. Or you can create a new account by hitting the Add User button. Once you are done, click the Reboot button to restart your PC. Then, you can enter your machine directly.

Conclusion

This guide shared multiple ways to factory reset Windows 11/10/8/7 and earlier. For Windows 11/10, the reset-PC option in the Settings app is available to bring your computer to the factory status. Windows RE is another way to reset your PC. The installation disk is available to reset almost all versions of Windows. imyPass Windows Password Reset is an easy way to regain access to your PC if you forgot your Windows password.

Penny Warren

Penny focuses on GPS troubleshooting and Windows optimization. She formerly worked as a technical support engineer, helping clients solve location-based and system issues efficiently. Backed by IT support experience, she provides practical solutions that really work. In her free time, she likes hiking and geocaching, testing GPS tech in the real world.