Are you struggling with a slow or unresponsive Windows 10 computer? Have you tried various troubleshooting methods, but nothing seems to work? In that case, resetting Windows 10 might be the best solution for you. However, before you proceed, you might be wondering how long the process will take. In this article, we will delve into the details of resetting Windows 10, including the time it takes, the process involved, and the precautions you should take.
What is Resetting Windows 10?
Resetting Windows 10 is a process that reinstalls the operating system, giving you a clean slate. It removes all installed applications, settings, and files, except for the ones that come pre-installed with Windows. This process is also known as a “factory reset” or “reinstalling Windows.”
Why Reset Windows 10?
There are several reasons why you might want to reset Windows 10. Some of the most common reasons include:
- Fixing a slow or unresponsive computer
- Removing malware or viruses
- Recovering from a system crash
- Preparing a computer for sale or donation
- Starting fresh with a clean installation
The Resetting Process
The resetting process involves several steps, which are outlined below:
Step 1: Backing Up Your Files
Before you start the resetting process, it’s essential to back up your files. This includes documents, pictures, videos, and any other files that you want to keep. You can use an external hard drive, cloud storage, or a USB drive to back up your files.
Step 2: Accessing the Reset Option
To access the reset option, follow these steps:
- Go to Settings > Update & Security > Recovery.
- Click on the “Get started” button under the “Reset this PC” section.
- Select the type of reset you want to perform: “Keep my files” or “Remove everything.”
Step 3: Choosing the Reset Type
You have two options when it comes to resetting Windows 10:
Keep My Files
This option will remove all installed applications and settings, but keep your personal files, such as documents, pictures, and videos. This is a good option if you want to keep your files, but start fresh with a clean installation.
Remove Everything
This option will remove all files, applications, and settings, giving you a completely clean slate. This is a good option if you want to sell or donate your computer, or if you want to start from scratch.
Step 4: Confirming the Reset
Once you’ve chosen the reset type, you’ll be asked to confirm the reset. Make sure you’re ready to proceed, as this step is irreversible.
How Long Does Resetting Windows 10 Take?
The time it takes to reset Windows 10 depends on several factors, including:
Computer Specifications
The speed of your computer’s processor, RAM, and hard drive can affect the resetting time. Faster computers will generally reset faster than slower ones.
Reset Type
The type of reset you choose can also affect the resetting time. If you choose to keep your files, the process will take longer than if you choose to remove everything.
Amount of Data
The amount of data on your computer can also impact the resetting time. If you have a lot of files, applications, and settings, the process will take longer than if you have a minimal amount of data.
On average, the resetting process can take anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours. Here’s a rough estimate of the resetting time:
- 30 minutes to 1 hour: Remove everything ( minimal data)
- 1-2 hours: Keep my files ( minimal data)
- 2-4 hours: Remove everything ( moderate data)
- 4-6 hours: Keep my files ( moderate data)
- 6 hours or more: Remove everything or keep my files ( large amount of data)
Precautions to Take
Before you reset Windows 10, make sure you take the following precautions:
Back Up Your Files
As mentioned earlier, backing up your files is crucial. Make sure you have a backup of all your important files before you start the resetting process.
Deactivate Product Keys
If you have any product keys, such as Microsoft Office or Adobe Creative Cloud, make sure you deactivate them before you reset Windows 10.
Disconnect External Devices
Disconnect any external devices, such as USB drives, printers, and scanners, before you start the resetting process.
Have a Recovery Drive Ready
Create a recovery drive before you start the resetting process. This will allow you to recover your computer in case something goes wrong during the resetting process.
Conclusion
Resetting Windows 10 can be a useful solution for fixing a slow or unresponsive computer, removing malware or viruses, or starting fresh with a clean installation. However, it’s essential to take the necessary precautions, such as backing up your files, deactivating product keys, and disconnecting external devices. The resetting process can take anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours, depending on your computer specifications, reset type, and amount of data. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can ensure a smooth and successful resetting process.
What is a Windows 10 reset, and when should I do it?
A Windows 10 reset is a process that reinstalls the operating system, giving you a fresh start with a clean slate. This can be helpful when your computer is experiencing persistent problems, such as slow performance, crashes, or malware infections, that cannot be resolved through troubleshooting or other means.
You should consider resetting Windows 10 if you’ve tried other troubleshooting methods and still experience issues, or if you’re selling or giving away your computer and want to remove all personal data. Additionally, a reset can be beneficial if you’ve installed a lot of software or drivers that are causing conflicts, or if you want to start with a clean installation of Windows 10.
How long does a Windows 10 reset take?
The time it takes to reset Windows 10 can vary depending on several factors, such as the speed of your computer, the amount of data to be removed, and the type of reset you choose. A “Keep my files” reset, which preserves your personal files, can take around 30 minutes to an hour to complete. On the other hand, a “Remove everything” reset, which deletes all files, settings, and applications, can take several hours.
It’s essential to note that the reset process involves several stages, including preparation, removal of files and settings, and reinstallation of Windows 10. The computer will restart several times during the process, and you may see a progress screen indicating the percentage of completion. Be patient and let the process complete, as interrupting it can cause problems with your computer.
What are the different types of Windows 10 resets?
There are two main types of Windows 10 resets: “Keep my files” and “Remove everything.” The “Keep my files” option preserves your personal files, such as documents, pictures, and videos, while removing all installed applications, settings, and system files. This option is useful if you want to keep your files but start with a clean installation of Windows 10.
The “Remove everything” option, on the other hand, deletes all files, settings, and applications, giving you a completely clean slate. This option is recommended if you’re selling or giving away your computer, or if you want to remove all personal data. You can also choose to “Remove files and clean the drive,” which securely erases all data on the computer, making it unrecoverable.
How do I reset Windows 10?
To reset Windows 10, go to Settings > Update & Security > Recovery, and click on the “Get started” button under “Reset this PC.” You’ll be prompted to choose between the “Keep my files” and “Remove everything” options. Select the option that suits your needs, and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the reset process.
Alternatively, you can reset Windows 10 from the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE). To access WinRE, restart your computer and press the Shift + F10 keys during boot-up. From the WinRE menu, select “Troubleshoot” > “Reset this PC,” and follow the prompts to complete the reset process.
What precautions should I take before resetting Windows 10?
Before resetting Windows 10, make sure to back up all your important files and data to an external drive or cloud storage service. This will ensure that you don’t lose any critical files during the reset process. Additionally, if you have any installed applications that you want to keep, make a note of the installation keys or serial numbers, as you’ll need to reinstall them after the reset.
It’s also essential to ensure that you have the necessary drivers for your computer’s hardware components, such as the graphics card, sound card, and network adapter. You can download the drivers from the manufacturer’s website and save them to an external drive or USB stick. Finally, make sure you have a valid Windows 10 product key, as you may need to reactivate Windows after the reset.
Will I lose my Windows 10 activation after a reset?
In most cases, you won’t lose your Windows 10 activation after a reset. If you’re using a legitimate copy of Windows 10, the activation is tied to your computer’s hardware, and the reset process will not affect the activation status. However, if you’ve made significant hardware changes, such as replacing the motherboard or hard drive, you may need to reactivate Windows 10 after the reset.
To ensure that you don’t lose your activation, make sure to use the same Windows 10 product key during the reset process. If you’re prompted to enter a product key, use the same key that you used to activate Windows 10 initially. If you’re still experiencing issues with activation, you can contact Microsoft support for assistance.
Can I reset Windows 10 without losing my installed applications?
Unfortunately, it’s not possible to reset Windows 10 without losing your installed applications. The reset process involves removing all installed applications, settings, and system files, which means that you’ll need to reinstall your applications after the reset. However, if you choose the “Keep my files” option, your personal files, such as documents, pictures, and videos, will be preserved.
To minimize the impact of losing installed applications, make a list of the applications you need to reinstall, along with their installation keys or serial numbers. You can also consider using a third-party application backup tool to save your installed applications and restore them after the reset. However, be aware that some applications may not work properly after a reset, and you may need to reinstall them manually.