Option 3: If all else fails, you can manually install a fresh copy of Windows 11 or Windows 10 on the computer, wiping the previous installation. Once done, proceed to the “Restore your programs, settings and files from backup” section. Then, follow the instructions to completely reset the computer to factory state. Typically, you need to restart the computer, and then hit one of the function keys (F2, F8, F9, F10, F11, F12) to access the manufacturer factory reset menu.
Each PC vendor has different instructions on how to do that.
Option 2: If you are not on Windows 11 or Windows 10, or the built-in Reset process does not work for some reason, try using the PC Manufacturer’s Factory Reset option.
This is crucial – without this step, you will lose your programs and data if you wipe the system clean.
How to backup your Windows so that you can restore programs, settings and files after the reinstallīefore we begin, the most important part is to have a full, complete backup of your computer.
Alternatively, you can also use any 3rd party backup product that can perform a full system image backup, although that would only allow you to restore files, not programs. The product we will be using for this is Migration Kit Pro, which allows to easily back up, and most importantly to easily restore programs, settings and files after reinstalling Windows (even if you are switching to a different Windows version!). After you reset the system, your programs and data will be gone, and you will need to restore them to get back to normal. The first step in a reinstall like this is to back up everything you’ve got. In this article, we’ll see how to do a complete backup and recovery without losing anything! How to Backup your Windows PC Traditionally, this has been a cumbersome process, and what’s worse – with traditional backups, you only get a partial recovery – user files only – losing all programs, settings, personalization, profiles, passwords etc. In these cases, PC repair professionals would sometimes recommend to back up the computer, wipe its hard drive, and reinstall Windows then, to recover your stuff from backup. It could be a virus infection, a Windows Updates failure, or just Windows 11 / Windows 10 becoming too slow or problem-ridden for use. In this article, we will learn how to reinstall Windows on your PC, and do a complete system wipe and refresh – while still retaining your programs, profile, settings, documents, pictures, music, movies, favorites, wallpaper and everything else.Ī Windows wipe and reinstall is a useful procedure in many cases. How to reinstall your Windows 11 or Windows 10, format the drive and reset everything – without losing your programs and files