How to Reset Windows 10 Without Losing Data

When your Windows 10 system starts acting up—running slow, freezing, or experiencing persistent errors—a full reinstallation of the operating system can seem daunting. The good news is that Windows 10 includes a powerful built-in feature called “Reset this PC” that can refresh your operating system without wiping out your precious personal files. This guide will walk you through the process, ensuring your documents, photos, and videos remain safe.

Understanding “Reset this PC”

The “Reset this PC” feature in Windows 10 is designed to make system recovery much easier than in previous Windows versions. It essentially reinstalls Windows while giving you options on how to handle your existing data. There are two primary options:

1. Keep my files: This option removes all your installed applications and system settings but retains your personal files (documents, pictures, music, videos, and other files stored in your user folders). This is the focus of this guide and is ideal for troubleshooting performance issues or minor system corruption.
2. Remove everything: This option performs a complete clean installation, deleting all personal files, apps, and settings. This is akin to a factory reset and is typically used when selling or giving away a PC, or when dealing with severe system corruption that the “Keep my files” option couldn’t fix.

When you choose “Keep my files,” Windows takes your personal data and moves it aside, reinstalls a fresh copy of the operating system, and then places your files back into their original locations. This process cleans up system files, removes problematic applications, and resets settings that might be causing issues.

Crucial Pre-Reset Steps: Back Up Your Data (Even with “Keep My Files”)

While the “Keep my files” option is designed to preserve your personal data, it’s always an absolute best practice to back up your important files before initiating any significant system change. Technology can be unpredictable, and a backup is your ultimate safety net.

You can back up your data using various methods:

• External Hard Drive: Simply copy and paste your crucial folders (Documents, Pictures, Videos, Music, Desktop) to an external USB hard drive.
• Cloud Storage: Use services like OneDrive, Google Drive, or Dropbox to sync your important files to the cloud.
• USB Flash Drive: For smaller amounts of data, a large USB flash drive can work.

Take your time with this step. Double-check that all critical files are safely copied to an external location.

Step-by-Step: How to Reset Windows 10 and Keep Your Files

Here’s the detailed process for resetting your Windows 10 PC while preserving your personal data.

Method 1: Using the Settings App (Recommended for Working Systems)

This is the most straightforward method if your Windows 10 system is still bootable and you can access the Settings application.

1. Open Windows Settings:
   • Click on the Start button (the Windows icon in the bottom-left corner of your screen).
   • Click on the Gear icon to open Settings, or type “Settings” into the search bar and press Enter.
2. Navigate to Recovery Options:
   • In the Settings window, click on “Update & Security.”
   • In the left-hand menu, click on “Recovery.”
3. Start the Reset Process:
   • Under the “Reset this PC” section, click on the “Get started” button.
4. Choose “Keep my files”:
   • A blue screen will appear with options. Select “Keep my files.” This is the critical step to ensure your personal data is preserved.
5. Choose How to Reinstall Windows:
   • You’ll be presented with two choices for reinstalling Windows:
     • Cloud download: Windows will download a fresh copy of the operating system from Microsoft’s servers. This is often the newest version and can be useful if your local installation files are corrupted. It requires an internet connection.
     • Local reinstall: Windows will use existing system files on your hard drive to reinstall the OS. This is faster if your local files are intact but might not use the absolute latest build.
   • Recommendation: For most users, Cloud download is recommended if you have a stable internet connection, as it ensures a fresh and up-to-date installation.
6. Review the Confirmation Screen:
   • Windows will display a “What will be removed” screen. This screen lists applications that will be uninstalled. It’s important to note this list. Your personal files will NOT be listed here, as they are kept. You’ll need to reinstall all your desktop applications (like Microsoft Office, Chrome, games, etc.) after the reset.
   • Click “Next.”
7. Final Confirmation:
   • You’ll see a “Ready to reset this PC” screen, which provides a final summary of what will happen. It will confirm:
     • Personal files will be kept.
     • Apps and drivers will be removed.
     • Settings changes will be removed.
   • Click the “Reset” button to begin the process.
8. The Reset Process:
   • Your computer will restart and begin the reset. This process can take anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours, depending on your system’s speed, the amount of data, and whether you chose a cloud download.
   • Your PC may restart several times during this process. Do not turn off your computer during the reset.
9. Post-Reset Setup:
   • Once the reset is complete, your computer will boot into a fresh Windows 10 environment. You will go through the initial setup steps again (region, keyboard layout, network connection).
   • Once you reach the desktop, you will find your personal files still present in their original user folders (Documents, Pictures, etc.). All your third-party applications will need to be reinstalled.

Method 2: Resetting from the Advanced Startup Environment (for Unbootable Systems)

If your Windows 10 PC won’t boot correctly or you can’t access the Settings app, you can initiate the “Reset this PC” process from the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE), also known as the Advanced Startup Options.

How to Access Advanced Startup Options:

There are a few ways to get into WinRE:

• Force Shutdown (3 times): If Windows fails to start three times in a row, it will automatically enter WinRE on the fourth attempt. To trigger this manually, turn on your PC, and as soon as you see the Windows logo, press and hold the power button to force it to shut down. Repeat this two more times. On the third restart attempt, it should boot into the recovery environment.
• From the Sign-in Screen: If you can reach the sign-in screen, click the Power icon in the bottom-right corner, then hold down the Shift key while clicking “Restart.”
• Using a Windows 10 Installation Media (USB/DVD): If your PC is completely unresponsive, you might need to create a bootable Windows 10 installation USB drive or DVD from another working computer. Boot your problematic PC from this media. Instead of clicking “Install now,” click “Repair your computer” in the bottom-left corner.

Steps to Reset from Advanced Startup Options:

1. Access WinRE: Once you’re in the Advanced Startup Options screen.
2. Click on “Troubleshoot.”
3. Click on “Reset this PC.”
4. You will then be presented with the same two options as in Method 1: “Keep my files” and “Remove everything.” Select “Keep my files.”
5. Follow the on-screen prompts, choosing “Cloud download” or “Local reinstall” as desired.
6. The reset process will then proceed as described in Method 1.

After the Reset: What to Do Next

Once your Windows 10 PC has been reset:

• Reinstall Applications: You will need to reinstall all your desktop applications (web browsers, Microsoft Office, games, specialized software, etc.). Windows Store apps might be automatically reinstalled, but you’ll likely need to verify and update them.
• Update Drivers: While Windows handles basic drivers, it’s a good idea to check for and install the latest drivers for your graphics card, chipset, audio, and network adapter directly from your computer manufacturer’s website (for pre-built PCs) or the component manufacturer’s website (for custom builds).
• Run Windows Update: Even with a fresh installation, run Windows Update (Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update) to ensure you have all the latest security patches and system updates.
• Restore Backed-Up Data: If you backed up files not typically covered by “Keep my files” (e.g., specific program data, or if you simply wanted an extra layer of security), now is the time to restore them.
• Reconfigure Settings: You’ll need to reconfigure your personalized Windows settings, such as desktop background, notification preferences, privacy settings, etc.

When to Consider “Remove Everything” or a Clean Install

While “Keep my files” is incredibly convenient, there are situations where a full “Remove everything” reset or a clean installation (where you format the drive entirely and reinstall Windows) might be more appropriate:

• Persistent Malware: If you suspect deep-seated malware that the “Keep my files” option might not fully eradicate.
• Severe System Corruption: If the “Keep my files” reset fails or doesn’t resolve significant performance or stability issues.
• Selling or Donating Your PC: To ensure no personal data remains on the device.
• Major Hardware Changes: Sometimes, installing a new motherboard or processor can benefit from a completely fresh Windows installation.

The “Reset this PC” feature is a powerful tool in Windows 10’s arsenal, making it easier than ever to troubleshoot and refresh your system without the fear of losing your personal digital life. By following these steps and remembering the importance of prior data backup, you can give your PC a new lease on life.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Does “Reset this PC” with “Keep my files” remove my drivers?

Yes, the “Reset this PC” feature, even with the “Keep my files” option, will remove installed drivers. Windows will attempt to reinstall generic or default drivers during the reset process. After the reset, it’s highly recommended to visit your PC manufacturer’s support website (or individual component manufacturers) to download and install the latest, optimized drivers for your specific hardware.

Q2: How long does a Windows 10 reset usually take?

A2: The time it takes to reset Windows 10 can vary significantly, typically ranging from 30 minutes to several hours. Factors influencing this include:

• Your computer’s speed (CPU, SSD vs. HDD).
• The amount of data being processed.
• Whether you choose “Cloud download” (which requires downloading the OS image) or “Local reinstall.”
• The number of times your PC needs to restart during the process.

Q3: Will my Windows license be affected if I reset my PC?

No, your Windows 10 license will generally not be affected by resetting your PC using the “Reset this PC” feature. Your digital license, tied to your hardware or Microsoft account, should automatically reactivate after the reset. You typically do not need to re-enter your product key.

Q4: Can I stop the reset process once it starts?

It is strongly advised NOT to interrupt the reset process once it has begun. Turning off your computer during a reset can lead to a corrupted operating system, potentially making your PC unbootable and requiring a full clean installation from scratch. Let the process complete fully, even if it takes a long time.

Q5: What’s the difference between “Reset this PC” and a “Clean Install”?

• Reset this PC (Keep my files): Reinstalls Windows, removes apps and settings, but keeps your personal files. It’s a quick refresh.
• Reset this PC (Remove everything): Reinstalls Windows, removes all files (personal, apps, settings). It’s like a factory reset.
• Clean Install: This involves booting from Windows installation media (USB/DVD), formatting the entire drive, and installing Windows from scratch. It’s the most thorough method, guaranteeing a completely fresh start with no remnants of previous installations. It always requires you to manually back up and restore your data.