How to factory reset pc without recovery media​ Windows 10？

Resetting your Windows 10 PC to its factory settings can resolve various issues, improve performance, and prepare your device for resale or transfer. Fortunately, you can accomplish this without needing recovery media. 

1. Factory Reset

What is a Factory Reset?

A factory reset restores your computer to its original state, erasing all personal data, applications, and settings. This process can resolve persistent software issues, remove viruses, and give your PC a fresh start.

Why Factory Reset Your PC?

Performance Improvement: Over time, PCs can become sluggish due to accumulated software and files. A reset can enhance performance.

Troubleshooting: If you’re experiencing crashes or freezes, a reset can help eliminate the problem.

Preparing for Sale: If you’re selling your device, a factory reset ensures that all your personal information is removed.

2. Preparing for the Reset

Before starting the factory reset process, it’s crucial to prepare adequately to avoid data loss and ensure a smooth experience.

Backup Your Data

Before proceeding, back up all important files, documents, and media. You can use cloud storage services like OneDrive, Google Drive, or an external hard drive for backups. Here’s how:

Using OneDrive:

Sign in to your OneDrive account.

Drag and drop files you wish to back up into the OneDrive folder.

Using an External Hard Drive:

Connect the external hard drive to your PC.

Copy and paste your important files onto the drive.

Ensure You Have Sufficient Power

Make sure your laptop is plugged in, or your desktop is connected to a reliable power source to avoid interruptions during the reset process.

Check for Windows Updates

Before resetting, ensure your system is up-to-date:

Open Settings.

Go to Update & Security.

Click on Windows Update and check for updates.

Installing the latest updates can help resolve existing issues before the reset.

3. How to Factory Reset Windows 10

There are two primary methods for resetting your PC: through Windows Settings and via Advanced Startup Options.

Method 1: Using Windows Settings

Open Settings:

Click on the Start button, then select the gear icon to open Settings.

Navigate to Update & Security:

Click on Update & Security.

Select Recovery:

In the left sidebar, click on Recovery.

Choose Get Started:

Under the Reset this PC section, click on Get started.

Select an Option:

You will see two options:

Keep my files: This option removes apps and settings but keeps personal files.

Remove everything: This option removes all personal files, apps, and settings.

Choose Remove everything if you want a complete factory reset.

Choose to Clean the Drives:

You’ll be prompted to select whether to remove files just from the drive where Windows is installed or from all drives. Select Only the drive where Windows is installed for a quicker reset, or All drives for thorough cleaning.

Confirm the Reset:

Review the information and click Reset to initiate the process. Your PC will restart several times, and it may take some time to complete.

Method 2: Using Advanced Startup Options

If you cannot access the Settings menu, you can use the Advanced Startup Options:

Access Advanced Startup:

Hold down the Shift key while clicking Restart in the Start menu (or on the login screen).

Select Troubleshoot:

Once in the recovery environment, select Troubleshoot.

Choose Reset this PC:

Click on Reset this PC.

Follow the Steps:

Follow the same steps as in Method 1 to choose between Keep my files or Remove everything.

Complete the Reset:

Confirm your choices and let the reset process complete.

4. Post-Reset Considerations

After the factory reset is complete, there are a few things to keep in mind.

Reinstalling Applications

You’ll need to reinstall any applications that were removed during the reset. Make sure you have the installation files or access to download them again.

Restoring Your Data

After reinstalling applications, you can restore your backed-up files:

From OneDrive:

Open OneDrive and download your files back to your PC.

From External Hard Drive:

Connect the external drive and copy your files back to their respective locations.

Windows Updates

Run Windows Update again to ensure your system is up-to-date:

Open Settings.

Go to Update & Security.

Click Check for updates.

5. Troubleshooting Common Issues

If you encounter problems during the reset process, here are some troubleshooting tips.

If Reset Option is Missing

If the reset option is missing from the Recovery settings:

Check System Integrity: Open Command Prompt as an administrator and run:

bash

sfc /scannow

Access Recovery Environment: Use Advanced Startup options as described earlier.

If Your PC Fails to Reset

If the reset fails, consider the following steps:

Check for Hardware Issues: Run diagnostics on your hardware components.

Use Installation Media: If you can’t reset via settings, consider using a Windows installation media created with the Media Creation Tool.

Factory resetting your Windows 10 PC without recovery media is straightforward and can help resolve many issues. Whether you choose to reset through the settings or advanced startup options, following this guide ensures you take the necessary steps to protect your data and get your PC back to a clean state.