How to restore hard drive to factory settings?

​Restoring a hard drive to factory settings can vary depending on the operating system and the type of hard drive (HDD, SSD) you are using. Below is a detailed guide on how to perform a factory reset for different operating systems and scenarios. This will be a comprehensive overview, covering Windows, macOS, and Linux, as well as tips for backing up your data, wiping the hard drive securely, and reinstalling the operating system.

1. Factory Reset

What is a factory reset?

A factory reset restores your computer or hard drive to its original state as it was when it left the factory. This process erases all your personal files, applications, and settings. It is often used to troubleshoot issues or prepare a device for sale or transfer.

Reasons for performing a factory reset

Performance Issues: Over time, a computer can become slow due to accumulated files and applications. A factory reset can restore performance.

Malware Removal: If your system is infected with malware that is difficult to remove, a factory reset may be necessary.

Preparing for Sale: If you plan to sell or give away your device, a factory reset ensures that your personal data is erased.

Troubleshooting: Sometimes, problems with the operating system can be resolved through a factory reset.

2. Preparing for Factory Reset

Backing up important data

Before performing a factory reset, it’s crucial to back up any important data you want to keep. You can use:

External Hard Drives: Copy your files to an external hard drive.

Cloud Storage: Use services like Google Drive, Dropbox, or OneDrive to back up important files.

Backup Software: Use backup software to create a full system image or backup of selected files.

Creating recovery media

Creating recovery media ensures that you have a way to reinstall your operating system if needed. This can be a USB flash drive or DVD with the installation files for your operating system.

3. Factory Reset on Windows

Windows 10 and Windows 11

Open Settings: Click on the Start menu and select the gear icon to open Settings.

Update & Security: Navigate to “Update & Security.”

Recovery: Click on “Recovery” in the left sidebar.

Reset This PC: Under “Reset this PC,” click the “Get started” button.

Choose an Option: Select either “Keep my files” or “Remove everything.” The latter will remove all personal files, apps, and settings.

Follow the Prompts: Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the reset.

Using recovery options

If your PC is not booting properly, you can access recovery options:

Boot into Recovery Environment: Restart your PC and press the F11 key (or Shift + F11) to enter the recovery environment.

Troubleshoot: Select “Troubleshoot,” then “Reset this PC.”

Follow the Prompts: Choose to keep your files or remove everything and follow the instructions.

Using installation media

If you need to reset using installation media:

Create Installation Media: Use the Windows Media Creation Tool to create a bootable USB drive.

Boot from USB: Insert the USB drive, restart your computer, and boot from the USB.

Install Windows: Follow the on-screen instructions to reinstall Windows, choosing to format the drive if necessary.

4. Factory Reset on macOS

Using macOS Recovery

Restart Your Mac: Click the Apple logo and select “Restart.”

Enter Recovery Mode: Immediately hold down Command (⌘) + R keys until you see the Apple logo or a spinning globe.

Disk Utility: Select “Disk Utility” to erase the hard drive.

Erase the Hard Drive: Choose your main hard drive (usually named “Macintosh HD”) and click “Erase.” Choose the format as APFS or Mac OS Extended (Journaled).

Reinstall macOS: After erasing, exit Disk Utility, select “Reinstall macOS,” and follow the on-screen instructions.

5. Factory Reset on Linux

General steps for Linux

Backup Important Data: As always, back up any data you want to keep.

Create Live USB: Download your preferred Linux distribution and create a bootable USB drive.

Boot from USB: Restart your computer and boot from the USB drive.

Install Linux: Follow the installation instructions, choosing to erase the current operating system and install Linux.

6. Wiping the Hard Drive Securely

Tools for secure erasure

DBAN (Darik’s Boot and Nuke): A popular tool for securely wiping hard drives.

CCleaner: Includes a drive-wiping tool in its suite.

Built-in Utilities: Some operating systems have built-in tools for secure erasure.

Methods to ensure data is irrecoverable

Multiple Passes: Use software that overwrites the data multiple times.

Physical Destruction: For highly sensitive data, physical destruction of the hard drive may be necessary.

7. Reinstalling Operating System

Windows installation process

Insert Installation Media: Boot from your Windows installation USB or DVD.

Install Windows: Follow the prompts, select the hard drive to install on, and format it if necessary.

Complete Installation: Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the setup.

macOS installation process

Refer to the macOS recovery section for installation steps.

Linux installation process

Follow the prompts during the installation of the chosen Linux distribution.

8. Post-Reset Considerations

Setting up the system after reset

Follow Setup Prompts: After installation, follow the prompts to set up your user account, preferences, and network.

Install Updates: Ensure your operating system is updated with the latest patches and drivers.

Restoring data from backup

Transfer Files Back: Copy your backed-up files from external storage or cloud services.

Reinstall Applications: Install any necessary applications and software.