Reset this pc keep my files​

​When using a Windows – based computer, over time, the system may encounter various problems such as slow performance, software conflicts, or system errors. These issues can affect the user’s experience and productivity. In the past, to solve such problems, users often had to back up their important files and then perform a clean installation of the operating system, which was a time – consuming and cumbersome process. With the introduction of the “Reset this PC Keep my Files” feature, Microsoft has aimed to simplify this process and make it more user – friendly. This feature allows users to reset their PC to a clean state, removing any unwanted software and settings, while still keeping their personal files intact, such as documents, photos, music, and videos.

How “Reset this PC Keep my Files” Works

The reset process is essentially a reinstallation of the Windows operating system. When you choose the “Reset this PC Keep my Files” option, the system creates a temporary backup of your personal files in a hidden location. It then proceeds to uninstall all the apps and programs that were not pre – installed with the operating system, removes any custom settings and configurations that you have made, and reverts the system to its default state. After the reset is complete, the system restores your personal files from the temporary backup to their original locations.

The process involves several steps:

Initiating the reset: You can access the “Reset this PC” option through the Windows Settings. Navigate to “Update & Security” and then select “Recovery” in the left – hand pane. Under “Reset this PC”, you will see two options: “Keep my files” and “Remove everything”. Selecting “Keep my files” starts the process of resetting your PC while preserving your personal files.

Scanning for files: The system first scans your hard drive to identify all the personal files that need to be preserved. It creates a list of these files and their locations.

Creating a temporary backup: Once the scan is complete, Windows creates a temporary backup of the identified files. This backup is stored in a hidden folder on your hard drive. The location of this folder is usually not accessible to the user to prevent accidental deletion or modification.

Reinstalling Windows: After the backup is created, the system begins the process of reinstalling Windows. It copies the necessary system files from the Windows installation media (which could be a built – in recovery partition or an external USB drive if you have created one) to the hard drive. During this process, the existing operating system files are replaced, and the system is restored to its default state.

Restoring personal files: Once the Windows reinstallation is complete, the system restores your personal files from the temporary backup to their original locations. It also updates the file permissions and ownership settings to ensure that you have the appropriate access to your files.

Benefits of Using “Reset this PC Keep my Files”

There are several advantages to using this feature:

Convenience: It is a much more convenient option compared to the traditional method of backing up files and performing a clean installation. Users do not have to go through the hassle of manually backing up their files to an external storage device and then restoring them after the installation. The process is automated, saving a significant amount of time and effort.

Data preservation: The most significant benefit is that it preserves your personal files. This is crucial for users who have important documents, photos, or other data that they cannot afford to lose. Even if you have forgotten to back up your files regularly, the “Reset this PC Keep my Files” feature ensures that your data is safe during the reset process.

System optimization: By removing all the unwanted apps and programs, as well as resetting the system settings to their defaults, the feature helps to optimize the performance of your PC. It can resolve issues such as slow startup times, software conflicts, and system errors, making your computer run more smoothly.

Security: Resetting your PC can also improve security. It removes any potentially malicious software or programs that may have infected your system. Starting with a clean slate can help prevent security threats and protect your personal information.

Limitations and Considerations

While the “Reset this PC Keep my Files” feature is useful, it does have some limitations and considerations:

App and program reinstallation: Although your personal files are preserved, you will need to reinstall all the apps and programs that were not pre – installed with Windows. This includes software such as Microsoft Office, Adobe Photoshop, and other third – party applications. You will also need to re – enter any license keys or activation codes for these programs.

Driver updates: After the reset, you may find that some of your hardware devices are not working properly. This is because the reset process may not install the latest device drivers. You may need to visit the manufacturer’s website for each device to download and install the appropriate drivers.

File compatibility: In some cases, there may be compatibility issues with certain files after the reset. For example, if you have files that were created with a specific version of a software program and that program is not reinstalled after the reset, you may not be able to open those files. It is recommended to check the compatibility of your important files with the available software after the reset.

Partial file preservation: The feature may not be able to preserve all types of files. Some files that are stored in non – standard locations or files that are associated with specific apps may not be included in the backup. It is always a good idea to double – check that all your important files are saved before initiating the reset.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If you encounter problems during or after the “Reset this PC Keep my Files” process, here are some troubleshooting steps you can take:

Reset fails to start: If the reset process fails to start, make sure that your computer has sufficient disk space. The temporary backup requires additional space on your hard drive. You can also try running the Windows Update troubleshooter to check for any updates that may be preventing the reset from working.

Files not restored correctly: If some of your files are not restored to their original locations or are missing after the reset, check the hidden temporary backup folder. If the files are present in the backup folder, you can try manually copying them to the correct locations. You can also use the Windows File Recovery tool to recover any lost files.

Hardware device problems: If you experience issues with hardware devices not working after the reset, update the device drivers as mentioned earlier. You can also check the Device Manager for any error messages or yellow exclamation marks next to the device names. Right – clicking on the device and selecting “Update driver” may resolve the issue.