Factory Reset Windows 10 from Boot: 3 Ways to do It

Tested and trusted ways to factory reset your PC from boot

How to

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by Henderson Jayden Harper 

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Key notes

  • There are many ways you can perform a factory reset on your computer.
  • It is possible to factory reset Windows 10 from the boot menu via Windows recovery.
  • Plugging in your PC is one of the essential steps to avoid power outages during a factory reset.
windows 10 factory reset from boot

A factory reset can be performed via several processes occurring in different parts of the system. A common process is doing a Windows 10 factory reset from the boot.

Users can also reset their PCs from Settings, recovery, USB drive, etc. To avoid an error indicating that you can’t factory reset Windows 10/11. So, you should understand how to do it correctly.

Is it safe to reset BIOS to factory settings?

The BIOS in Windows is an essential startup program. It is a built-in core processor software responsible for booting up your PC. Resetting the BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) will restore the factory enable settings for BIOS, clearing any recent configurations.

However, resetting BIOS to factory settings is safe and does not pose any threats to Windows. All the changes you’ve made on your boot order and other features for booting your PC will be deleted.

So, resetting BIOS to factory settings will only impact the BIOS. It won’t reset the complete PC to factory settings.

Check how to access BIOS on Windows PC to know more about it before performing any process.

How do I factory reset Windows 10 from boot?

Before proceeding with any steps for factory resetting Windows 10 from a boot, go through the following preliminary steps to prepare your PC:

  • Ensure to plug your computer into a stable power source.
  • Disconnect any external devices or peripherals plugged into your PC.
  • Quit any Remote connections from your computer.
  • Plug your bootable drive into the PC if you need to boot from a drive.
  • If you don’t want to lose your files in the reset process, create a system image backup to avoid data loss.

After observing the checks above, proceed with the factory reset steps below:

1. Use a Recovery drive

  1. Press the Windows + S keys on the second PC, type recovery drive, and select Create a recovery drive.
  2. Check the Backup system files in the recovery drive option box, then click the Next button.
  3. Select a USB flash drive connected to your PC from the list and click Next.
  4. Follow the instructions on the screen to create the Recovery drive.
  5. Unplug the drive from the second PC and insert it into the HP desktop. Then, press the Power button to start the HP desktop, then wait for it to detect the USB drive.
  6. Select Use a device from the options.
  7. Follow the installation wizard for instructions on how to complete the installation process.

This solution is more suited to factory resetting an HP device from boot on Windows 10. Read our guide if you have issues creating a recovery drive.

2. Use the Windows recovery

  1. Press the power button and continuously press the F4, F10, F11, or F12 keys to open the System Recovery page.
  2. On the Choose an option page, select the Troubleshoot option.
  3. Click Reset this PC, then select either Keep my files or Remove everything.
  4. Go to http://aka.ms/myrecoverykey to find your recovery key, input it on the page and click Continue.
  5. Click Reset on the new prompt to begin the reset.

Wait for your laptop to factory reset from boot after this. If you can’t find the Recovery Environment on Windows 10/11, click this link for a guide on how to find it.

Also, Acer users can try this method to factory reset their PC from the boot should they get locked out.

3. Factory reset via the Installation disk

  1. Insert the installation disk into your PC, press the power button, and select boot from the Windows 10 installation disk.
  2. Click the Repair your computer option on the Install now screen.
  3. Click the Troubleshoot option, then select Reset this PC from the Troubleshooting menu.
  4. Select an option to keep your files or Remove everything in the settings options.
  5. Follow the on-screen prompts that appear to complete the factory reset process.

Nevertheless, you can check how to fix a Windows 10/11 stuck in factory reset and get it working again. This process can also be used to factory reset Asus from the boot.

These are the best ways to factory reset from the boot, depending on your device manufacturer. It is advisable to back up your files before attempting this, as you may lose all your files and data.

If you have further questions and suggestions, kindly drop them in the comments section below. We’d like to hear from you.

More about the topics: PC Reset, windows 10

Henderson Jayden Harper

Henderson Jayden Harper Shield

Windows Software Expert

Passionate about technology, Crypto, software, Windows, and everything computer-related, he spends most of his time developing new skills and learning more about the tech world. He also enjoys gaming, writing, walking his dog, and reading and learning about new cultures. He also enjoys spending private time connecting with nature.