How to factory reset Windows 10 from BIOS

There are different reasons why you might want to do a factory reset, maybe your computer is running slow, a malware attack or maybe you just want your computer fresh like when you got it. If your Windows 10 computer is acting up, try using Microsoft’s Fresh Start tool or uninstalling a recent update. You can even do your diagnostic checks to ensure that your hard drive is in good condition, but if you noticed the output from your PC has been below par, it may be time to back up your files and do a factory reset.

There are times when you won’t be able to get access to the “Get Started” button in the recovery section. In some cases, other parts of the settings app might be affected as well. This is how to do a reset with the option to keep your files without going through Settings:

• Restart your computer, then Hold the SHIFT key down while you click the power/restart option which is usually located at the lower corner of your computer. After your computer restarts, you should first select Troubleshoot, then Recover this PC.

Also, ensure you back up any important files before resetting, as there’s always the chance that something will go wrong. It’s better to be cautious than sorry in this scenario. Interestingly, though, Windows 10 includes a useful feature that allows you to factory reset your device while keeping all of your data.

How to Factory Reset Windows 10 from BIOS

To access the BIOS, first, restart your computer then press the appropriate key to access the BIOS configuration screen. The key you need to hit should display on the screen. You can follow these steps below:

• Turn OFF the PC.
• Restart your computer and press the to enter the BIOS setup screen. The Key might be different depending on your PC’s brand key (Most common keys: F1, F2, F10, Delete, Esc, as well as key combinations like Ctrl + Alt + Esc or Ctrl + Alt + Delete).
• The F2 key will open the BIOS for Dell, whereas F10 works for HP and F1 works on Lenovo. You don’t have to worry about knowing the key off-hand because the key will usually be displayed on the screen of your PC.
• Once you enter the BIOS setting, use the arrow keys to navigate through the BIOS menu to find the option to reset the computer to its default or factory settings.

How to Factory Reset Windows 10 from Boot

You can do this by using the boot options menu when you start the PC. To gain access to this:

• Go to the Start Menu >> click on the Power icon >> then hold down Shift while you click the Restart option.

 When the PC boots, you’ll have access to the Boot Options menu. Then

• Go to Troubleshoot >> choose Reset this PC and click on Keep my files >> You can then follow the screen instructions to set up your PC.

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Another option is to create a recovery file

To create a recovery file, a Media Creation Tool is used to save a Windows 10 installation file on a flash drive (or DVD) and then used to reinstall Windows 10. This backup option is important if something goes wrong with your computer. You should also have a hard or software copy of the operating system if possible.

To start, enter the Windows Recovery Environment, which requires you to prepare an installation CD or create your recovery drive. If you’re afraid to lose crucial files, try backing them up before doing a factory reset without starting Windows.

• First, insert the installation CD or recovery drive that you created to boot the computer
• Choose your desired language and region in the Windows Setup and click Repair your computer
• Select Troubleshoot and click Reset this PC to reinstall Windows
• Select Keep my files or remove everything
• After your confirmation from the wizard’s guide, click Restart to start resetting this PC
• After resetting your PC, you’ll be required to do the first-time setup, after which you can log on to Windows.

Read also: Why Is Windows 10 So Slow?

How to Factory Reset Windows 10 Without Password

If you forget the password and you need to restore your Windows 10 machine to factory settings for any reason, there is a simple way to do it without requiring a disk or USB drive, as is usually the case.

Please keep in mind that if you use this technique, you will lose all data on your computer’s hard disk. Your PC will be restored to its factory settings in Windows 10.

• You’ll find options to adjust your network settings, access Windows accessibility options, or power down your PC at the bottom-right corner of the login screen >> Hold down the Shift key on your keyboard to begin resetting your PC >> Hold the key down and select the Restart option from your power menu.
• This will restart Windows 10, but instead of starting the operating system as usual, you’ll see the boot choices menu >> To continue, select the Troubleshoot option.
• From the Troubleshoot option, select Reset this PC.
• You can either save your files or completely reset Windows 10, wiping all files and settings. Click the Keep my files option to save your files. Otherwise, click Remove everything instead. You don’t have to choose the Keep my files option, because you’ll be asked for the account password, which is what you were trying to bypass in the first place.

This will start the reset process and also watch for on-screen instructions which may be required of you to complete the process. After the reset is done, you’ll be able to create a new user account on your Windows PC, bypassing the previous password.

Conclusion

Some Windows issues can only be solved by doing a factory reset. A factory reset is probably the most practical option if your computer is considerably slower than it was before, you have a virus infection that you can’t remove, or you plan to sell your computer.

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