How to reset settings on Windows 10. Possible problems with system rollback

After months or years of use operating system Windows 10 may experience that it will start to work worse: freeze, slow down and produce errors. Eat different ways to resolve certain types of problems. But there is a universal method - reset.

Why do you need to reset the system?

The performance of the operating system decreases due to the fact that a large amount of unnecessary files and processes. Installing third party programs, which were not originally included with Windows, you create some of the elements and services needed to make them work. But after deleting these applications, not all data associated with them is erased - the system becomes clogged.

Of course, Windows tries to prevent the appearance of garbage, malicious utilities and other software that interferes with it. But the longer it works, the greater the load, and accordingly, the chance of critical problems occurring is higher.

A factory reset is a process that allows you to roll back all system settings and files to their original state, while preserving the user's files. Having received a clean Windows, it is as if you are installing a new operating system, since the settings made by you and the programs you are running will be reset to factory values. Your files (music, pictures, videos, documents and others) will remain unharmed, although all programs will be deleted.

After Windows reset 10 your personal data will not be affected, and all system files and settings will return to their original state

You should resort to a reset if you cannot solve the problem by rolling back the system to a restore point, or when you need to quickly and effortlessly get a fresh operating system.

Performing a reset

Windows 10 has several built-in methods to perform a reset. Microsoft has also released a separate utility that performs this process. The reset can be performed both from the system by logging into your account, and in another way that does not require access to Windows (it is useful when the system does not start).

Using the Options menu

Windows 10 has a new menu that allows you to work with system settings - “Settings”. Using it, you can start the reset:

  1. Using the system search bar, expand the “Options” utility.

    The easiest way to get to computer settings is to start typing the name of this menu in the search bar

  2. Go to the "Update and Security" block.


    Open the “Update and Security” section

  3. Expand the “Recovery” sub-item and click on the “Start” button.


    If you are determined to reset the operating system to its initial settings, click the “Start” button

  4. The reset procedure will begin. You will be asked if you want to keep the user files. Select the appropriate option.


    Specify whether you want to keep your files during the reset

  5. Confirm the start of the process by clicking the "Reset" button.


    To start the process, click the "Reset" button

How the process works

The reset can last from a couple of minutes to several hours, depending on the performance and load of the computer. The system will reboot several times. Do not interrupt the procedure under any circumstances, otherwise serious errors may occur. During the reset process, it may seem that the system is frozen, but give it a little time (half an hour to an hour), and only after it has expired, forcefully end the procedure.

Using a third-party utility

Microsoft has released a third-party utility called RefreshWindowsTool that can perform the same reset.


Using the recovery menu (if there is no access to the system)

If you can turn on the system, then it is better to use the above two methods as they are faster and easier. But if there is no way to log into Windows, you will have to resort to this method. You will need one working computer to complete this procedure, as you will need to use it to create Windows installation media. You need it to get into the recovery menu.

  1. Go to the official Microsoft website (https://www.microsoft.com/ru-ru/software-download/windows10) and download the MediaCreationTool utility, which allows you to create an installation flash drive. You will need media that has at least 4 GB of memory and is formatted in FAT32. Run the tool and burn the image to a USB flash drive using the built-in instructions. If handled incorrectly The utility may reset the computer you are working on, so be careful when using it. Be sure to select “Create an installation disk for another computer.”


    Tell the program that you need to create installation media for another computer

  2. Insert the flash drive into the computer to be restored. It must be turned off. Turn it on and in the first step press F12 (depending on the model motherboard button may differ) to enter the boot menu.


    Press F12 or another button that is responsible for entering the boot menu on your computer

  3. Find in the “Boot” tab the item responsible for the boot order. Indicate in it that first of all you need to check the third-party media: to do this, place the flash drive on which the system image is recorded in the first place in the list. Don't forget to save the new CMOS settings and exit it.


    On the Boot tab, tell the system to start booting from a flash drive (USB-HDD)

  4. If all the above steps are completed correctly, the download of the installation program will begin, not the system. Select the language in which you want to use the installation utility. In the second step, do not continue installing Windows, but click on the “System Restore” line.


    Click on the line “System Restore”

  5. A special menu will be launched, for which the above steps took place. Proceed to troubleshooting.


    Go to Troubleshooting section

  6. Start the process of restoring your computer to its original state. In the “Advanced Settings” section, you can specify some reset conditions: which of the possible editions to reset Windows to (select the version you were using before the reset), whether to save user data or not.


    Select the reset conditions in the “Advanced options” section and click on the “Reset the computer to its original state” block

  7. Wait for the procedure to complete.

Video: Reset Windows 10 settings

Resetting laptops

The methods described in the “Performing a reset” section are suitable for all computers and laptops running Windows 10. But laptop owners have some advantage - most companies embed additional ways reset. The steps below will help you use special methods. Different companies use slightly different reset programs.

Asus

Before performing a reset to Asus laptops, you need to deactivate the mode quick start. This can be done in the BIOS settings


The reset procedure on laptops is no different from the same process on desktop computers: it lasts from a couple of minutes to several hours, during which the system reboots several times and sometimes notifies the user about how many percent the reset is complete.

HP

Turn off the laptop and at the first stage of turning on, press the F11 key - the recovery program will start. Indicate whether to save your data, and also accept all reset conditions. Start the process, wait for it to finish and get a clean system.


In the recovery program manager, select Windows partition System Reset

Acer

Turn off the laptop and at the first stage of turning it on, hold down Alt and F10 at the same time (you may have to press it several times). You will be asked to enter a password: if you did not change it manually, then enter the standard one - 000000. After access is obtained, click on the Factory reset button, thereby starting the reset, and wait until the procedure is completed.


In the recovery program manager, select the Restore Factory Settings section

Samsung

To reset Windows 10 on Samsung laptops, you need to follow these steps:


Video: Restoring factory Windows 7/8/10 on Samsung laptops

Toshiba

Turn off the laptop, hold down the “0” (zero) key on the keyboard and start turning on the system. You can release the key the moment you hear a signal emitted by the computer. The reset procedure will begin, wait for it to complete.

Rolling back a phone and tablet to Windows

Holders Windows Phone Windows 10 users can also reset the operating system. There are two ways: through the settings, when you have access to the phone or tablet system, or using a special combination that works even when the device is turned off and cannot boot.

Using settings

Before starting the operation, make sure that the device charge is above 50%. If not, charge first and then proceed to the steps below.


The procedure on mobile devices usually takes 10-20 minutes, but may take longer if the phone or tablet is weak or overloaded.

Using a keyboard shortcut

You can use force commands to reset a device with an unresponsive screen. Press and hold the volume up and screen lock keys for 10–15 seconds. As soon as the device begins to vibrate, hold down the volume down button and do not release it until you see Exclamation point. After this, press the following buttons in sequence: volume up, volume down, screen lock, volume down. Please note that you must press them sequentially, not simultaneously. If all the above steps are completed correctly, the reset process will begin.


To reset mobile phone you need to press several keys one by one

Video: Resetting a Windows mobile device

A reset must be performed in order to get a clean system, but at the same time retain your own data. You can start the reset via system settings, a program from Microsoft or the recovery menu. Available on laptops special programs from manufacturers. Mobile device reset via built-in settings or emergency recovery menu.

We often encounter the problem of the system freezing and freezing, and when there are too many errors and the computer quite often does not respond to our actions, the only thing optimal choice is to roll back the system to factory settings. A large percentage of PC users have the Windows 10 operating system, and we are faced with the question: how to return Windows 10 to its original state, that is, reset the settings?

What are the benefits of resetting?

The biggest advantage is that the Windows 10 settings allow you not to reinstall the system or use third-party flash drives or disks. , if you wish, also runs without deleting personal files such as documents or application settings.

The process of rolling back Windows 10 from a running system

The first step is to see if you can get your computer to start normally, and if so, the steps below will fix your problem.

  1. Open the Start menu and click Settings (Win + I combination).
  2. Open the “Update and Security” tab, then “Recovery”. You will see the heading “Reset your computer to its original state” and the “Get Started” button - this is what you need.
  3. Choose whether to keep personal files or delete everything. After everything is ready, all you have to do is click on “Reset”.

The process of rolling back Windows 10 from a boot disk

When Windows 10 refuses to start (for example, if a virus is caught or system files are damaged), you can restore the system with boot disk. First, you need to get into the BIOS and set your disk/flash drive as the main one to boot.

To enter the BIOS, immediately after turning on the device, you need to press the F2 or Delete button, depending on your device. On different versions of dozens, the BIOS menu can be called up by different keys, if you can’t find them, .

After you have entered the BIOS, you need to enter the BOOT section. Using the F6 key, your removable media(flash drive or disk) moves to the very top. Now your media is in the first boot queue, press the F10 key to save the settings.

Immediately after rebooting, you will see a message on English language“Press any key to boot from...”. That is, to boot, you need to press any key. After the menu loads, the Windows 10 installation window will appear on the desktop; instead of the “Install” button, click “System Restore”.

Next, the “Select Action” menu will open, which has three items: “Continue”, which will return you to the desktop, “Diagnostics” and “Shutdown”. We need a second point.
Click "Reset your computer."

After this, you will be faced with the already familiar choice between a complete system rollback with the deletion of all files, or saving your personal documents and then using them. We select the desired option and begin to restore the system.

Refresh Windows Tool

Another optimal way to restore the system is Refresh. Windows Tool. Go to recovery options and click "Learn how to start over with a clean install of Windows." After this, the Windows website will open to you, you will need to download this application.

When the Windows 10 operating system starts to crash, performance decreases, or viruses that cannot be removed appear, the user immediately reinstalls the system. It is much easier to reset Windows 10 to factory settings, which requires less time and resources. What is a reset, what is the advantage compared to installing a new system, as well as answers to other questions, you will find in this article.

Under reset or return of initial Windows settings 10, understand the return of the system to its original state, similar to that when the system was first started. To do this, use a system backup located in hidden section HDD/SSD disk, or in a folder on one of the local drives.

When to reset

The indications for resetting the settings are as follows:

  1. The system does not start or crashes.
  2. Windows OS is infected with a virus or malware that cannot be removed.
  3. Need to roll back earlier installed drivers or programs.
  4. Computer performance has decreased.

Benefits of resetting versus installing new Windows

  1. No need to hold DVD disc with a new system or a bootable USB flash drive.
  2. There is no need for re-activation, since the existing license key is saved.
  3. No driver or software installation required.

Instructions on how to reset Windows 10 to factory settings

  1. Open the Settings section. If you have difficulty finding the menu, call the menu using the “Win+I” button combination.
  2. Click on the "Update and Security" button.
  3. Next, on the left, “Recovery”.
  4. Then “Start” to roll back the system.
  5. The factory reset program will offer two recovery options: deleting data or saving it. In the first case, the user information will be erased, in the second, it will be copied to separate folder. If you saved on time important information, select Remove All.
  6. This will be followed by a final reset warning, requiring you to click the “Reset” button. The process will then begin in automatic mode, without your participation. The computer will reboot 2-3 times, this is normal. Once the restore to its original state is complete, you will see a notification.

Instructions on how to reset settings when the system does not start

Often Windows OS does not start or freezes during the reset process. Then, to return Windows to its original state, use these instructions.

  1. You will need Windows 10 media to enter recovery mode.
  2. After the computer detects the disk with the OS, a line will appear on the screen asking you to continue. The notification will last for 5 seconds, after which the computer will proceed to the next action - starting the OS. Therefore, while you see the notification, click on any button.
  3. A window will appear prompting you to install Windows 10. After selecting the language, click on the “Next” button.
  4. The next window will prompt you to “Install” the system, but you need to skip the action and click on the “System Restore” line below.
  5. Next, a window will appear with a choice of actions, where you need to select “Troubleshooting”.
  6. Then the “Restore the computer to its original state” button.
  7. The program will ask you to select the type of recovery, delete or save existing data.
  8. Confirm your decision, and then wait for the process to complete.

Important!

Sometimes, during the reset process, a notification appears indicating that there is a recovery problem. There is probably an error related to the recovery files being deleted, damaged or modified. If, if there is an error, you can return the system to its original state, check the functionality of the HDD/SSD drive.

In laptops, to open the recovery mode, OS media is often not required, since the backup copy is stored in a hidden partition or on one of the local drives of the drive. To enter recovery mode, use the Fx-Fxx button, where x and xx are the key numbers. Each manufacturer uses its own button or combination of buttons.

In addition to a factory reset, you can use backup copy created earlier. Relevant for cases when you need a clean system with a ready-made set of programs and settings, which will allow you to spend less time setting up the system.

Conclusion

Resetting Windows 10 to factory settings is simple and reliable way restore normal system operation, without the need for a clean installation. This allows you to significantly save time on subsequent installation of drivers, programs and setting up the system for ergonomic operation.

If you notice a crash or other problems with Windows 10, use the first instructions to return Windows to its original state. If the system does not start, you will need an installation disk to start recovery mode, and a second instruction to reset Windows to factory settings. If you have a laptop, then to reset the settings, use the instructions from a separate article.

Hello admin! It won't load on my laptop Windows 10 build 1607 . I wanted to reset the operating system, I booted from the Win 10 installation flash drive, but In the “Select an action” menu and then “Troubleshooting” there is no “Reset the computer to its original state” option. What is the best way to reset Windows 10? to normal operating condition so that it works as before. I copied all the important data from the disk (C:) to a portable one. HDD USB. What to do next?

How to reset Windows 10

Hello friends! This process can be called Windows 10 reset or reset. It is produced in cases where no amount of your actions can make the operating system work normally. In previous Windows versions(7, 8.1) this process was called, the laptop’s hard drive contained a special hidden partition on which a WIM image with Windows files was located in a compressed state; if necessary, the user could run the rollback program built in by the laptop manufacturer and a brand new operating system would be deployed to the hard drive. In Windows 10, there is no longer a hidden partition with factory Windows (we save disk space), but you can reset the operating system to its original state. Windows 10 reset files are now taken to storage system files Windows, or rather -V WinSxS folder(address C:\Windows\WinSxS).

Unfortunately, in the latest Windows 10 build 1607, reset can be done in one way - only in a running operating system. In the previous build of Windows 10 (Version 1511) it was possible due to some errors.

Well, or in very clever words, in the latest Windows 10 build 1607, a reset can only be done in one way - in Windows RE(Windows Recovery Environment - Environment Windows recovery(winre.wim file)), located on the first hidden partition hard drive, size 400-500 MB.
In the previous build of Windows 10 (Version 1511), it was possible to reset by booting from bootable media (DVD, flash drive with Windows 10) into the Windows Preinstallation Environment - Windows PE(boot.wim file).

How to reset Windows 10 build 1607 on a running system

Left-click on the Start menu and select Settings.

"Update and Security"

Select "Recovery", then "Return the computer to its original state" and click “Start”

If you want to reinstall Windows 10 again, select “Remove everything”.

We read what consequences a reset will have for our operating system.

Situations often arise in which it is necessary to reset the operating system as soon as possible.

Such a need may arise due to computer lags and glitches or the loss of some specific information.

And ordinary users in this case ask a trivial question, how to reset Windows 10 to factory settings?

The instructions presented below will allow you to understand how to correctly and quickly reset the operating system to factory settings, as well as how to return the personal computer system to its original state.

Why do you need a reset?

It is worth noting that reinstalling the system is much easier than the same eight, seven, and so on.

This fact is due to the fact that in latest version The operating system has radically changed the way the reset image is stored in the system.

You should also know that now there is basically no need to look for a flash drive, floppy disk or disk.

This procedure can be easily carried out without these parts. There is always the opportunity to perform a clean installation of the operating system if something suddenly does not go according to the instructions below.

Such instructions will come in handy when the operating system starts to lag, and standard methods Fixing this problem does not help.

It is worth understanding that with this type of Windows reinstallation, you will be able to save:

Do not be alarmed by computer reboots, this is an absolutely normal occurrence. This process may be repeated several times.

You may also need many files from the user folder and desktop contents in this folder.

Automatic clean OS installation

Read also: [Instructions] Installing Windows 10 from a flash drive: description of the process from creating a boot image to completing the OS installation

After the developers released update 10 1607 on the second of August two thousand and sixteen Windows systems It became possible, by going to the recovery options, to perform a clean wipe, or in other words, reinstall the Windows 10 operating system.

Using this procedure and the Refresh Windows Tool and utility, it is possible to save the necessary files and documents.

Using this program allows you to reset the system settings if the first, previously described method does not work or reports errors.

To perform a clean reinstall, you need to follow the steps below:

1 You need to go to recovery options, and then click on the tab.

2 You will be automatically transferred to the main browser you configured.

The official Microsoft website will be opened. On this page you need to click on the button "Download the tool now".

3 After starting the program, you need to familiarize yourself with license agreement and accept it by checking the box.

You also need to make a choice: delete or save previously installed ones. Personal Computer files.

The operating system will be installed and reinstalled automatically.

You need to understand that reinstalling the operating system may take more than one hour, so you need to be patient and keep yourself busy for the near future.

The reinstallation time depends only on the newness and performance of your personal computer.

I advise you to simultaneously press two “Win ​​+ R” keys after logging into the new cleaned system. In the window that opens, enter the command

Cleaner

After that, click on the tab.

There is a high probability that in this way you will be able to delete more than 20 gigabytes of unnecessary files that were created during the process of reinstalling the operating system.

Automatic OS reinstallation

Read also: [Instructions] How to reinstall Windows (7/8/10) on a computer or laptop | 2019

There are situations in which the Windows 10 operating system does not boot. What to do in this case? There are several options here.

It is possible to fix the problem using tools provided directly by the personal computer manufacturer.

You can also use a specialized disk with which to restore the operating system, or a bootable OS flash drive.

  • You need to download the recovery program and select the item called "Troubleshooting", after that .

Now the procedure is completely repeated with the previous case. You have a chance:

  • Save or delete your files that were previously installed on your personal computer. You need to understand that when you choose to delete files, you will be offered the most complete cleaning possible. These files and documents will not be possible. Or you can choose simple deletion. As previously stated, provided that you do not transfer your personal computer into the wrong hands, it is best to simply delete the documentation.
  • Next you need to select the target Windows operating system
  • The next step you need to do is in the window "Return the computer to its original state" familiarize yourself with what will be done: uninstalling programs, resetting settings to default values ​​and automatic reinstalling Windows 10. After you have successfully read the information provided to you, you need to click on the tab "Return to original state".

Eventually the inevitable process will begin in which the operating system will be returned to its original state.

It is necessary to take into account the fact that during this process the personal computer will reboot several times, so do not be afraid of this.

If you use an installation drive to get into the recovery window of the Windows 10 operating system, it is best to prevent starting from it during the first reboot.

And also, do not press various keyboard buttons when a message pops up: Press any key to boot from DVD.

Publications on the topic