Can't Reset Windows 10? Discover 7 Proven Fixes Here

If you're struggling to reset your Windows 10 PC, you're not alone. Here are seven proven fixes to help you get your system back on track.

How do I force a factory reset on Windows 10?​

1. Run Windows Startup Repair​

• Restart in Recovery Mode: Press the Restart button while holding the Shift key.
• Open Startup Repair: Navigate to Advanced options > Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Repair.

This method helps fix common system issues that prevent your PC from starting up correctly. It’s great for addressing startup-related problems that cause the reset error.

2. Run System File Checker (SFC)​

• Open Command Prompt: Type command prompt in the search bar, right-click on it, and select Run as administrator.
• Run SFC Scan: Type sfc /scannow and press Enter.
• Wait: Allow the scan to complete without shutting down the Command Prompt or your computer.

Running an SFC scan repairs corrupted system files, which could be causing the reset error. This helps ensure your essential Windows files are intact.

3. Re-enable the Windows Recovery Environment​

• Open Command Prompt: Search for it and run as administrator.
• Disable Recovery Environment: Type reagentc /disable and press Enter.
• Enable Recovery Environment: Type reagentc /enable and press Enter.
• Restart Your PC: Close the Command Prompt and reboot your computer.

Re-enabling the Windows Recovery Environment can resolve errors related to the recovery image, making it possible to reset Windows 10.

4. Restore Windows with Restore Points​

• Click the search tool from the taskbar, write control, and press Enter to open the Control Panel app.

• Choose Recovery from the list.

• Select Open System Restore.

• Click Next.

• Choose the restore point that is related to the problem-causing app, driver or update then select Next and Finish.

Restoring your system to a previous point can fix issues that arose after that point, effectively bypassing the reset error.

5. Change System and Software Registry​

• Open Command Prompt: Run it as an administrator.
• Execute Commands: Type the following commands, pressing Enter after each:
  • cd %windir%\system32\config
  • ren system system.001
  • ren software software.001
• Exit Command Prompt: Type exit and press Enter, then reboot your PC.

Renaming the system and software registry hives can help fix a variety of issues, including corruption and malware, allowing the reset to proceed.

6. Clean Install Windows 10​

• Download Media Creation Tool: Get the Windows 10 Media Creation Tool from the official Microsoft website.
• Create Installation Media: Use the tool to create a bootable ISO file or USB drive.
• Run Setup: Mount the ISO file as a virtual disk or boot from the USB drive and run Setup.exe.
• Follow Instructions: Complete the on-screen steps to reinstall Windows 10.

A clean install wipes your existing system and installs a fresh version of Windows 10, resolving any deep-seated issues that prevent resetting.

Recover Lost Data After Fixing a Failed Windows 10 Reset​

• Download EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard: Install the software on your computer.
• Run the Software: Open EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard and select the drive where you lost files.
• Search for Lost Data: Click Search for Lost Data to start scanning.
• Filter and Preview: Use the Filter option to locate specific file types and preview them.
• Recover Files: Select the desired files and click Recover to save them to a safe location or cloud drive.

This tool helps you recover data lost during a failed reset, ensuring you don’t lose important files.

1. Run Windows Startup Repair​

• Restart in Recovery Mode: Press the Restart button while holding the Shift key.
• Open Startup Repair: Navigate to Advanced options > Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Repair.

This method helps fix common system issues preventing your PC from starting up correctly. It’s great for addressing the startup-related problems causing the reset error.

2. Run System File Checker (SFC)​

• Open Command Prompt: Type command prompt in the search bar, right-click on it, and select Run as administrator.
• Run SFC Scan: Type sfc /scannow and press Enter.
• Wait: Allow the scan to complete without shutting down the Command Prompt or your computer.

Running an SFC scan repairs corrupted system files, which could be causing the reset error. This helps ensure your essential Windows files are intact.

3. Re-enable the Windows Recovery Environment​

• Open Command Prompt: Search for it and run as administrator.
• Disable Recovery Environment: Type reagentc /disable and press Enter.
• Enable Recovery Environment: Type reagentc /enable and press Enter.
• Restart Your PC: Close the Command Prompt and reboot your computer.

Re-enabling the Windows Recovery Environment can resolve errors related to the recovery image, making it possible to reset Windows 10.

4. Restore Windows with Restore Points​

• Search for System Restore: Type system restore in the search bar and select Create a restore point.
• Open System Properties: Go to the System Protection tab and click System Restore.
• Select a Restore Point: Choose a point you want to return to and follow the on-screen instructions.

Restoring your system to a previous point can fix issues that arose after that point, effectively bypassing the reset error.

5. Change System and Software Registry​

• Open Command Prompt: Run it as an administrator.
• Execute Commands: Type the following commands, pressing Enter after each:
  • cd %windir%\system32\config
  • ren system system.001
  • ren software software.001
• Exit Command Prompt: Type exit and press Enter, then reboot your PC.

Renaming the system and software registry hives can help fix a variety of issues, including corruption and malware, allowing the reset to proceed.

6. Clean Install Windows 10​

• Download Media Creation Tool: Get the Windows 10 Media Creation Tool from the official Microsoft website.
• Create Installation Media: Use the tool to create a bootable ISO file or USB drive.
• Run Setup: Mount the ISO file as a virtual disk or boot from the USB drive and run Setup.exe.
• Follow Instructions: Complete the on-screen steps to reinstall Windows 10.

A clean install wipes your existing system and installs a fresh version of Windows 10, resolving any deep-seated issues that prevent resetting.

Recover Lost Data After Fixing a Failed Windows 10 Reset​

• Download EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard: Install the software on your computer.
• Run the Software: Open EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard and select the drive where you lost files.
• Search for Lost Data: Click Search for Lost Data to start scanning.
• Filter and Preview: Use the Filter option to locate specific file types and preview them.
• Recover Files: Select the desired files and click Recover to save them to a safe location or cloud drive.

This tool helps you recover data lost during a failed reset, ensuring you don’t lose important files.