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.
Restoring your system to a previous point can fix issues that arose after that point, effectively bypassing the reset error.
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.
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.
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.
4. Restore Windows with Restore Points
- Click the search tool from the taskbar, write control, and press Enter to open the Control Panel app.
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- Choose Recovery from the list.
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- Select Open System Restore.
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- Click Next.
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- Choose the restore point that is related to the problem-causing app, driver or update then select Next and Finish.
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.