Factory reset without wiping the hard drive

Anonymous
2022-10-17T04:53:17+00:00

Hello, Sofia here.

I just wanted to ask if I press "reset everything", will it delete my hard drive?

I'm not planning to sell my pc. I just noticed my laptop was beginning to become slower and slower throughout the day.

Can someone guide me on how to factory reset my Laptop without wiping the hard drive?

I'm not planning to keep my files, just my hard drive, if that makes sense.

I would appreciate the help. Thank you~

Have a wonderful week!

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Performance and system failures

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Anonymous
2022-10-17T05:29:24+00:00

Hi Sofi. I'm Greg, 10 years awarded Windows MVP, here to help you.

Sofi, your hard drive will always remain, it's what's on the hard drive that is erased or not. If you choose the deep clean Reset without saving files, it is a cleaner install that wipes everything off the drive. This means you need to have your files backed up in advanced and be prepared to reinstall your personal apps and programs that do not come from the Store app - which will have your Store games and apps ready to install once you sign-in.

The deep clean reset is important because just as the install gets corrupted and slows down, the User account you sign in with can also become corrupted and need replacement. When you choose to save nothing in the Reset, it will have you set up your account again which is a better install.

Here are all ways to Reset WIndows 10 and 11:

https://winbuzzer.com/2022/01/01/how-to-reset-w...

After install expedite all Windows Updates including Optional until no more are offered. Then import any drivers from the PC maker's Support Downloads web page for your model that are newer, or branded instead of generic. The most basic thing we need to learn to maintain a PC is how to keep the latest manufacturer's drivers current. Windows drivers are rarely enough.

Report back results for each step so I know what else to suggest.

Feel free to ask back any questions. Based on the results you post back I may have other suggestions if necessary.

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  1. Anonymous
    2022-10-21T07:17:52+00:00

    This link may be useful when comparing reset options: local vs cloud

    https://www.howtogeek.com/754424/should-you-use-cloud-download-or-local-reinstall-on-windows/

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  2. Anonymous
    2022-10-20T03:33:10+00:00

    It varies, does it show signs of struggling? I'd let it run. If it rolls back and cannot reset, or fails, then we can always do the Clean Install from bootable media you can create on another PC. So don't worry, it will get done one way or the other.

    While you wait look over this tutorial for a Clean Install which is a better install anyway, in case you need to do it instead:

    https://www.windowscentral.com/how-do-clean-ins...

    Keep me posted.

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  3. Anonymous
    2022-10-20T02:31:45+00:00

    Thanks!

    How many hours would the estimated time be?

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  4. Anonymous
    2022-10-20T02:23:06+00:00

    Yes, Windows sets up an Admin account during an install because it assumes you're the owner of the PC. Be absolutely sure to type in the correct Microsoft Account email address and password or you might have to reset again.

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