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
    2022-10-18T01:45:07+00:00

    You are most welcome, Sofi. I will be here on Friday to help.

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  2. Anonymous
    2022-10-18T01:42:01+00:00

    Thank you!

    So, after my reset, I must check to see if I have updates that I need to install, right?

    I'm gonna do it on Friday!

    So, I go to settings>recovery>reset this pc> remove everything.

    That's it, right?

    Thanks again, sorry for the repeated questions, I'm always curious when it comes to new things.

    (also, I will tell you my model number on Friday, cause Friday is the day I will do the reset.)

    Thank you!^^

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  3. Anonymous
    2022-10-18T01:32:32+00:00

    There are no stupid questions here. All are welcome. This is how we learn.

    Type System Info in task bar Search box, then Run as Administrator. What is the System Model listed?

    We will put that model number in the Acer Support Downloads page to find your drivers: https://www.acer.com/us-en/support/drivers-and-...

    After the Reset, first install all Windows Updates from Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update > Check for Updates, until no more are offered. Include any Optional Updates that are offered. Make sure to do the needed restarts to finish Update installations. Then go back and check again until none are offered.

    Then compare the latest drivers from the Acer Downloads page with the ones installed in your Device Manager, reached by right clicking the Start button at left end of task bar.

    Now tell me your full model number and I will help find the Acer drivers for it.

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  4. Anonymous
    2022-10-17T22:32:46+00:00

    Thanks for the additional info on how to reset!

    Will do in Friday.

    What do you mean by

    "Again, 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.

    If you're not aware of the PC make and Model, you can type System Information in Search, open it to look for the System Model. Then go to the manufacturer's Support Downloads web page for that exact model to update any drivers that are newer when you check in Device Manager after all Windows Updates are done."

    Sorry, I'm not good with tech. I have an Acer Predator laptop.

    Have a nice week and thank you for the info. Please disregard my stupid questions because I don't know anything about tech.

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