Reset windows to factory defaults and erase all data
Why
When passing a laptop to a new person, selling or donating you want to remove all personal documents and settings
How
Open command prompt as Administrator
- Open the windows start menu
- Type
Command Prompt - Right-click on the black icon and the words
- Click
Run as Administrator
Open the reset dialogue
In the command prompt window (Black box)
Type the below
Press the enter key
Reset everything
A blue window similar to the below should open
Select the option that says Remove Everything
Remove everything
This option will delete everything on the computer, returning it to how you got ir from the store
Clean the drives
You will see a page like the below
Select Remove files and clean the drive
Ready to reset
You will see a final window that says Ready to Reset this PC
Resetting will wipe everything
This is your last chance to back out, and stop. Continuing will remove all data from the device
Click Reset
FAQ
How long will this take
30 minutes to 2 hours
The computer has restarted
This is normal. Leave it for 2 hours and then it will be done
Can I recover files after resetting the computer
no
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