1. Setup Guide
  2. Troubleshooting
  3. System Recovery
  4. Performing a System Recovery for Microsoft Windows 10

Performing a System Recovery for Microsoft Windows 10

You can use the Microsoft Windows 10 operating system recovery function to restore system settings. The system recovery for Microsoft Windows 10 has three recovery options. Each option is outlined below:

Reset this PC – Keep My Files Option

This recovery option takes about 1.5 hours and performs the following actions:

  • Keeps personal files

  • Removes applications and drivers installed after default OS installation

  • Removes changes made to settings after default OS installation

  • Results in no OS configuration at startup

  • Reinstalls Microsoft Windows 10 and keeps your personal files

  1. Swipe left on the touchscreen or move your mouse to the top-right corner of the start screen.

  2. Select All Settings.

  3. On the Update and Recovery screen, click the Get started button under Reset this PC.

  4. On the Reset this PC screen, select Keep My Files, and then select Next on the Your Apps Will Be Removed screen.

  5. Select Reset to finish restoring factory settings.

  6. When the restoration is complete, the workstation reboots into Microsoft Windows 10.

Reset this PC – Remove Everything – Just Remove My Files Option

This recovery option takes about 1.5 hours and performs the following actions:

  • Performs a quick format on the drive

  • Deletes personal files and User accounts

  • Removes applications and drivers installed after default OS installation

  • Removes changes made to settings after default OS installation

  • Removes Windows Updates installed since last Windows installation

  • Performs Out-of-Box configuration at startup

  1. Swipe left on the touchscreen or move your mouse to the top-right corner of the start screen.

  2. Select All Settings.

  3. On the PC Settings screen, select Update and Recovery.

  4. On the Update and Recovery screen, select the Get Started button under Reset this PC.

  5. Select Remove Everything.

  6. Select Just Remove My Files.

  7. Select Resetto finish restoring factory settings.

  8. When the restoration is complete, the workstation reboots and begins the Microsoft Windows 10 configuration process.

Reset this PC – Remove Everything – Remove the Files and Clean the Drive Option

This recovery option takes 1.5 hours or more and includes the following actions:

  • This procedure performs full format of the hard disk that involves a more secure erasure of your data

  • Deletes personal files and User accounts

  • Removes applications and drivers installed after default OS installation

  • Removes changes made to settings after default OS installation

  • Removes Windows Updates installed since last Windows installation

  • Performs Out-of-Box configuration at startup

  1. Swipe left on the touchscreen or move your mouse to the top-right corner of the start screen.

  2. Select All Settings.

  3. On the PC Settings screen, select Update and Recovery.

  4. On the Update and Recovery screen, click the Get Started button under Reset this PC.

  5. Select Remove Everything.

  6. Select Remove Files and Everything.

  7. Select Resetto finish restoring factory settings.

  8. When the restoration is complete, the workstation reboots and begins the Microsoft Windows 10 configuration process.

Parent topic: System Recovery