AOMEI Partition Assistant 
How to Factory Reset Windows 10 from Boot
If you want to factory reset Windows 10 from boot but don’t know how to perform it, then this article will solve your problem. You can learn detailed steps about how to factory reset Windows OS.
By Lucas / Updated on February 11, 2025
A reliable solution to resolve specific Windows problems is to execute a factory reset. This approach is particularly effective if your computer has become noticeably slower, is infected with persistent malware, or if you plan to sell it.
The method for performing a factory reset on a Windows laptop or desktop varies based on your system configuration and the installed Windows version. In this guide, we explains how to reset Windows 10 to factory settings directly from the boot menu.
Bonus tips: What can you do before factory reset Windows 10 from boot?
Performing a factory reset is a significant step, so it's important to prepare properly to avoid data loss and ensure a smooth process. Here are some key suggestions for users before resetting a Windows 10 computer:
📑 Note Down Software Licenses: Ensure you have product keys or login details for any licensed software you plan to reinstall after the reset.
🔎 Check for Driver Availability: Download the latest drivers for your hardware (e.g., graphics card, network adapter) from the manufacturer’s website and save them to an external drive. This ensures you can reinstall them if Windows doesn’t automatically detect them.
🔌 Disconnect External Devices: Unplug any unnecessary external devices (e.g., USB drives, printers) to avoid potential conflicts during the reset.
Can you keep your data after factory reset?
Certain users may hold the misconception that performing a factory reset on Windows 10 restores their PC to a completely sterile state. A factory reset effectively removes configurations such as installed applications and games, personal files including photographs, videos, and messages, as well as any personalized settings that you have established. Nevertheless, Windows 10 provides users with the option to select which files to retain or remove.
💡 Windows offers two reset options:
Keep My Files: Removes apps and settings but keeps personal files.
Remove Everything: Erases all files, apps, and settings. Choose the option that best suits your needs.
Although it is feasible to retrieve files following a factory reset through the utilization of specialized data recovery tools, it is prudent to protect your essential files by creating backups to avert any potential complications during the reset process. AOMEI Partition Assistant Professional serves as an exceptional tool for safeguarding your data security.
This utility facilitates data protection by allowing the replication of systems, programs, or files from one drive to another, whether the destination is an internal or external hard drive. If the original drive sustains injury during a factory reset, it is possible to recover the data from the cloned drive.
100% SecureStep 1. Install and launch AOMEI Partition Assistant, click "Clone" in the main interface and select "Clone Disk".
Step 2. Choose the hard disk that you need to clone as the source disk and click "Next".
Step 3. Select the destination disk to store the data on the source disk, and then click "Next".
Step 4. Then, you can check the source and destination disk in the next window or change to “Sector to Sector clone”, and click the "Confirm" button to continue if there is no problem.
Here, you can also click the "Settings" button to adjust the partition size on the destination disk or tick "4k alignment" to improve the reading and writing speed of SSD if the target disk is an SSD drive.
Step 5. At last, click "Apply" and "Proceed" in the main interface to start cloning the hard drive.
Option 1. Factory Reset Windows 10 from Boot
To perform a factory reset of Windows 10 from the boot menu in the event of a significant system malfunction that prevents access to the operating system, follow the appropriate procedures. It is imperative to initially access the Windows Recovery Environment.
Step 1. Boot your PC by pressing the power button when the Windows logo is displayed, and subsequently power it back on. Repeat three times, and your computer can also boot into WinRE.
Step 2. Choose your preferred language and region in Windows Setup and click Next > Repair your computer.
Step3. Once in the Recovery Environment, click on "Troubleshoot", and then select "Reset this PC" to initiate the reset.
Step 4. When seeing the interface, choose either the "Keep my files" option or "Remove everything" based on your preferences as previously discussed.
Step 4. Now, decide on the method for reinstalling the system after performing the Windows 10 factory reset.
Step 5. Make your selection between "Just remove your files" or "Fully clean the drive".
Step 6. As you reach the reset screen, a list of the potential impacts of resetting your device will be displayed. If you have no further questions regarding these effects, proceed by clicking "Reset" to start the Windows 10 PC factory reset process.
Option 2. Windows 10 factory reset from boot without password
It is advisable to execute a factory reset on your computer if you have successfully logged into your laptop. To initiate the process, simply access the Settings panel, proceed to System > Recovery > Reset This PC, and subsequently adhere to the on-screen instructions. However, it is advisable to periodically explore alternative solutions if you are unable to recall your laptop's password.
A pragmatic approach for performing a factory reset on your computer without password is outlined below. To utilize the Windows installation disk on the laptop without any problems, you must first download it from the official Microsoft website and create a bootable USB. You are advised to adhere to the instructions outlined below.
Step 1. Insert the USB drive containing the Windows installation files into a USB port on your computer.
Step 2. Restart your computer and enter the BIOS or UEFI settings by pressing the appropriate key during startup (usually indicated on the screen).
Step 3. In the BIOS or UEFI settings, change the boot order so that the computer boots from the USB drive first.
Step 4. Save the changes and exit the BIOS or UEFI settings.
Step 5. When the computer restarts, it should boot from the Windows installation USB drive. Follow the prompts to begin the Windows installation process.
Step 6. When prompted, choose the option "Repair your computer."
Step 7. Within the Troubleshoot or Advanced options menu, select the option to "Reset this PC".
Step 8. You may be prompted to choose between keeping your files or removing everything. Select the option to remove everything to perform a full factory reset.
Step 9. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the factory reset process. This will reinstall Windows and remove all installed programs, settings, and files from the computer, restoring it to its factory default state.
Conclusion
This concludes the discussion on the procedure for executing a factory reset of Windows 10 from boot. To perform a factory reset of your Windows 10 operating system, it is necessary to utilize a recovery USB drive. It is imperative to emphasize the importance of backing up your critical files prior to initiating a reset of your computer. AOMEI Partition Assistant is a backup utility designed to assist you in accomplishing this task. It can also facilitate the creation of bootable media to execute a system boot reapir from the boot process when necessary. Please proceed to acquire and evaluate the application.
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