Which reset should you choose
The right choice depends on why you are resetting the laptop. Use this overview before opening the detailed steps for your device.
| Your situation | Choose | What happens |
|---|---|---|
| Your Windows laptop is slow or unstable | Keep my files | Windows reinstalls while personal files stay in place. Apps and settings are removed. |
| You are selling, donating or recycling a Windows laptop | Remove everything | Personal files, apps and settings are removed. Review the clean-data option if it is offered. |
| You are handing over a MacBook | Erase All Content and Settings | Supported Macs remove data, apps and settings while keeping the installed macOS in place. |
| You are handing over or troubleshooting a Chromebook | Powerwash | Local user data is cleared. Files already in Google Drive or on external storage remain. |
How to factory reset a Windows laptop
If Windows is slow, unstable or full of software you no longer need, Reset this PC gives you a controlled way to start again. The key decision is whether to keep personal files or remove everything.
Windows 11
Open Start > Settings > System > Recovery, then choose Reset PC.
Windows 10
Open Start > Settings > Update & Security > Recovery, then choose Get started under Reset this PC.
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Back up your files and check your keys
Copy important documents, photos and downloads to cloud storage or an external drive. If Windows asks for a BitLocker recovery key during recovery, you will need it to continue.
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Open Reset this PC
Follow the Windows 11 or Windows 10 settings path above and select the reset option. Read each screen carefully before confirming.
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Choose what to remove
Keep my files
Reinstalls Windows while keeping personal files, but removes installed apps and resets settings. This is usually the better first choice when you are troubleshooting your own laptop.
Remove everything
Removes personal files, apps and settings. Choose this when preparing the laptop for another person, sale, donation or recycling.
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Choose how Windows is reinstalled
Cloud download downloads a fresh copy of Windows. Local reinstall uses files already on the laptop. Follow the on-screen instructions for the option that suits your connection and situation.
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Let the reset finish
The screen may go black for a while and the laptop may restart more than once. Do not manually restart or switch it off while the reset is running, as this can cause the reset to fail.
Preparing a Windows laptop for a new owner? Select Remove everything. If Windows offers a data-cleaning option, review its explanation before choosing it. Microsoft says this consumer feature is not designed to meet government or industry data-erasure standards.
Windows 10 support ended on 14 October 2025. A reset does not change the Windows version, so check whether the laptop can run Windows 11 before relying on it for ongoing use.
How to factory reset a MacBook
If a MacBook is going to a new owner, or software problems will not settle, Erase All Content and Settings removes your data, apps and settings while keeping the installed version of macOS in place on supported Macs.
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Back up and prepare your Mac
Use Time Machine or another backup method for files you want to keep. Keep your Mac connected to power and make sure you know your administrator and Apple Account passwords.
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Open Erase All Content and Settings
On macOS Ventura 13 or later, open Apple menu > System Settings > General > Transfer or Reset, then select Erase All Content and Settings. On macOS Monterey 12, open Apple menu > System Preferences, then choose Erase All Content and Settings from the System Preferences menu.
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Review the erase summary
Enter your administrator details if asked. Review the accounts, apps, settings and content that will be removed, then follow the prompts to sign out of Apple services when requested.
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Confirm and wait for setup
Select Erase All Content & Settings to confirm. When the Mac restarts to the setup assistant, stop there if you are handing it to a new owner.
Can not see the erase option? Apple says it is available on macOS Monterey 12 or later and on Macs with Apple silicon or the Apple T2 Security Chip. If your Mac is not supported, use Apple's Mac Recovery guidance instead. The exact steps vary by Mac model.
How to factory reset a Chromebook
If your Chromebook is still misbehaving after a restart, or you are passing it to someone else, Powerwash clears local user data for a clean setup. Files already in Google Drive or on external storage are not deleted.
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Back up local files
Move anything in Downloads or other local folders to Google Drive or an external drive. If the Chromebook belongs to a school or workplace, contact the administrator before resetting it.
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Start Powerwash
Sign out of the Chromebook, then press and hold Ctrl + Alt + Shift + R. Select Restart, then choose Powerwash and Continue.
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Complete setup
Follow the on-screen instructions. The first Google Account added after the reset becomes the Chromebook's owner account.
What to do after the reset
A reset is only useful if the laptop is ready for the next task. Use this short post-reset check to restore what matters, close security gaps and avoid reinstalling the clutter you just removed.
Restore your essentials
Sign in, restore your backed-up files and reinstall only the apps you need. Check that your browser, email and security settings are working.
Install updates
Run the operating system's update tool and restart when asked. Check the manufacturer's support page if a driver or device is not working correctly.
Keep your accounts secure
Use a strong sign-in password and turn on multi-factor authentication for important accounts where available.
Handing it over?
After a full erase, stop at the first setup screen. That leaves the next owner ready to complete setup with their own account.
Factory reset questions, answered
Will a factory reset delete everything?
It depends on the option you choose. Windows Keep my files preserves personal files but removes apps and settings. Remove everything, a Mac erase and a Chromebook Powerwash remove local personal data, so back up first.
Is restarting the same as factory resetting?
No. Restarting simply turns the laptop off and on again. A factory reset is a much bigger change that reinstalls or resets the operating system and can remove data.
Should I factory reset a slow laptop?
A reset can be useful when a software problem persists, but it is not a fix for every issue. Back up first and try ordinary updates and troubleshooting before choosing a destructive reset.
What if the reset does not fix the problem?
If the same fault remains after a clean reset, it may be related to hardware, a damaged recovery image or a platform-specific issue. Check the laptop maker's support guidance or arrange professional help.
Operating system menus and support requirements can change. Check the current guidance from Microsoft, Apple or Google for your device before starting a reset.