A clean format of Windows 10, often referred to as a factory reset or a clean installation, can be achieved through the built-in "Reset This PC" feature, specifically by choosing the option to remove everything. This process effectively reinstalls Windows and gives you a fresh start by deleting your files, apps, and settings.
Understanding "Reset This PC"
Windows 10 includes a convenient recovery tool called "Reset This PC." This feature allows you to reinstall the operating system without needing external installation media (like a USB drive or DVD) in many cases. It presents two main options:
- Keep my files: Reinstalls Windows but keeps your personal files. It removes apps and settings.
- Remove everything: Reinstalls Windows and removes all your personal files, apps, and settings. This option provides a cleaner slate, similar to formatting and reinstalling, making it suitable for resolving major system issues or preparing the computer for transfer.
For a "clean format" experience, the "Remove everything" option is the most appropriate choice using this method.
Steps to Clean Format Windows 10 Using Reset This PC
Based on the provided reference, here is the process using the "Reset This PC" feature to perform a clean format by removing everything:
- Access Settings: Open the Settings app in Windows 10. You can typically find this by clicking the Start button and selecting the gear icon, or by pressing
Windows key + I. - Navigate to Update & Security:
- Click the Update & Security option. As described in the reference, this option looks like a blue, revolving arrow icon on the Settings menu.
- Initiate the Reset:
- In the left-hand menu, click on Recovery.
- Under the "Reset This PC" heading, click the Get started button. This option will allow you to reinstall the Windows operating system on your computer, and reset your entire system.
- Choose to Remove Everything:
- When presented with the options, click Remove everything. This action signifies that you want to delete all personal files, apps, and settings during the reset process.
- Select Reinstallation Method (Optional Step - may vary): You might be asked how you'd like to reinstall Windows:
- Cloud download: Downloads a fresh copy of Windows from Microsoft (requires internet connection).
- Local reinstall: Uses the Windows files already stored on your computer (may not be as "clean" as a cloud download if local files are corrupted).
- Choose the method that suits your needs, though Cloud download is often preferred for a truly clean installation if bandwidth allows.
- Configure Additional Settings (Optional Step - may vary): You might be presented with additional settings, like whether to clean the drive thoroughly.
- Just remove my files: Quicker, suitable for keeping the PC.
- Remove files and clean the drive: Takes longer, makes it much harder to recover deleted files, suitable for recycling or transferring ownership of the PC. Choose the option appropriate for your situation.
- Confirm and Start Reset: Review the final summary of what will happen. Once you are ready, click the Reset button. Your computer will restart and begin the resetting process.
Important Considerations:
- This process will delete all data on the drive where Windows is installed (usually the C: drive). Ensure you have backed up any important files before starting.
- You will need to reinstall all your applications after the reset is complete.
- Make sure your PC is plugged into a power source to avoid interruption during the process.
Using the "Reset This PC" feature with the "Remove everything" option is a straightforward and effective way to achieve a clean format and get a fresh installation of Windows 10 directly from within the operating system.
