returning windows 10 to factory settings

Make sure that you have access to all reinstallation media (such as CDs), product keys, license or login information, or other materials needed to manually reinstall and reactivate the apps or app-related content you want to keep using.Ĭreating a backup of your new computer's device drivers might be the most important thing to do prior to reinstalling a Windows operating system.

You will not be able to recover removed apps and you will need to manually reinstall these apps later if you want to keep using them.

It will keep only the Store apps installed by your manufacturer. It will also remove all other Windows Desktop apps installed by your device’s manufacturer, such as your manufacturer's apps, support apps, and drivers.

Fresh start will remove all apps that don't come standard with Windows, including other Microsoft apps such as Office, third-party antivirus software, and desktop apps that came pre-installed on your device.

Microsoft recommends that you back up your files before making changes like a clean installation of Windows to your device.

the Creators Update) was initially released, any new computer that you buy now which is preloaded with Windows 10 should already have that capability.īefore you initiate a Fresh Start on your new computer, please remember that it is essentially a clean install of Windows and you should heed a few important warnings: Since Fresh Start was introduced when Windows 10 version 1703 (a.k.a. Performance, browsing experience, and battery life. Startup and shutdown experience, memory usage, Microsoft Store apps In some cases, a clean installation may improve your device's

Windows while keeping your personal data and most Windows settings

I utilized the Fresh Start function that is already built into Windows 10:įresh Start lets you perform a clean reinstallation and update of I faced the exact same scenario last year when I purchased a new laptop with Windows 10 installed. Install, getting rid of all the flotsam and jetsam? If I get a new Win10 computer, filled with bloatware, can I reset theįactory installed Windows and create the equivalent of a clean

Returning windows 10 to factory settings