If you’re about to refresh your PC, you’ve likely heard that before performing a factory reset, you should prepare your PC for a factory reset, but what does that actually mean? Many users go straight to the Reset this PC button, only to discover later that they forgot to save a personal file, a personal app, or even activate their Windows software. This article will guide you on exactly what to do before the factory reset to ensure you do not regret pressing that reset button.
Step 1: Backup Data Before Resetting
Make Sure Your Data is Saved: The Simple Rule for a Reset
Before resetting Windows, you must save your files. This is the most important step. It is a huge mistake to assume Windows is going to save your files; you need to make sure you have a file backup before resetting.
What to Backup: Checklist for Your Digital Life
Backup is a success because it backs up files all over your PC. We are going to think in four different areas:
Personal Files: These are the files from your normal user folders, including documents, photos, videos, and the downloads folder.
Browser/Account Data/Saved Passwords: Export browser bookmarks and ensure that the service has mapped your saved passwords out to a 3rd cloud service or password manager.
Step 2: Verify Your System Keys and Licenses
Many people tend to forget about software licensing until after the reset, and by then, it is too late.
Prior to resetting:
Obtain the Windows product key using Command Prompt:
wmic path softwarelicensingservice get OA3xOriginalProductKey
Save the application licenses for any applications, such as Microsoft Office, Photoshop, or antivirus applications.
Try to document the BitLocker recovery key (it would have been saved to your Microsoft account online).
Example: If your laptop was purchased with Windows already installed, the product key is located in the BIOS (safe). If you upgraded to Windows 11 manually, be sure to document it.
Note: You can run tools such as Belarc Advisor or ProduKey that will make a list of installed keys automatically.
Step 3: Uninstall and Clean before Resetting
Yes, you are performing a reset, but cleaning up beforehand can help avoid potential problems during the reset.
Why:
Files that are leftover after an app is uninstalled, corrupted temporary data, and large cache folders all can contribute to resetting your PC failing or taking longer.
Before resetting your PC:
Run the Windows Disk Cleanup utility for temporary file removal.
Uninstall apps that are typically no longer used (especially large and/or outdated programs).
Clear browser history/cache and downloaded files.
Delete any old installation for Windows using “Storage Sense.”
Pro Tip: Before resetting your PC, make sure there is as much free disk space as you can, which will help ensure that the Windows recovery environment runs smoothly. The ideal amount of free disk space is at least 10 to 15 GB.
Example of “User Issue”: Some users may experience, or see, “There was a problem resetting your PC.” In many cases, this is in relation to some corrupted recovery files; the utility of Disk Cleanup can help ease this issue.
Step 4: Ensure Power and Connectivity
Power loss during the reset can cause major issues.
Checklist:
Connect to a reliable AC power outlet, especially on a laptop.
Ensure the internet connection is stable if using Cloud download.
Disconnect peripherals such as printers, cameras, or external drives that may interfere with the process.
Question: Is Cloud download a better option than Local reinstall?
Answer: Cloud download provides you with the latest version of Windows and can repair corrupted files, but requires and needs a strong, stable connection, and will use a lot of data as it downloads about 4GB or possibly more.
Tip: If it is a slow connection, choose Local reinstall instead.
Step 5: Log Off and Secure Your Accounts
Before you reset, protect your digital identity.
What to Do:
Log off your Microsoft account (Settings → Accounts).
Deregister your device from your Microsoft account online.
Disable third-party security temporarily, as firewalls or antivirus software can interfere with resetting.
If BitLocker is enabled, you can suspend encryption (Control Panel → BitLocker Drive Encryption).
Warning: You may accidentally lock yourself out if you forget to suspend BitLocker before resetting.
User Question: Will resetting remove my Microsoft account completely?
Answer: No, resetting will only remove the account from the device. You can add it back at any time.
Step 6: Develop a Recovery Plan After Reset
After the reset, you will want your PC to be operational quickly and back to its usual form.
It would help to prepare now.
Before resetting, you should take an inventory of the following:
Installed programs (You can run wmic product get name > appslist.txt in Command Prompt and export to a text file).
Essential drivers that you can download from your manufacturer’s website and store on a USB drive.
Customized settings, such as network settings, color profiles for the display, and keyboard shortcuts.
Example: If you use a specific GPU driver version for stability (this is especially common with gaming PC setups), back up that driver for easy reinstallation in the future.
Step 7: Select the Correct Reset Option
Once you click “Reset this PC,” you will see two options:
Keep my files – This option only removes apps and settings but keeps your personal files.
Remove everything – Completely wipes the system.
Which should you choose:
If your PC is slow, but your personal data is important to you, go with “Keep my files.”
If you just want to wipe everything for a fresh start before selling or recycling your PC, choose “Remove everything.”
Bonus Method (Not Generally Known):
It is a lesser-known way of doing this, but advanced users can also use the System Image Recovery method (through the Control Panel → Backup and Restore) to reset to a custom system image. This method will allow the system to keep pre-installed apps and drivers, but wipes all user data. This seems to be a good choice for businesses or IT professionals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which files should I save before I perform a factory reset of my PC?
Should I check my product key before factory resetting?
Should I uninstall apps before resetting?
How much disk space do I need to reset a PC?
Will resetting my Microsoft account permanently remove it?
Is it better to locally reinstall or cloud download?
Conclusion: Smart Steps to Get Your PC Ready for a Factory Reset
Preparing your PC for a factory reset is more than just backing up files. It’s also about going through the process of eliminating the problems that could result from the reset after it’s completed.
Checklist Recap:
- Back up and back up everything, preferably in multiple places
- Secure your product keys and licenses
- Clean up your PC before you wipe it
- Maintain stable power and Internet
- Keep a recovery plan handy
Pro tip: Some users today create a “Reset Kit” folder where they store all of their backups, drivers, product keys, and a text file on how to reinstall items. This turns a daunting factory reset into a simple 30-minute recovery.
To sum up, taking the time to prepare your PC for a factory reset will make for a smoother, safer, and faster reset—all while providing you with a computer that really feels new, but without the hollowness of precious data lost and broken apps.
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