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Reload Factory Defaults for Windows 10

October 12, 2020

Sometimes you just want to clean up your computer system and start over. TechViral has a post that walks you through how to reset Windows 10 back to factory defaults. Before you reload your operating system, make sure you backup any data you want to preserve and have any reinstallation codes and software for applications you want to reinstall.

One way to reset to factory defaults is to use the option in Windows Settings. Go to Update & Security > Recovery -> Get started. You can elect to keep your files or blow everything away and start over. You will get several warnings before the process actually begins.

You can also use the command line to perform a factory reset. You need to get to an elevated command prompt. One way is to click the Windows icon and type "command." Right click on the Command Prompt and select Run as administrator. Another option is to right click on the Windows icon and select Windows PowerShell (Admin). At the command prompt enter the systemreset command to launch the choices to keep your files or remove files and clean the drive. The post also gives you instructions on how to enter the Windows Recovery Environment to reset your system.

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