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Windows 10 or Windows 11 PC

Windows reset: use the smallest reset that fits.

Choose between restarting, repairing networking, resetting one app, restoring system settings, and reinstalling Windows with clear data-loss boundaries.

PC is frozenInternet fails on this PCOne app is brokenWindows remains unstable after repair

Reset levels in the correct order

Start with the first level that matches the failure. Do not jump to factory reset because a restart did not fix a hardware, account, service, or connection problem.

1
Restart

Restart before using recovery tools

Use this after an update, driver change, frozen app, missing device, or temporary performance problem.

Usually keeps
  • Files, apps, accounts, and settings
May remove
  • Temporary memory and stalled processes

Steps

  1. Save open work when possible.
  2. Choose Restart rather than Shut down when testing update or driver problems.
  3. Allow Windows Update to finish if it is actively configuring changes.
  4. After sign-in, test the original problem before opening many startup apps.
2
Network reset

Use Network reset for system-wide adapter problems

Use this when multiple networks fail only on this PC after driver, VPN, firewall, or adapter changes.

Usually keeps
  • Personal files and installed desktop apps
May remove
  • Network adapters and their settings before reinstall
  • Saved custom adapter settings
  • Some VPN and virtual-switch configuration

Steps

  1. Record static IP, DNS, VPN, proxy, Hyper-V, virtual switch, and work-network settings.
  2. Test the Windows network troubleshooter and adapter disable/enable first.
  3. Open Settings, Network and internet, Advanced network settings, then Network reset.
  4. Restart when prompted.
  5. Reconnect Wi-Fi and reinstall required VPN or virtual-network software.
Stop instead of resetting when:
  • The PC uses managed corporate networking.
  • Remote access is the only way to administer the machine.
  • Static-IP, industrial, laboratory, or virtual-machine networking is not documented.
3
Settings reset

Repair or reset one app before Windows

Use this when one Store app or built-in Windows component fails but the operating system is otherwise stable.

Usually keeps
  • Other apps and personal files
May remove
  • The selected app data and sign-in when Reset is chosen

Steps

  1. Open Settings, Apps, Installed apps, and the app advanced options.
  2. Try Repair first when available.
  3. Use Reset only after noting app sign-in and offline data.
  4. Reopen the app and install updates from its official source.
4
Factory reset

Use Reset this PC after backup and recovery preparation

Use this when Windows remains unusable after malware cleanup, system repair, update removal, driver rollback, and targeted app fixes.

Usually keeps
  • Personal files only when Keep my files is selected and completes successfully
May remove
  • Installed applications
  • Many settings and drivers
  • All personal data when Remove everything is selected

Steps

  1. Back up personal files to a separate destination and open samples from that backup.
  2. Save BitLocker recovery keys, application licenses, browser recovery data, and account passwords.
  3. Choose Keep my files or Remove everything based on the recovery goal.
  4. Prefer cloud download when local recovery files may be damaged and the connection is reliable.
  5. After setup, install Windows Update, device drivers, security software, and applications in stages.
Stop instead of resetting when:
  • BitLocker recovery information is unavailable.
  • The PC contains business data without a verified backup.
  • Storage hardware is failing or disappearing from firmware.

Before any factory reset

After the reset

  1. Complete Windows Update before judging performance.
  2. Install manufacturer drivers only when Windows lacks required hardware support.
  3. Restore files before reinstalling every optional app.
  4. Create a restore point after the system becomes stable.
Still failing?

Search the exact symptom or error code.

A reset cannot repair a failed part, service outage, damaged cable, account lock, storage failure, leak, or power fault.