Windows 10 Reset PC : Keep my files VS. Remove everything - Microsoft Q&A (2024)

FAQs

When resetting my PC should I keep my files or remove everything? ›

Click on “Get started” under “Reset this PC.” In the next window, you can choose either “Keep my files” or “Remove everything.” Choose the “Keep my files” option if you are keeping your computer. This option will remove your apps and settings but retain your personal files.

And if you don't plan to keep the PC, a reset can remove all your personal files, settings, and applications. Before you perform a reset, you need to know the consequences. You can choose whether or not to preserve your personal files. But the reset will remove all installed applications and customized settings.

Reset the system and keep your file

This reset option will reinstall the Windows operating system and preserve your personal files, such as photos, music, videos, and personal documents. It will remove installed applications and drivers, as well as revert any changes you made to the settings.

While there is an option to Keep My Files, you should click Remove Everything to perform a factory reset because malware could be embedded within these files. However, if you're sure certain files are clean, you may wish to back them up to removable storage.

Data loss: A factory reset's major drawback is that it erases all of the data on the device, including all contacts, messages, photographs, videos, and other sensitive information that might have been saved there.

To reset your PC, go to Start > Settings > Update & Security > Recovery > Reset this PC > Get Started. Then, select Keep my files, choose cloud or local, change your settings, and set Restore preinstalled apps? to No.

A factory reset deletes all user data and reverts back to the factory-installed software. A system restore reinstalls the operating system but does not affect user data. This is a safe way to resolve software issues without losing important files.

Many opt for a hard reset to force their device to restart if they're running into problems. A factory reset is far more permanent in that it removes everything on your device and reverts it back to the original “factory” settings from when the device was first issued. When should I factory reset?

Reset the system and keep your file

This reset option will reinstall the Windows operating system and preserve your personal files, such as photos, music, videos, and personal documents. It will remove installed applications and drivers, as well as revert any changes you made to the settings.

As a factory reset takes away all your data, it is essential to Backup before the process. It usually takes around 30 minutes to 3 hours to reset, depending on your device configuration. Further, you can use Windows Backup and Restore or EaseUS Todo Backup for the same.

What does keep personal files only mean in Windows 10? ›

Keep personal files and apps – This will preserve your personal data, apps, and settings. Keep personal files only – This will preserve your personal data and settings, but all your apps will be removed. Keep nothing – This will remove all personal data, settings, and apps.

Keeping your data is the same as Refresh PC, it only removes your apps. On the other hand, remove everything do what it say, it functions as Reset PC. Now, if you try to Reset your PC, the new option comes: Only remove data from Windows Drive, or remove from all drive; both options explained themselves.

If you just want a fresh Windows system, select "Keep my files" to reset Windows without deleting your personal files. You should use the "Remove everything" option when selling a computer or giving it to someone else, as this will erase your personal data and set the machine to its factory default state.

Factory resets remove most viruses

Performing a hard reset will get rid of most viruses on your device because it wipes everything away. When you return your phone to its original state, the process removes all programs and system files from your device, leaving your phone with a clean slate.

Since a factory reset entails deleting all information stored in the device, it is essentially the same concept as reformatting a hard drive.

Conclusion. An annual reset of your Windows PC offers numerous benefits, from digital decluttering and troubleshooting to improved performance. By regularly resetting your PC, you ensure that your system runs smoothly and is free of unnecessary clutter.

Deleted files are often recoverable, as they are still stored on your hard drive. This is the reason why people generally complain about data leakage despite deleting it from their personal or shared computers. So, simply deleting files is not enough; deep wiping or cleaning the drive entirely is necessary.

Important: A factory reset erases all your data from your phone. If you're resetting to fix an issue, we recommend first trying other solutions. Learn how to troubleshoot Android issues. To restore your data after you reset your phone, you must enter security info.