Setting Windows 10 to factory defaults

15 Aug 2018

Note: If you are resetting your device because of issues with the operating system, such as getting stuck at a blank or black screen, first try some of the possible solutions explained in the Running slow or frozen article.

To set the Microsoft Windows 10 operating system to factory defaults, follow the instructions below. 

If you can access the current operating system,

  1. Navigate to Start > Settings > Update & Security > Recovery > Reset this PC.

  2. Follow the prompted instructions for each step.

 

If you are not able to access the current operating system (such as getting stuck at the Windows login screen),

  1. Tap or press Shift (on the screen or on an attached USB keyboard) while performing a restart. 

  2. In the recovery menu, select Advanced repair options > Reset this PC.

  3. Follow the prompted instructions for each step.

 

If you are not able to access the recovery menu,

  1. Press and hold the hardware power button for 10 seconds.

  2. Release the power button when the red LED flashes rapidly.

  3. Briefly press the power button again, wait 3–4 seconds, then repeat this process two more times.

This will force the system to restart before completing a boot three times in a row and providing access to the recovery menu.

  1. In the recovery menu, select Advanced repair options > Reset this PC.

 

If you have had a custom OS image installed on this unit, you may need to reload it. To do this, follow the instructions in Loading custom Windows OS image on Mesa.

If you are still not able to reset the operating system, please contact a certified repair center.