How do you reset Windows 8.1 to Factory Settings ?

Question

How do you reset Windows 8.1 to Factory Settings ?

Anonymous

Can anyone help me with an easy way to reset Windows 8.1 to factory settings as I want to sell my PC so I can get a better one !!! I don't have any install disks etc..

I have had Microsoft for many years and have always been able to give my machine a full clean..mainly for security reasons..but also to get rid of **** that has built up...BUT I cant do it since I installed Windows 8.1 !!!

Any help out there would be most appreciated !!

This is putting me off buying anymore Microsoft products !!

I got an IPad and I can even reset that back to factory settings !!! Whats going on with Microsoft ?? Very Disappointed !!!

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5 additional answers

Answer 1

Hi,

You can do a Reset OR a complete re-installation.

How to restore, refresh, or reset your PC (Windows 8 & 8.1)

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows-8/restore-refresh-reset-pc

Download Windows 8.1 ISO Using your Windows 8.0 Key

http://mcakins.com/2013/10/19/download-windows-8-1-iso-using-you-windows-8-0-key/

Download Windows 8.1 iso

http://philipyip.wordpress.com/download-windows-8-1-iso/

Download the Windows 8.1 ISO using a Windows 8 key and some simple trickery

http://betanews.com/2013/10/21/download-the-windows-8-1-iso-using-a-windows-8-key-and-some-simple-trickery/

You can also make a Recovery USB drive.

How to Create a Recovery USB Flash Drive in Windows 8 and 8.1

http://www.eightforums.com/tutorials/5132-recovery-drive-create-usb-flash-drive-windows-8-a.html

On Nov. 15, 2013 Windows 8.1 Back-up Media will be available for purchase. Newegg and

others will be offering the disc,

Windows 8.1 'Back-up Media' disc available to buy soon

http://betanews.com/2013/11/05/windows-8-1-back-up-media-disc-available-to-buy-soon/

Hope this helps.

Rob Brown - Microsoft MVP <- profile - Windows Expert - Consumer : Bicycle <- Mark Twain said it right!

Answer 2

I have the same question. When I bought the computer, it was running Windows 7. The i upgraded it to Windows 8 and eventually 8.1. I am wanting to sell it and, being that it has a couple year old specs, I want to restore it to the out of box experience with Windows 7.

I installed both Windows 8 and 8.1 via online download.
Yes.
I am wanting to restore it to Windows 7 and wipe the hard drive clean.

Also, I don't have a recovery disk for my PC. What can I do?

Answer 3

Hi Mark,

It would be great if you can provide more information about your computer system. Please answer these questions for a better understanding:

1) How did you install Windows 8.1 Operating System on your computer?

2) Did you have Windows 8 prior to updating to Windows 8.1?

3) Are you trying to go back to the previous Operating System from Windows 8.1?

If your PC came with Windows 8 preinstalled in it and later, if you have updated to Windows 8.1, then you might be able to restore back to Windows 8 Operating System on your computer. This can be done by refreshing your PC. Your personal files won't be affected, but apps that didn't come with the PC will need to be reinstalled. For more info, see ***How to restore, refresh, or reset your PC***.

If you were running Windows 7, Windows Vista, or Windows XP, you'll need to reinstall your previous version of Windows using the recovery or installation media that came with your PC (typically a DVD).

For more information, please refer to the section: “Can I go back to my old operating system?” from this article:

***Update to Windows 8.1: FAQ***

Hope this is helpful.