![](data:image/svg+xml, %3Csvg xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg' height='64' class='font-weight-bold' style='font: 600 30.11764705882353px "SegoeUI", Arial' width='64'%3E%3Ccircle fill='hsl(128, 8%, 22%)' cx='32' cy='32' r='32' /%3E%3Ctext x='50%25' y='55%25' dominant-baseline='middle' text-anchor='middle' fill='%23FFF' %3EA%3C/text%3E%3C/svg%3E)
When did this problem start happening?
Windows has a number of recovery features to get up and running quickly after a problem occurs. Some of these recovery features are more advanced than others, to be sure to read the impacts carefully.
- Option One: System Restore (Safest, try this first)
If the problem just began recently, you can restore Windows back to an earlier point in time, called a restore point. System Restore doesn’t change your personal files. It only takes a couple minutes, and you can undo the process or try another date if it doesn't fix the problem on the first try. When you aren't sure where to go, this is by far the safest, fastest, and easiest option to try first.
1. Press **+R** to show the Run box, type
RSTRUI and click OK. 2. Choose a date when the computer was working correctly, and click Next to restore the system files from that date. 3. Check to see if the problem is fixed. If not, you can go back to step 1 to either undo the restore, or try another date.
- Option 2: Create a new profile ****Because profiles are separated from each other and the system, creating a new profile on your computer can help troubleshoot and resolve issues. Many times an issue in a profile can be resolved by creating a new one. It takes a little time to set up
your preferences and drag your files to the new profile, but it can save many hours of headache. As with the System Restore, this is a "safe option", because no files will be lost if you try this.
- Open the PC Settings app, go to Accounts, Other Accounts, and then Add An Account.
- When adding the account, choose "Sign in without a Microsoft Account" and create a Local Account.
- Login to the new account and see if the issue is fixed. If so, you can open the C:\Users folder and drag your files into the new profile.
- Option 3: PC Refresh (keeps your files, but reinstall Windows)****If your PC isn't performing as well as it once did, and you don't know why, you can refresh your PC without deleting any of your personal files or changing your settings. All your personal files and settings will be kept, but any programs you installed
yourself from CD's or websites (like Firefox, Office, games, etc.) will be removed and you'll have to download them again on your own.
- Open the PC Settings app, go to Update and Recovery, then choose "Get Started" for the refresh.
- If you cannot login or use the PC Settings app, you can access these options from Safe Mode instead. On the login screen, click the Power icon, then hold down SHIFT on the keyboard while you click Restart. Keep holding shift until the next screen appears.
- Open the PC Settings app, go to Update and Recovery, then choose "Get Started" for the refresh.
- Option 4: PC Reset (a full factory reset -- everything will be removed)****If you want to recycle your PC, give it away, or start over with it, you can reset it completely.
- Open the PC Settings app, go to Update and Recovery, then choose "Get Started" for the reset.
- If you cannot login or use the PC Settings app, you can access these options from Safe Mode instead. On the login screen, click the Power icon, then hold down SHIFT on the keyboard while you click Restart. Keep holding shift until the next screen appears.
- Open the PC Settings app, go to Update and Recovery, then choose "Get Started" for the reset.
You can learn more about these recovery options here: http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows-8/restore-refresh-reset-pc