How do i reset my pc?

Question

So my windows pc has been acting up recently so i want to reset it but it tells me i need a media. I dont know what that is so i assume its something to savw my files but i want a full reset. Ive even gone into trouble shooting to reset it that way but only startup options appear. So how do i reset my pc?

Answer 1

Hello Shrekesauski,

If your Windows PC has been experiencing issues and you would like to perform a reset, but the system is requesting a media, you can follow these steps to complete the reset:

1. Backup Important Data:
   • Before proceeding with the reset, make sure to backup all your important files and data. You can use an external hard drive, USB flash drive, or cloud storage service for backup.
2. Resetting via Settings:
   • Open Settings (press Win + I).
   • Go to Update & Security.
   • Click on the Recovery tab.
   • Under “Reset this PC”, click Get started.
   • Choose Remove everything for a full reset.
   • If the system asks you to insert installation media, please refer to Method 2 to create installation media.

If the system requires installation media, you can create a bootable USB drive using Microsoft's tool:

1. Download Media Creation Tool:
   • Visit the Microsoft Windows 10 download page (or the page appropriate for your version of Windows).
   • Click Download tool now.
2. Create Bootable USB Drive:
   • Run the downloaded Media Creation Tool.
   • Select Create installation media for another PC.
   • Choose the language, edition, and architecture (32-bit or 64-bit).
   • Select USB flash drive and insert a USB drive of at least 8GB.
   • The tool will download Windows installation files and write them to the USB drive.
3. Reset Your PC Using Installation Media:
   • Insert the bootable USB drive and restart your PC.
   • Enter the BIOS/UEFI settings (usually by pressing F2, Del, or Esc) and set the PC to boot from the USB drive.
   • Save settings and restart, your PC will boot from the USB drive.
   • Choose your language settings and click Next.
   • Click Install now.
   • Select I don’t have a product key (if applicable), then choose your Windows version.
   • Select Custom: Install Windows only (advanced), allowing you to format the drive and perform a clean installation.

If you are unable to access the reset options through settings, try the following approach:

1. Enter Advanced Startup Options:
   • Hold down the Shift key and click Restart.
   • The system will boot into the Advanced Startup Options menu.
2. Select Reset Option:
   • Choose Troubleshoot.
   • Select Reset this PC.
   • Choose Remove everything for a full reset.
   • If the system prompts for installation media, use Method 2 to create the installation media.

By following the steps above, you can reset your Windows PC. If the system requires installation media, follow Method 2 to create a bootable USB drive, then use it for a fresh installation. If you have any further questions or need more assistance, please feel free to contact me. Thank you.

Best regards

Rosy