How do I factory reset a Dell 7390?

Question

I have messed up my 7390 it has been updated to Windows 11 Pro, it has Windows Essential Pack. Some how the C:// has become unlocked and showing in RED. I am wanting to do a factory reset, I am having problems importing Windows Credentials, Web Credentials, as you can see many problems. I need someone to help me out.

Answer 1

To return the Dell 7390 to a clean Windows state, use Windows “Reset this PC.” This reinstalls Windows and can either keep or remove personal files.

Before starting:

1. Back up important files to external storage or cloud.
2. If the drive is encrypted with BitLocker, locate the BitLocker recovery key first. See “Find your BitLocker recovery key” in the linked article.

Reset from within Windows (if you can sign in):

1. Open Settings.
2. Go to System > Recovery (on Windows 11).
   • On Windows 10, go to Update & Security > Recovery.
3. Under Reset this PC, select Reset PC (or Get started).
4. Choose one of:
   • Keep my files – reinstalls Windows, removes apps and settings, keeps personal files.
   • Remove everything – reinstalls Windows and removes all personal files, apps, and settings (closest to a “factory reset”).
5. Choose installation source:
   • Cloud download – downloads a fresh copy of Windows (recommended if system files may be damaged).
   • Local reinstall – uses files already on the PC (faster, but may not include latest updates).
6. Follow the on‑screen instructions until the reset completes. The screen may go black for several minutes and the PC may restart multiple times; do not power it off manually during this process.

Reset from Windows Recovery Environment (if Windows will not start correctly):

1. Turn the PC on and interrupt startup three times (power on, wait for logo, then hold power button to turn off). On the third start, Windows should enter Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE).
2. In WinRE, select Troubleshoot > Reset this PC.
3. Choose Keep my files or Remove everything.
4. Choose Cloud download or Local reinstall.
5. Follow the prompts until the reset finishes.

Notes:

• Remove everything is the best choice if the system is badly misconfigured or the C: drive is nearly full and showing red.
• The built‑in data erasure is consumer‑grade and does not meet specialized government/industry wipe standards.

After the reset, Windows will be in a clean state and you can sign in, reinstall apps, and reconfigure credentials.

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References:

• Reset your PC