Reset Your Windows PC: Keep My Files vs. Remove Everything, Explained
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How we wrote this: A plain-English summary of Microsoft's support page on resetting your PC, checked October 29, 2026. A reset reinstalls Windows; back up first.
What a reset does
Resetting your PC reinstalls Windows. Depending on the option you choose, it may also remove apps, settings and personal files. Microsoft's two warnings:
- Back up important files before you begin; see Windows Backup and 3-2-1 backups.
- If your device is encrypted, have your BitLocker recovery key ready; see disk encryption.
If the trouble started recently, try System Restore first. It's less drastic.
The options
| Option | What it does | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| Keep my files (Refresh) | Reinstalls Windows and removes apps and settings, but keeps documents, photos and other personal files | Fixing problems |
| Remove everything (Reset) | Removes all personal files, apps and settings | A fresh start, or giving away or selling the PC |
| Clean data (with Remove everything) | Also cleans the drive, making removed files harder to recover; takes longer | Donating, recycling or selling |
| Cloud download | Downloads a fresh copy of Windows with the latest updates | Corrupted or missing local files |
| Local reinstall | Uses files already on the PC | Slow internet, though it may lack the latest updates |
Restore preinstalled apps brings back the PC maker's customizations.
Microsoft notes that the data erasure feature is meant for consumers and doesn't meet government or industry erasure standards.
How to reset
Windows 11:
- Go to Settings, then System, then Recovery.
- Under Recovery options, select Reset PC.
- Choose your options and follow the prompts.
Windows 10:
- Go to Settings, then Update & Security, then Recovery.
- Under Reset this PC, select Get started.
If Windows won't start: open the Windows Recovery Environment and choose Troubleshoot, then Reset this PC.
While it runs
The screen may go black for a long time, sometimes more than 15 minutes, and the PC may restart on its own. Don't restart it manually, because that could make the reset fail.
Afterward, reinstall your apps and run updates. Microsoft ended Windows 10 support on October 14, 2025.
Related: removing malware, Windows Storage Sense, free up storage on a Mac.