Are you tired of dealing with a slow, cluttered, and malfunctioning computer? Do you want to start fresh and give your device a new lease on life? Resetting your computer can be a daunting task, but with the right guidance, you can do it safely and effectively. In this article, we will walk you through the step-by-step process of completely resetting your computer, covering various operating systems, including Windows, macOS, and Chrome OS.
Preparation Is Key: Before You Start The Reset Process
Before you begin the reset process, it’s essential to take a few precautions to ensure a smooth transition. Here are some key steps to follow:
Backup Your Data
Backing up your data is the most critical step in the reset process. You don’t want to lose your important files, documents, and memories. Use an external hard drive, cloud storage service, or both to backup your data. Make sure to backup the following:
- Documents (Word, Excel, PDF, etc.)
- Pictures and videos
- Music and audio files
- Emails and contacts
- Browser bookmarks and passwords
You can use built-in backup tools like Windows Backup, Time Machine on macOS, or third-party software like Acronis, EaseUS, or Backblaze.
Deauthorize Licensed Software
If you have licensed software installed on your computer, such as Adobe Creative Cloud or Microsoft Office, you need to deauthorize them before resetting your computer. This will prevent any issues with licensing and activation.
Remove External Devices
Disconnect all external devices, including USB drives, printers, scanners, and monitors. This will prevent any conflicts during the reset process.
Resetting Your Windows Computer
Resetting a Windows computer is a relatively straightforward process. Here are the steps to follow:
Windows 10 And 11
- Go to Settings > Update & Security > Recovery.
- Click on “Get started” under the “Reset this PC” section.
- Choose whether you want to keep your files or remove everything.
- Follow the prompts to complete the reset process.
Windows 7 And 8
- Go to Control Panel > System and Security > Backup and Restore.
- Click on “Recovery” and then “Open System Restore.”
- Follow the prompts to complete the reset process.
Resetting Your MacOS Computer
Resetting a macOS computer is a bit more complex than Windows, but still a manageable process. Here are the steps to follow:
MacOS High Sierra And Later
- Restart your Mac and immediately hold down the Command + R keys.
- Release the keys when you see the Apple logo.
- Select your language and click on “Continue.”
- Click on “Disk Utility” and then “Continue.”
- Select your startup disk and click on “Erase.”
- Follow the prompts to complete the reset process.
MacOS Sierra And Earlier
- Restart your Mac and immediately hold down the Command + R keys.
- Release the keys when you see the Apple logo.
- Select your language and click on “Continue.”
- Click on “Disk Utility” and then “Continue.”
- Select your startup disk and click on “Erase.”
- Follow the prompts to complete the reset process.
Resetting Your Chrome OS Computer
Resetting a Chrome OS computer is a relatively simple process. Here are the steps to follow:
Chrome OS
- Sign in to your Chromebook.
- Click on the time in the bottom right corner.
- Click on “Settings.”
- Scroll down to the “Advanced” section.
- Click on “Reset settings.”
- Follow the prompts to complete the reset process.
Reinstalling Your Operating System
After resetting your computer, you may need to reinstall your operating system. Here are the steps to follow:
Windows
- Download the Windows installation media from the Microsoft website.
- Create a bootable USB drive or DVD.
- Insert the USB drive or DVD and restart your computer.
- Follow the prompts to complete the installation process.
MacOS
- Restart your Mac and immediately hold down the Command + R keys.
- Release the keys when you see the Apple logo.
- Select your language and click on “Continue.”
- Click on “Reinstall macOS” and then “Continue.”
- Follow the prompts to complete the installation process.
Chrome OS
- Sign in to your Chromebook.
- Click on the time in the bottom right corner.
- Click on “Settings.”
- Scroll down to the “Advanced” section.
- Click on “Recovery.”
- Follow the prompts to complete the installation process.
Reinstalling Your Software And Drivers
After reinstalling your operating system, you’ll need to reinstall your software and drivers. Here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Reinstall essential software, such as web browsers, office suites, and antivirus software.
- Reinstall drivers for your hardware devices, such as printers, scanners, and graphics cards.
- Use the manufacturer’s website to download the latest drivers and software.
Conclusion
Resetting your computer can be a daunting task, but with the right guidance, you can do it safely and effectively. Remember to backup your data, deauthorize licensed software, and remove external devices before starting the reset process. Follow the steps outlined in this article to reset your Windows, macOS, or Chrome OS computer. If you encounter any issues during the process, don’t hesitate to seek help from the manufacturer’s support team or online forums.
What Is The Purpose Of Completely Resetting My Computer?
Completely resetting your computer is a process that involves erasing all data, settings, and applications, and restoring the computer to its original factory settings. This process is also known as a “factory reset” or “system restore.” The purpose of completely resetting your computer is to start with a clean slate, free from any malware, viruses, or software issues that may be causing problems.
By resetting your computer, you can resolve issues such as slow performance, freezing, or crashing, and restore your computer to its original speed and functionality. Additionally, resetting your computer can also help to remove any personal data, settings, and applications that you no longer need or want, giving you a fresh start.
What Are The Benefits Of Completely Resetting My Computer?
Completely resetting your computer has several benefits. One of the main benefits is that it can help to improve the performance of your computer by removing any malware, viruses, or software issues that may be causing problems. Additionally, resetting your computer can also help to free up disk space by removing any unnecessary files, applications, and data.
Another benefit of completely resetting your computer is that it can help to protect your personal data and identity. By removing all data, settings, and applications, you can ensure that any sensitive information is completely erased and cannot be accessed by anyone else. This is especially important if you are selling or giving away your computer, or if you are concerned about identity theft.
What Should I Do Before Completely Resetting My Computer?
Before completely resetting your computer, there are several things you should do to prepare. First, make sure to back up any important files, data, and settings that you want to keep. This can include documents, photos, videos, and any other files that you need to access.
Additionally, you should also make a list of any applications, software, and settings that you want to reinstall after the reset. This can include any productivity software, games, or other applications that you use regularly. You should also make sure to have any necessary installation disks or download links handy, in case you need to reinstall any software.
How Do I Completely Reset My Computer?
The process of completely resetting your computer varies depending on the type of computer you have and the operating system you are using. For Windows computers, you can reset your computer by going to the “Settings” menu, clicking on “Update & Security,” and then clicking on “Recovery.” From there, you can select the option to “Reset this PC” and follow the prompts to complete the process.
For Mac computers, you can reset your computer by going to the “Apple” menu, clicking on “Restart,” and then holding down the “Command + R” keys while the computer is restarting. This will take you to the “Recovery Mode” screen, where you can select the option to “Erase all content and settings” and follow the prompts to complete the process.
What Happens To My Files And Data During A Complete Reset?
During a complete reset, all files, data, and settings on your computer are erased. This includes any documents, photos, videos, and other files that you have stored on your computer, as well as any applications, software, and settings that you have installed.
However, if you have backed up your files and data before the reset, you can restore them afterwards. You can use an external hard drive, cloud storage service, or other backup method to save your files and data, and then restore them to your computer after the reset.
Can I Reset My Computer To A Previous Version Of The Operating System?
In some cases, it may be possible to reset your computer to a previous version of the operating system. However, this depends on the type of computer you have and the operating system you are using. For Windows computers, you can use the “System Restore” feature to restore your computer to a previous point in time, which can include a previous version of the operating system.
For Mac computers, you can use the “Time Machine” feature to restore your computer to a previous backup, which can include a previous version of the operating system. However, this requires that you have previously set up Time Machine and have a backup available.
How Long Does It Take To Completely Reset My Computer?
The time it takes to completely reset your computer varies depending on the type of computer you have and the operating system you are using. In general, the process can take anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours, depending on the amount of data that needs to be erased and the speed of your computer.
Additionally, the process may also depend on whether you are using a factory reset or a system restore, as well as whether you are reinstalling any software or applications afterwards. It’s a good idea to plan ahead and allow plenty of time for the process to complete, as you will not be able to use your computer during this time.