How to refresh or reset Windows 8

If you're having problems with your PC, you can try to refresh or reset it. Refreshing your PC reinstalls Windows and keeps your personal files, settings and any applications that came with your PC or apps that you've installed from Windows Store. Resetting your PC reinstalls Windows but deletes your files, settings and applications – except for the applications that came with your PC.

You might be prompted to insert discs or recovery media that came with your PC.

Refresh your PC without affecting your files

If your PC isn't performing as well as it used to, and you suspect that an application that you've recently installed is causing the problem, you can refresh your PC without deleting any of your personal files or changing your settings.

Warning

The applications that came with your PC or that you've installed from Windows Store will be reinstalled, but any applications that you've installed from other websites and DVDs will be removed. You'll find a list of the removed applications on your desktop after refreshing your PC.

To refresh your PC

1.Swipe in from the right edge of the screen, tap Settings, then tap Change PC settings.
(If you're using a mouse, point to the top-right corner of the screen, move the mouse pointer down, click Settings, then click Change PC settings.)

2.Under PC settings, tap or click General.

3.Under Refresh your PC without affecting your files, tap or click Get started.

4.Follow the instructions on the screen.

Remove everything and reinstall Windows
If you want to recycle your PC, give it away or just start afresh, you can reset it completely.

Warning

All of your personal files will be deleted and your settings will be reset. Any applications that came with your PC will be reinstalled, but all other applications will be removed.

To reset your PC

1.Swipe in from the right edge of the screen, tap Settings, then tap Change PC settings.
(If you're using a mouse, point to the top-right corner of the screen, move the mouse pointer down, click Settings, then click Change PC settings.)

2.Under PC settings, tap or click General.

3.Under Remove everything and reinstall Windows, tap or click Get started.

4.Follow the instructions on the screen.

Note

You'll be prompted to choose whether you want to erase data quickly or thoroughly. If you choose to erase data quickly, some data might be recoverable using special software. If you choose to erase data thoroughly, this will take longer but it makes recovering data far less likely.