Page 829 - Windows 10 May 2019 Update The Missing Manual: The Book That Should Have Been in the Box

In most cases, the “Additional settings” box appears now. It lets

you know that it intends to restore all the apps and settings that
came with the PC once this is over. In other words, it won’t leave
your PC completely empty.

(If you’d rather retain your files but eliminate all the PC’s factory-

installed apps, hit “Change settings,” hit the On switch so it turns
off, and then hit Confirm.)

Windows says it’s “Ready to reset this PC,” and offers to show you

a list of the apps you’ll have to reinstall when this process is over.

3. Click Reset.

After a moment, your freshly cleaned computer comes to. Your
files and original programs are intact, but your settings, plus any
programs and drivers you’ve installed, are gone.

And so, in most cases, are the glitches.

Erase Your PC Down to Windows Itself

In more dramatic situations—for example, you’re about to sell or donate

your computer and want to make sure none of your stuff is going along for
the ride to the new owner—you can also completely reset your PC. In other
words, you’re sending it back to its factory-fresh condition, with nothing on
it except Windows and the programs that came with it. All your files,

settings, and software are completely wiped out.

1. Open → → Update & Security → Recovery. Under
“Reset this PC,” choose “Get started.”

Now you see the options shown in Figure 15-7, middle.

2. Choose “Remove everything.”

A new dialog box appears (Figure 15-7, bottom). Windows lets

you know it intends to “Just remove my files. This is quicker, but
less secure.” In other words, Windows will erase everything you’ve