Understanding the Two Reset Options
When you initiate the reset process viaSettings > Update & Security > Recovery, you are presented with two primary choices regarding your data. These options determine the scope of the wipe and directly impact whether your user profiles remain intact.
The first option is Keep my files. This choice removes apps and settings but preserves your personal files. It reinstalls Windows while keeping the data in your user folders, such as Desktop, Documents, Pictures, and Downloads. However, it still deletes all third-party applications you installed. Your user profile itself remains, but you may need to reconfigure some application settings after the reset completes.
The second option is Remove everything. This is the nuclear option. It deletes all of your personal files, apps, and settings. It returns the computer to the state it was in when it left the factory. If you have multiple user accounts on the machine, all of them are removed. This is the most effective way to clear out the bloat from a 12-year-old upgrade chain, but it requires a complete backup of your important data beforehand.
Behavior Regarding Separate Drives
A common point of confusion involves secondary storage drives. By default, the Windows Reset feature targets only the drive where Windows is installed. If you have a separate physical hard drive or SSD mounted as D:, E:, or another letter, the reset process typically ignores it. Your files on these drives should remain untouched. However, there are exceptions. During the setup of the reset wizard, you may encounter advanced options that allow you to clean the drives fully. If you choose to format all drives or if the system detects a corrupted file structure on secondary volumes, it might prompt you to include them in the cleanup. Always verify the list of drives shown in the confirmation dialog before clicking Reset. If you see a drive listed that contains important data unrelated to the OS, ensure it is excluded from the operation. For users who have manually moved files to different locations using Windows Explorer, be aware that the reset will not preserve shortcuts or registry entries pointing to those new locations. While the actual files on a secondary drive stay safe, any links to them within the OS will be broken. You can find more details on how Windows handles moved files in our guide on Windows Explorer Not Finding Files in Downloads, Pictures, and Documents Folders After Recent Manual Moving.Pre-Reset Checklist for Older Systems
Given that your installation has been upgraded from Windows 7 through various versions, your system may have accumulated significant fragmentation and orphaned files. Before proceeding with the reset, take these steps to ensure a smooth transition. First, back up your data. Even if you plan to keep your files, backups are essential. Copy important documents, photos, and browser bookmarks to an external drive or cloud storage. Second, note down your software licenses. Since the reset removes all apps, you will need product keys or login credentials to reinstall them. Third, create a recovery media USB drive. This provides a fallback if the internal reset fails due to corruption in the existing Windows image.Post-Reset Configuration
After the reset completes, Windows will start fresh. You will need to go through the initial setup again, including creating a new user profile. This is a good opportunity to declutter. Instead of restoring every old file, consider keeping only what you actively use. Reinstall only the applications you need, which helps prevent the slow performance issues often seen in aged installations. If you experience lag with browsers like Chrome or Brave after the reset, check for driver updates or extension conflicts, as discussed in Troubleshooting Chrome and Brave Browser Lagging in Windows 11.Frequently Asked Questions
Will resetting my PC delete my password?
Yes, the reset process creates a fresh Windows installation, so all previous user passwords are erased. You will need to set up a new local or Microsoft account password during the initial setup phase after the reset finishes.
Can I recover files after choosing "Remove everything"?
Data recovery is difficult and not guaranteed after a full reset, especially if the option to clean the drive thoroughly was selected. Standard file recovery tools might retrieve some data from the system partition, but it is best to rely on pre-reset backups for critical information.
Does the reset fix performance issues on old hardware?
Yes, removing years of accumulated updates, temporary files, and unused registry entries can significantly improve performance on older hardware. It effectively gives your machine a "fresh start" similar to a new installation, reducing bloat.
What happens to my installed games and programs?
All third-party applications, including games, office suites, and utilities, are completely removed. You must reinstall them from their original installers or digital storefronts like Steam or Epic Games after the reset is complete.
Is it safe to reset if I have multiple user accounts?
If you choose "Remove everything," all user accounts on the device are deleted. If you choose "Keep my files," only the current user's apps and settings are affected, but other user accounts may also be impacted depending on the specific Windows version and configuration.