To restore a Windows 7 or Vista computer, you must have a set of restore discs for the computer or an original Windows 7 or Vista installation disc. Your files or all files on the hard drive are removed, depending on the option you selected in step 6, and then Windows 8 is reinstalled. On the Ready to reset your PC screen, click Reset.On the Do you want to fully clean your drive screen, select Just remove my files to do a quick deletion or select Fully clean the drive to have all files erased.On the Reset your PC screen, click Next.On the left side of the screen, select Remove everything and reinstall Windows.Select the Search option and type reinstall in the Search text field (do not press Enter).Press the Windows key+ C to open the Charms menu.Once the process completes, Windows is reset.įollow these instructions to erase and reinstall Windows 8. Follow the prompts to begin the recovery process.Select the Recovery ( A) option in the left navigation pane, and then click the Get started button ( B).In the Settings window, select the Update & security option.Press the Windows key, type Settings, and then press Enter.Windows 10įollow these instructions to erase or uninstall and reinstall Windows 10. Windows is reset, keeping your files intact or erasing everything, depending on the option you selected above in step 6. Choose the Keep my files or Remove everything option, depending on if you want to preserve your files or delete everything and start over.On the right side of the Recovery window, under Recovery options, click the Reset PC button.Scroll down on the right side of the window and select the Recovery option.In the Settings window, click the System option in the left navigation menu.In the text field at the top of the search window, type settings and press Enter.

If you don't see the Settings app in the Start menu, click the magnifying glass icon on the taskbar.

How to reformat hard drive windows