Securely Erasing / Factory Resetting Windows 10 and Windows 11 Operating Systems
These screenshots were taken on Windows 11 Pro 23H2. Different versions may differ slightly.
This tutorial is how to reset a Windows 10 or Windows 11 device while safely removing your files. Please note performing these steps will remove all files and settings PERMENANTLY.
To get started, click on the Windows button:
Once the window pops up type in “Reset” and you should see a recommended option to “Reset this PC”:
Select the item (in red) to launch Settings. From there you will see a Reset PC button:
Once clicked a blue screen will pull up with a few options. If you are getting rid of this computer and want your files removed select the Remove everything option. If you are having issues and just want to start fresh, select Keep my files (please note you will have to reinstall applications, but your data will still be there – save some possible settings in applications.
In this case I am getting rid of the computer so I will select Remove everything. Once you have clicked your option you still see the following screen:
After a few moments you will be given additional options. I always select Cloud download as it doesn’t have as many issues resetting as the Local reinstall does but if you have slow internet Local reinstall is probably a better bet:
On the next screen you can verify your options:
Since we want the data to be securely erased, we will click on “Change settings” as seen here:
From the new screen I enabled both Clean data and Delete files from all drives. The second option is if you have multiple hard drives in your computer you want cleaned. Make sure no external drives are attached to the machine, just in case:
Click Confirm and review the settings again to make sure they are correct:
Continue following the prompts to complete the secure wipe of the machine. Once reset you will see a new onboarding screen which indicates the machine is securely erased and ready for reuse!