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Restoring Windows 8 system to factory settings. How to reset your computer from Windows

This article discusses steps that can be used to restore Windows 8.1 without deleting user data.

If computer malfunctions cannot be resolved using conventional methods, there is only one radical solution left - reinstalling the operating system. Many users are frightened by the prospect of reinstalling the system.

In Windows 8.1, the problem of reinstalling the operating system is almost solved. Of course, the operating system will not do everything for you, but many users who previously called specialists or experienced friends to reinstall the operating system will now be able to do it themselves. The fact is that in Windows 8, Windows 8.1 a new reset function has appeared that allows you to quickly, in just a few clicks, restore the operating system or return it to its original state.


If serious system failures occur that cannot be resolved using conventional methods, you can restore the operating system to functionality while preserving your personal files, accounts, and contacts. To do this, you need to reset the operating system. We will need a Windows 8.1 installation disk or a bootable USB flash drive with Windows 8.1

Press the key combination + I in the panel that opens Options click Change computer settings

A window will open Computer settings, select Update and recovery

In the window Update and recovery press Recovery

We wait a bit

If your computer does not have an active Windows 8.1 recovery partition, the system will display a warning. You will need a Windows 8.1 installation disc or a bootable USB flash drive with Windows 8.1

Insert the Windows 8.1 installation disc or bootable USB flash drive with Windows 8.1. An update wizard window will open, which lists the consequences of the update, namely:

● Your files and personalization settings will not change.
● Your computer settings will be restored to their default values.
● Windows Store apps will be retained.
● Applications you installed from drives or websites will be removed.
● A list of deleted applications will be saved on your desktop.

If you accept the terms listed above, click the button Further

The computer will restart, after which the system recovery process will begin.

System recovery may take some time. The recovery time can range from several minutes to several tens of minutes (depending on the speed of the computer).

The recovery is completely automatic. Your presence at the computer is not required. Once the recovery process is complete and rebooted, your computer is ready to use. All you have to do is install programs that were removed as a result of system recovery. All your accounts and passwords will remain intact, so use your old password to log in.

Windows 8 is the penultimate operating system from the famous Microsoft company. It was considered innovative, appeared with a large number of new settings and was immediately loved by users. But it didn’t take root completely; according to statistics, most users remained on Windows 7. Nevertheless, a large number of people use Windows 8 and, like everyone else, sometimes problems arise.

How to restore factory settings in Windows 8?

Many G8 users are wondering how to return to factory settings? There could be many reasons for this. Often a person changed something, forgot how he did it and now cannot use the system normally. So he wants to just reset everything to standard settings.

Instructions:

  • First you need to use the panel located on the right. The easiest way is to press the key with the Windows + C icon;
  • Now we need to select “Change computer settings”;
  • Next, look for the general section and click on “Delete all data and reinstall Windows”;

  • Be sure to read the information that appears. It will tell you what will happen to your computer when you use factory settings;

  • Click next and select the hard drive on which Windows is installed;

  • Ready!

If you have Win 8, restoring the system to factory settings can be done very quickly. No need to download any programs or utilities. Just follow the instructions above and then restart your computer. After turning on, Windows will be as it was from the very beginning, clean and with factory settings. There are several other methods, but they all take more time and may seem more complicated to the average user. Therefore, there is no need to look for long paths, just use these instructions.

Resetting settings on Windows is a necessary and useful procedure. It is carried out in case of system software failure, incorrect installation of programs, loss of productivity and “clogging” of the system with unnecessary applications. Additionally, resetting Windows 8 to is necessary when preparing your PC for sale. Rolling back the system and resetting Windows 8 to factory settings are the same thing.

Additionally, resetting Windows 8 to factory settings is necessary when preparing your PC for sale

How to roll back windows 8 system by changing device parameters

It is important to understand that resetting is different from reinstalling. In the first case, you do not need to look for the product serial number and reinstall the drivers. The purpose of returning to the original state is to correct problems that have arisen in the operation of the PC. The advantage of the Windows 8 operating system is a special function that allows you to reset all settings in the shortest possible time. According to the developers, this procedure will take an experienced user 2 minutes. The algorithm includes a number of simple steps.

To begin, point your mouse pointer to the right corner of the screen. This will activate the popup panel. The first step will be similar when you want to reset settings on Windows 8.1. From the list provided, select the item called “Options”. Next, click “Change settings.” Next, go to the “Update and Recovery” section and select the last action.

Tip: For Windows 8, in the list of parameters you need the “General” item, and for version 8.1 - “Update and Recovery”.

It is proposed to reset settings on Windows in two ways
  • Recover without deleting files
  • Removing data and reinstalling the system

Selecting item 1 will reset the settings, but personal data will not be affected. In this case, third-party programs that the user himself installed must be removed. Applications from the official Windows store and programs from the manufacturer will remain. The described method is suitable for those who have encountered problems with the system or a decrease in PC performance, and want to roll back Windows 8 to factory settings, leaving personal data. Upon completion of the procedure, the computer will reboot, and the desktop will be replenished with a file with a list of deleted programs.

Selecting the 2nd item will be followed by a system reinstallation. This allows you to reset the computer to its original state. At the same time, if the hard drive includes several partitions at once, then you can leave local disks untouched. It is customary to save important files on them.

At the next step, the system may require you to insert the installation disc. Once you have done this, follow the further instructions. They do not require further explanation. A similar algorithm will help you reset your tablet to factory settings. But it only applies to devices running Windows 8.

Note: If the developers pre-installed Windows 8 on the device, which the user subsequently updated to version 8.1, then after resetting the settings, the original version will be released. Therefore, you will need to update again.

How to restore Windows 8 to factory settings if the system cannot start?

It is possible to return the computer to factory settings even if it is impossible to start the system itself. The main thing is that the hard drive is functioning.

This procedure requires pressing a special key combination. The required combination of buttons is determined by the computer manufacturer. Resetting the tablet to factory settings follows a similar algorithm. You can find the necessary information either in the instructions included with your tablet or computer, or on the Internet.

For example, to restore the original settings on an Acer laptop, the following algorithm is useful.

  1. Turn on your laptop.
  2. Hold down the Alt button while pressing the F10 key once every 0.5 seconds.
  3. Enter the requested password. If your PC has not been restored to its original settings before, try entering “000000”.
  4. Select “Factory reset” from the menu that appears.

How to use restore points or roll back a day?

Restore points will also help you restore factory settings on Windows 8. And although they are not created with every change, such points are still an effective tool for correcting errors and eliminating problems in the operation of the device.

System Restore via a restore point is a feature that undoes the latest changes and accordingly helps you reset Windows 8.1 to factory settings.

It is used both when working with programs and when canceling updates. The operating system creates default restore points. This happens when changes are made. In particular, the installation of a new program is considered a major system event. But in some cases this process is carried out manually.

The main advantage of this method is the ability to return system parameters to the position at a certain point in time.

The shortest way to it is by right-clicking the mouse, then select “Recovery”, after which you need to go to the “System recovery settings” section

In the window that opens, you will need to take two steps:

  1. Click the “Restore” button.
  2. Select a restore point and wait for the operation to complete.
Built-in functions make it easy to work with the described tool

However, some steps to restore factory settings in Windows 8 will not be available. For example, if you need to automatically eliminate old points and create new ones, the Restore Point Creator utility can help. Skillful use of the described mechanism will save time if you need to reset settings on Windows.

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Now you know how to roll back Windows 8. Did not work out? Ask questions!

Read, how to reset Windows 10 or 8, that is, return the system to its original state or factory settings. Windows 10 has a feature that will quickly return Windows to its factory state. This is faster and much more convenient than a clean reinstallation of the operating system or using a recovery partition written by the PC manufacturer.

Content:

Windows 8 has separate functions “Reset your PC” and "PC Recovery". "PC Recovery" keeps all files and personal settings, but resets system settings and removes applications.

removes everything from the computer, just like with a clean installation of the operating system.

Everything is easier with Windows 10. There is only one tool, Reset Your Computer, but when you launch it you can choose whether to delete the user's personal files or not.

How does a system reset work?

When you use the Reset Your Computer feature, Windows resets its settings to the state that was set immediately after the operating system was installed. If the computer was purchased with Windows 10 already installed, it will be reset to the state it was at the time of purchase.

During a system reset, you can choose to delete personal files or not. But in any case, all installed programs and operating system settings will be reset. All errors that were the result of third-party programs, damage to system files, and all malware will also be reset and corrected. Sometimes, on computers with a pre-installed operating system, there is also a third function -. Using this function, you can restore the version of Windows that came with your computer. Moreover, if you bought a computer with Windows 8 and then upgraded it to Windows 10, the system will be restored back to Windows 8.

This process is very similar to a clean install of Windows or restoring using a manufacturer-created recovery partition, but much simpler.

Inside a process

Microsoft explains the internals of the process when you reset your computer and delete everything as follows:

  • The computer boots into Windows Recovery Environment (Windows RE)
  • Windows RE removes and formats Windows partitions before installing system again
  • The computer restarts with a new copy of Windows

If the user chooses to reset the computer while saving files, then everything also happens in accordance with the specified points. But before wiping the system partition, Windows RE scans the hard drive for user files and personal settings. He transfers them to a separate location, installs a fresh Windows, and then returns the files back.

Regardless of whether the user chooses to return the computer to its original state with or without saving personal files, the result is still the installation of fresh Windows. That is why installed programs are deleted in any of the cases.

How to reset your computer from Windows

To reset Windows 10 to its original state:

  • open the menu Options / Update and Security / Recovery
    • click the button "Begin" under section "Return the computer to its original state"

In the case of Windows 8, returning the computer occurs from the same menu.

  • If you select , Windows will reset to its original state, removing installed applications and settings, but keeping personal files. If the user just needs to refresh the operating system, just select.
  • If you select "Delete everything", Windows will delete everything, including personal files. It is recommended to use the function "Delete everything" before selling your computer or giving it to someone else to use, to prevent your personal data from being used or recovered.

On Windows 8, the option is called "PC Recovery", A "Delete everything" – "Returning the computer to its original state". In Windows 10, this process has been simplified a little by combining two functions in one, giving the user the opportunity to simply choose.

If you select "Delete everything" Windows will ask you to confirm whether the drives really need to be cleaned. Select this and Windows will overwrite all data on the drive, making it more difficult to recover.


If you select , the system will inform the user of a list of applications that will be deleted.,


How to reset your computer from the boot menu (if Windows won't boot)

If the computer does not boot, the system can be reset using the boot menu. When the operating system has problems booting (sometimes in the event of a BSoD error), it will try to reboot several times, after which it will automatically go to the boot menu.

Return the computer to its original state without manufacturer-preinstalled programs

The function of returning the computer to its original state is very convenient, but if the manufacturer has preinstalled software, it is often restored along with Windows. How to restore Windows without such programs?

In this case, the user will have to remove pre-installed programs after resetting the system manually or perform a clean installation of Windows 10, without pre-installed programs.