Need to restore your Windows 10 PC? Here we leave you the steps to follow
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A while ago we talked about how _hardware_ problems with a device on our computer can be solved in a simple way and we put as an example the problems that occurred among some users with the cameras of the Surface Book i7 or the Surface Pro 4.
But when the simple does not work we have to cut through the middle street and adopt drastic solutions such as the complete restoration of our equipment, something that is convenient to do periodically once every two years to eliminate garbage and thus optimize operation
We start from the assumption that we always have the equipment updated with the latest patches released and at this point the question may arise. How to restore Windows 10 on our PC to solve problems and at the same time carry out a total cleaning of our operating system? We are going to learn how to restore our equipment or what is the same, do a _hard reset_.
- The first step is to go to the section Settings > Update and security where we look for the option that indicates Recovery. We then see on the right information to restore the PC and if we are determined, we press the Start Button.
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Keep my files. Although it is convenient whenever you have a backup copy of your files, this option can be interesting if for some reason you have not been able to make a previous _backup_.
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Remove additions. Everything is deleted, both personal files and operating system files and the equipment is left with the updates but without subsequent loads.
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Restore factory settings It is the option that I personally like the most, since it leaves the computer as fresh out of the box. The problem is that if we buy it, for example, with Windows 8 and then upgrade to Windows 10, we will go back to… Windows 8. So be careful in this regard. If so, the second option may be the most interesting. If we have not changed the version, however, go ahead.
We have already restored the computer and now we will have to activate Windows 10 for which we will have to connect to the network. No key is needed, since the system has our equipment registered by model and serial number, so as soon as it detects it, it will activate automatically.
Different options, different steps
Each of these options that we have seen, any of the three, has some special characteristics. That is why it is worth taking into account some aspects.
If we opt for the third option, the most radical, the one that leaves the PC as if it had just been purchased, we will have to choose a way to carry it out, either by fast or slow method.
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Quick method. Faster but less secure, since the files are not completely deleted, but simply deleted Old files could be recovered with the appropriate tools, so it is not ideal if we are going to sell our equipment.
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Slow method. The deletion is total and the deleted files are practically unrecoverable. Of course, arm yourself with patience, because the time will always depend on the size of your hard drive.
Once one or the other is chosen, the system will inform us of the content to be deleted and will start the process after a reboot.
Restore keeping files
If we choose to keep our files, it is the first option, personal content is kept but not installed applications. And here the system guides us in two ways.
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In the apps downloaded from the Windows Store. To have them operational again, we just have to access the store and download them again. We will already have them in our account, in the apps we own. Easy
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If the applications do not come from the store In this case it will not be such a simple process, but to help us the team creates a list of the applications so that we only have to search for and install them (manually, yes). At least it saves us from having to throw away pencil and paper.
These are options that, by the way, are not pleasant to carry out, but once they are carried out they will allow us to enjoy our PC like the first day, when we took it out of box. It is about each user, if necessary, opt for the option that is most convenient for them and yes, that they always do it taking a precaution such as having a backup copy of their personal files
