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Ultimate Guide: Steps to Perform a Full System Restore on Your Lenovo Computer

What to Know

• On Windows 11, go toSettings >System >Recovery >Reset PC .
• On Windows 10, go toSettings >Update & Security >Recovery >Get started .
• Choose whether to keep your files or delete everything and reinstall Windows.

This article explains how to factory reset a Lenovo laptop usingReset This PC in Windows 11 or Windows 10. You’re given the option to erase all your files during reinstallation or to keep your files; the choice is yours.

How to Reset Your Lenovo Laptop While Saving Files

Follow these steps to preserve your documents, pictures, and other files during the reset.

If you have a Lenovo IdeaPad or ThinkPad laptop, you may have the option of using theNOVO button to enter the Lenovo OneKey Recovery mode to factory reset your device.

Windows 11

These steps are relevant only for Windows 11:

1. Open the Start menu and selectSettings . If you don’t see a shortcut for it, pressWin +i .
   
2. WithSystem selected on the left side, chooseRecovery on the right.
   
3. SelectReset PC .
   
4. ChooseKeep my files .

Although your personal files will be kept during during the reset procedure, it’s still smart to back up your files manually in case something goes wrong. There areonline backup services andoffline backup programs .
5. Pick how you want to reinstall Windows:Cloud download orLocal reinstall .

6. SelectNext to begin the reset.

Keep your laptop plugged in during this whole process to avoid issues.

Windows 10

The Reset This PC process is similar for Windows 10.

1. From theStart menu, go toSettings >Update & Security .
   
2. ChooseRecovery from the left, and thenGet started from the right.
   
3. ChooseKeep my files to save your documents.
   
   You’d be wise toback up your files manually even though you’ve chosen the option to keep your files during the reset. Although unlikely, your personal files might get wiped should something unexpected happen.
4. You’ll see a message sayingThis won’t take long as the system readies your machine for a reset.
   
5. Review the changes that resetting will cause, which includes removing all apps you’ve added and resetting the machine to system defaults.
6. ChooseReset to confirm and start the process.
   
   Factory resetting your Lenovo laptop may take a long time. To ensure it goes smoothly, keep your laptop plugged in to a power source.

How to Perform a Full Reset and Remove Files

If you’ll be donating your laptop or you want to fix nagging issues with a clean slate, try a full reset to wipe the machine of everything and sets it to zero.

Windows 11

Here’s how in Windows 11:

1. OpenSettings from the Start menu.
   
2. SelectSystem from the left-hand side, and thenRecovery from the right.
   
3. SelectReset PC .

4. ChooseRemove everything .

5. Pick how you want to reinstall Windows. ChooseCloud download orLocal reinstall .

6. SelectNext to begin the reset.

Windows 10

Follow these steps for Windows 10:
7. From the Start menu, go toSettings >Update & Security .

8. SelectRecovery on the left, thenGet started on the right.

9. If you’ll be keeping your PC, selectRemove everything >Just remove my files .

This option is the faster of the two, but it’s potentially less secure if you’ll be giving your laptop away. You may want to opt for the longer but more thorough option to remove all files and clean the drive.

Click here

10. If you’re donating your laptop or prefer to perform a more detailed reset, chooseRemove everything >Remove files and clean the drive to delete all apps and custom settings.
    If you don’t see the second option, selectChange settings and toggleData erasure on.
    
    If you choose this route, there’s no way to walk it back. This choice resets your device to its original factory settings, which means the process will remove all applications and files.

11. Whichever option you select, chooseReset when you’re ready to begin.
    

Should You Reboot or Reset Your Lenovo Laptop?

Most computer problems can be fixed without a full reset. Reinstalling the entire operating system is a wide fix, but it’s not always necessary. You might be better off first trying toreboot the computer . It won’t erase anything and is often the first step when troubleshooting PC problems.

On the other hand, a reset is definitely preferred if you’re selling your laptop.

You can dive deeper into thedifferences between rebooting and resetting if you’re not sure what to do.

How to Fix It When a Lenovo Laptop Isn’t Working

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