System Restore, System Reset, Fresh Start and Factory Reset On Windows 10

We recently helped someone who had to reinstall all her programs because she ran a Windows 10 System Reset instead of a System Restore. And right then, we realized how confusing it can be at times, especially if you’re upset, frustrated or in a hurry. So, we’re going to clarify each and give you some suggestions as to when you should run each, plus we’ll include links to our online articles showing you exactly how to access and run each of these Windows features.

First, Fresh start is available only on Windows 10 Creators Update (and newer versions of Windows 10). So, if you’re not using Windows 10 version 1703 (Creators Update) you won’t have the Fresh start option.

[NOTE: None of these Windows features are backup programs. Nothing on this post should be construed as alternatives to keeping good backups. At the very least you should have an external hard drive and make sure Windows File History is turned on.  It’s available with all versions of Windows 10. ]

System Restore

Think of System Restore as a time machine [not a backup program]. Let’s say this morning you installed Uncle Bill’s Desktop Whirly Gig and it really messed up your computer. System Restore is your best FIRST option.

System Restore lets you go back in time, to a time before you installed Uncle Bill’s crummy software, and puts your computer back to the state it was in before your computer got all messed up. System Restore keeps all of your programs and settings up to the date/time of the Restore Point you choose. Additionally, it keeps all of your personal files and folders. System Restore is good first option when something goes wrong because it makes the least changes to your computer. To learn how to use System Restore see this Cloudeight article..

System Reset

System Reset is a powerful tool that comes with every version of Windows 10. System Reset gives you two options:

1. Reset your computer and keep all your personal files.

2. Reset your computer and remove everything.

When you do a System Reset and choose the option to keep your personal files, Windows saves all of your personal files (documents, pictures, videos, music, etc.) and then removes all your programs and settings. Windows generates a list of programs that it removes. After Windows has saved all of your personal files and removed all of your programs, it reinstalls Windows. Any programs you installed are removed, but any apps that came with Windows and  manufacturer’s bloatware will be reinstalled. So, after the Reset is done, all your personal files will be right where they were before you did the reset. But you’ll need to reinstall any programs you like because all you’ll have after a Reset are Windows apps like Edge, Mail app, etc. and any manufacturer’s software that came with your computer. The first program you should re-install after a system Reset is your security software.

When you do a System Reset and choose not to save your personal files and folders, Windows will remove everything, reinstall Windows with Windows apps and any manufacturer’s software.

A System Reset is the best option when your computer has so many serious unrelated problems that using your computer becomes annoying or difficult. To learn how to use System Reset, see our article on using System Reset here.

Fresh start

Fresh start is a new feature of Windows 10 that was introduced with Windows 10 Creators Update. Fresh start is very similar to System Reset with one big difference. When you run a Windows 10 Fresh start, it saves your personal files and folders, and some of your Windows settings. It uninstalls all of your programs. Then Fresh start clean installs Windows, which mean none of the manufacturers bloatware is installed. You get a fresh, clean copy of Windows, and all your personal files are restored. Fresh start is a good choice if you are having many substantial and serious problems with your PC.  You can get more information about Fresh start by visiting this page.

Factory Reset

Many computer manufacturers included a recovery partition on your hard drive that allows you to restore your computer to the same condition it was in the day you bought it. Each computer manufacturer has its own procedure for performing a factory reset. Since doing a factory reset wipes everything off your computer and puts it back to exactly the way it was the day you bought it, it should be your very last choice if you are having serious problems with your computer.  Another thing to keep in mind: If your computer had Windows 7 or Windows 8x on it when your purchased it, and you upgraded to Windows 10, if you do a factory reset, you’re computer will be running Windows 7 or Windows 8x when the factory reset is done.

You should always try System Restore, System Reset, or Fresh start before resorting to a factory reset. If you want to know how to do a factory reset, check with your PC’s manufacturer.