How to restore windows 8 to factory settings

Last Updated: Feb 8, 2024 by

If your Windows 8 computer is running slow or experiencing technical issues, it may be time to restore it to its factory settings. This process will erase all of your personal files and settings, but it can help resolve any software or performance issues you may be experiencing. In this article, we will guide you through the steps to restore your Windows 8 computer to its factory settings.

Back Up Your Files

Before beginning the restoration process, it is important to back up any important files or documents that you do not want to lose. This can be done by transferring them to an external hard drive, USB drive, or cloud storage service. Once you have backed up your files, you can proceed with the restoration process.

Access the Recovery Menu

To begin the restoration process, you will need to access the recovery menu. To do this, restart your computer and press the F11 key repeatedly until the “Choose an option” screen appears. From here, select “Troubleshoot” and then “Reset your PC.”

Choose Your Reset Option

You will now be presented with two options: “Keep my files” and “Remove everything.” If you choose “Keep my files,” your personal files will be saved, but all apps and settings will be removed. If you choose “Remove everything,” all personal files, apps, and settings will be removed. Select the option that best suits your needs.

Begin the Restoration Process

Once you have selected your reset option, you will be prompted to insert your Windows 8 installation media. If your computer came with a recovery disc, insert it into your computer. If not, you can create a recovery drive using another computer with Windows 8. Once the installation media is inserted, click “Next” to begin the restoration process.

Follow the Prompts

The restoration process may take some time to complete, so be patient. Your computer may restart multiple times during the process. Follow the prompts on the screen to complete the restoration. Once the process is finished, your computer will be restored to its factory settings.

System Restore

If you do not have access to your Windows 8 installation media, you can also use the System Restore feature to restore your computer to an earlier point in time. This will not erase your personal files, but it will remove any recently installed software or updates that may be causing issues. To access System Restore, go to the “Choose an option” screen and select “Troubleshoot,” then “Advanced options,” and finally “System Restore.”

Conclusion

Restoring your Windows 8 computer to its factory settings can help resolve any software or performance issues you may be experiencing. Just be sure to back up your files before beginning the process. If you continue to experience issues after restoring your computer, you may need to seek professional help or consider upgrading to a newer operating system.

Have you ever had to restore your Windows 8 computer to its factory settings? Let us know in the comments.

Gulrukh Ch

About the Author: Gulrukh Ch

Gulrukh Chaudhary, an accomplished digital marketer and technology writer with a passion for exploring the frontiers of innovation. Armed with a Master's degree in Information Technology, Gulrukh seamlessly blends her technical prowess with her creative flair, resulting in captivating insights into the world of emerging technologies. Discover more about her on her LinkedIn profile.

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