Windows 10 includes “Reset this PC,” which allows you to quickly reset your computer while keeping your files and reinstalling the operating system using the locally available image or downloading a fresh image from the Microsoft servers. However, the process will remove apps and settings, but you can always reconfigure them later. In this guide, you’ll learn the steps to use the “Reset this PC” feature to refresh your computer while keeping your files if you’re having problems after a Windows 10 upgrade or due to an app or system misconfiguration. (To reset your device while removing everything, use these instructions.)

Reset Windows 10 keeping files

To reset Windows 10 to the factory defaults while keeping your files, use these steps: Once you complete the steps, a fresh image of Windows 10 will download, and it’ll be used to reset the computer to the factory default settings while keeping all of your files. The process usually takes 15-20 minutes, but it could take a long time, depending on your device.

What files does this option keep?

The “Key my files” option will keep the files you have in your profile folders, including those from the Desktop, Documents, Downloads, Pictures, Videos, Music, etc. However, you are still recommended to create a backup in case something happens during the reinstallation process.

Does this option remove my applications and settings?

Yes, this process will remove your applications and settings. The point of resetting the operating system is to fix problems that may be caused by a misconfiguration or issues with applications, as such the process removes all your installed apps and custom system settings.

What to do if “Reset this PC” is not working?

If the feature to reset Windows 10 isn’t working, you may need to identify the error to find a solution for the problem. Or if the device has problems, it’s better to continue with a clean installation of Windows 10. All content on this site is provided with no warranties, express or implied. Use any information at your own risk. Always backup of your device and files before making any changes. Privacy policy info.


title: “How To Reset Windows 10 Keeping Files” ShowToc: true date: “2022-12-13” author: “Greg Diaz”


Windows 10 includes “Reset this PC,” which allows you to quickly reset your computer while keeping your files and reinstalling the operating system using the locally available image or downloading a fresh image from the Microsoft servers. However, the process will remove apps and settings, but you can always reconfigure them later. In this guide, you’ll learn the steps to use the “Reset this PC” feature to refresh your computer while keeping your files if you’re having problems after a Windows 10 upgrade or due to an app or system misconfiguration. (To reset your device while removing everything, use these instructions.)

Reset Windows 10 keeping files

To reset Windows 10 to the factory defaults while keeping your files, use these steps: Once you complete the steps, a fresh image of Windows 10 will download, and it’ll be used to reset the computer to the factory default settings while keeping all of your files. The process usually takes 15-20 minutes, but it could take a long time, depending on your device.

What files does this option keep?

The “Key my files” option will keep the files you have in your profile folders, including those from the Desktop, Documents, Downloads, Pictures, Videos, Music, etc. However, you are still recommended to create a backup in case something happens during the reinstallation process.

Does this option remove my applications and settings?

Yes, this process will remove your applications and settings. The point of resetting the operating system is to fix problems that may be caused by a misconfiguration or issues with applications, as such the process removes all your installed apps and custom system settings.

What to do if “Reset this PC” is not working?

If the feature to reset Windows 10 isn’t working, you may need to identify the error to find a solution for the problem. Or if the device has problems, it’s better to continue with a clean installation of Windows 10. All content on this site is provided with no warranties, express or implied. Use any information at your own risk. Always backup of your device and files before making any changes. Privacy policy info.