How to factory reset a windows 10 laptop without losing windows 10 - Microsoft Community

selling old laptop windows 10 on im worried if factory reset it, downgrade windows 8.1 when on ad posted said windows 10. im wondering how remove files , photos while still keeping windows 10

well if use manufacturers factory restore, revert windows 8.1

1. copy data laptop
2. use windows 10 reset windows 10 recovery environment, should retain windows 10:
3. press shift key whilst clicking restart winre
4. go troubleshoot - advanced options - reset pc
5. choose keep nothing
6. this should give empty laptop windows 10

if system revert windows 8.1, clean install windows 10

click here to download media creation tool (click on download tool now), can download latest windows 10 iso (select create installation media pc), can create bootable usb flash drive (min 4gb) using tool or create iso file can later burn dvd

 

then, boot pc installation media created , install fresh copy of windows 10 (change boot order in bios)

since you had windows 10 installed , activated on pc during installation process skip steps ask product key , select option 'i reinstalling windows 10 on pc', , activation not issue, pc have digital entitlement stored on microsoft servers

 

Windows / Windows 10 / Windows update, recovery, & backup / PC