To wipe a Windows 10 computer, go to Settings > Update & Security > Recovery and click Get started under Reset this PC. Choose Remove everything, pick Cloud download or Local reinstall, then click Change settings and turn on Clean data. Click Confirm, Next, and Reset. Windows erases your files, apps, and settings, cleans the drive so files are much harder to recover, and reinstalls a fresh copy of Windows 10.
Before you start, back up anything you want to keep and sign out of your accounts. This guide covers what to do first, the full reset steps, and what to do if Windows won’t start.
Before you wipe your computer
- Back up your files to an external drive or cloud storage like OneDrive. Everything on the PC will be deleted.
- Save your BitLocker recovery key if the drive is encrypted. Find it at account.microsoft.com/devices/recoverykey.
- Deactivate software licenses for apps that limit how many computers you can use, like Adobe, iTunes, or some games.
- Sign out of your accounts in browsers and apps, and remove the PC from your Microsoft account devices at account.microsoft.com/devices if you’re selling it.
- Plug in your laptop. A reset can take a few hours with Clean data turned on.
How to wipe Windows 10 with Reset this PC
- Click Start > Settings (the gear icon), or press Windows key + I.
- Click Update & Security, then Recovery in the left menu.
- Under Reset this PC, click Get started.
- Click Remove everything.
- Choose how to reinstall Windows:
- Cloud download: Downloads a fresh copy from Microsoft, about 4 GB. Good if your current Windows files are damaged.
- Local reinstall: Uses files already on the PC. No download needed.
- On the Additional settings screen, click Change settings.
- Turn on Clean data. If the PC has more than one drive and you want to wipe them all, also turn on Delete files from all drives.
- Click Confirm, then Next.
- Review the list and click Reset.
Your PC restarts several times. When it’s done, you’ll see the Windows setup screens. If you’re giving the PC away, you can turn it off at the first setup screen and let the new owner finish.
Keep my files vs. Remove everything
| Keep my files | Remove everything | Remove everything + Clean data | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Personal files | Kept | Deleted | Deleted and drive cleaned |
| Apps and settings | Removed | Removed | Removed |
| Can files be recovered? | N/A | Possibly, with recovery tools | Much harder |
| Best for | Fixing problems | Starting over yourself | Selling or giving away the PC |
How to wipe Windows 10 if it won’t start
- At the sign-in screen, hold Shift and click Power > Restart. If Windows won’t load at all, turn the PC on and off three times during startup to open automatic repair.
- On the blue Choose an option screen, click Troubleshoot > Reset this PC.
- Choose Remove everything and follow the same steps as above.
If Reset this PC fails, you can create Windows installation media on another computer with Microsoft’s Media Creation Tool, boot from the USB drive, and delete the partitions during setup.
Is Reset this PC secure enough?
For most people selling or donating a PC, Remove everything with Clean data turned on is enough. It overwrites the drive so deleted files are very hard to recover. If the drive held highly sensitive data, consider keeping the drive and installing a new one, or having it destroyed by a certified service. Many modern SSDs also support a secure erase from the maker’s utility.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to wipe a Windows 10 computer?
Without Clean data, usually 30 minutes to an hour. With Clean data, it can take several hours, depending on the drive size and speed.
Does wiping remove Windows 10?
No. Reset this PC reinstalls Windows 10, so the computer is ready to use. Your Windows license stays activated.
Will wiping my PC remove viruses?
Remove everything deletes almost all malware. Don’t restore files from a backup you think might be infected without scanning them first.
Should I upgrade to Windows 11 instead?
Windows 10 support ended in October 2025. If your PC meets the requirements, a fresh start is a good time to upgrade.
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.