Resetting Windows 7 to its original state: step-by-step instructions

When do you need to reset Windows 7 settings?

There are several common reasons for this need:

serious failure of the system. Sometimes Windows Seven completely fails due to a virus infection of the PC or an error. In this situation, you can restore the functionality of the OS by resetting it. It is not necessary to reinstall Windows 7 from a bootable USB flash drive or CD;
personal desire of the user. Many people incorrectly change system settings, after which the stability of its operation is disrupted. In this case, the most effective way to restore the functioning of Windows 7 is to reset its parameters;
removing unnecessary information. Sometimes it’s easier to reset the current operating system settings than to reinstall it again;
computer sale. Before selling a device, the user usually performs a number of steps to improve PC performance. Resetting operating system settings is no exception.

Appearance of the Windows seven operating system

Note! The process of resetting Windows seven settings can be performed in different ways.

Reset Windows 10 to factory settings

Method 1 - return to original settings

In Windows 10, developers have added a built-in ability to reset the system to its factory state. This is really very convenient and helps out when serious problems arise in the operation of the OS.

1. Press the WIN + I keys on your keyboard simultaneously and open the “Update and Security” section in a new window.

2. In the left column, switch to the “Recovery” group and in the right window, click on the “Start” button in the top block to return your PC to its original state.

3. Select whether you want to keep all your files intact or delete them. Continue and wait for the process to complete.

Interesting! When deleting files, there will be two options: complete cleaning and simple deletion. With a complete wipe, the deleted data will be more difficult to recover. Do it if you plan to give your computer or laptop to someone for permanent use.

Important! If during the procedure an error message appears (problem of returning the PC to its original state), go to the second or third method.

Method 2 - do a reinstallation

In this case, we will do a complete clean reinstallation of Windows 10 using the OS itself. If the first method did not help solve the problems, then use this. All files stored on the PC will not be touched.

1. Press the WIN + I keys on your keyboard simultaneously and go to the “Update and Security” section.

2. Open the “Recovery” group in the left column, and in the right, click on the link “Find out how to start over with a clean installation of Windows 10.” When asked to switch applications, answer in the affirmative.

3. In the right window, click on the get started button and begin the reset process. It usually takes about 20 minutes, longer than the first method.

Interesting! This is a fairly new feature that just came out recently. But it is convenient precisely because it does not require you to have a bootable flash drive or DVD.

Method 3 - if the PC does not boot

In this case, we will be able to reset even if the operating system does not load at all.

1. If, when you boot your computer, the blue “Automatic recovery or startup” screen appears, then click on “Advanced options” and go to the system recovery section. Next, go to point 3.

2. If the system does not boot at all, then you will need a bootable USB flash drive or DVD with the OS.

a) Boot from a bootable USB flash drive or disk. If you don’t know how to do this, then look at the material - how to boot from a flash drive into the BIOS.

b) On the initial screen, click on the recovery button, go to advanced options and open “Troubleshooting”.

3. Here, select the topmost item with restoring the system to its original state and wait until the process completes.

Interesting! If this does not help solve the problem, then simply reinstall the system from the same flash drive. This will definitely help.

What does it mean to roll back settings on Windows 7?

How to reset Windows 10 to factory settings

This process is a return of the operating system to factory settings. Such a rollback is performed in the shortest possible time while preserving some system information. In this case, the user can independently choose the method of restoring the original parameters.

Restore Windows 7 settings to factory level through a system tool

Cancel all user system settings

Thanks to this feature, the PC user will be able to undo his own changes. This circumstance is especially relevant if the changes made have a negative impact on the functioning of a particular software or system tool.

Freeing some files

Relevant in case of introduction of malware. If the user launched a virus on his PC by downloading programs from the Internet, and it cannot be removed using an antivirus.

Note! To uninstall this software, you can restore the system using a special tool, i.e., reset the changes, return Windows 7 to the state when it functioned normally.

General points

A personal computer breakdown can occur due to a wide range of reasons. The very first such reason is the presence of virus programs that not only clog the computer’s memory, but also destroy its files and documents. How can I restore my computer to factory settings?

When this situation occurs, the best and alternative installation of the operating system is to automatically reset Windows to the factory settings that were obtained in the store. This option will simplify the work of restoring the operating system. It will reset it completely, allow you to troubleshoot and install a new operating system. But not all computers have an automatic reset, so some will need to manually reinstall the system.

In the case when the system is reinstalled manually, it is necessary to transfer all available information from the computer to other media, since at the time of reinstallation the information may be lost. It is possible to restore information if this suddenly happens, but not everyone can do this and such a possibility does not always exist.

If you decide to install an autonomous heating system at home, we recommend that you read this article. We talk about the heating convector here.

The question of how to return a computer to factory settings also worries users in other situations, not only in case of breakdowns. And here users ask themselves the task of how to reset the computer to factory settings, because this is the best option in many cases.

There are times when resetting Windows 7 will be beneficial for your computer.

The first point is selling a computer. It will be very convenient for the new owner to receive a computer with factory settings, just like in a store.

The second point is the transfer of a personal computer to another employee in the organization.

The third point is the slow operation of the computer, drivers stop loading and some programs stop working.

And in these few moments, exactly this attitude is used. And now, having learned several reasons for breakdowns and malfunctions, it is time to study ways to eliminate them. The question arises, how to return Windows 7 to factory settings?

There are three options for restoring your computer to factory settings.

Let's make a reservation right away - a complete system reset is not always required. To save time and effort, you can try simpler options first.

How to reset Windows 7 to factory settings

How to reset an iPhone to factory settings

The standard way to complete the task involves following the following algorithm:

Go to the “Control Panel” of the laptop by clicking on the “Start” icon. Here you can configure the PC operation parameters and enable some functions.
In the “System and Security” section, click on the “Backup of computer data” subsection.
An archiving window will be displayed, in which the user needs to tap on the last line “Restore system parameters”.
In the next window, click on “Advanced recovery methods”.
In the selection menu, click LMB on the line “Return the PC to the state specified by the manufacturer.” The reset process will begin. In this case, the computer may be rebooted multiple times.

Note! Once the reset is complete, the files that were uninstalled will appear in a separately created folder on your desktop.

Control panel on OS Windows 7

How to reset Windows 7 to factory settings if there is no quick reset

How to reset Android to factory settings - rollback and recovery

This means that in the action selection window there is no line to return the PC to its original state. In this situation, it is recommended to roll back the system to the state in which it functioned normally. To do this, the user will need to create a restore point in a special window, and must specify the rollback date.

To launch the window for restoring the operating system, you need to go to the “Start” menu and go to the “System” folder. Here you need to tap on the “System Restore” tool. Next, the user will have to follow the instructions of the assistant.

Reset settings without logging in

If you can't log into your Windows 10 computer, don't worry. You have an alternative way to restore your computer to factory settings. The result will be the same as the above method, but the way you get it will be slightly different.

Go to advanced boot options.

You have two ways to access advanced boot options.

If your computer turns on, then to go to this menu, you need to hold down the Shift key and click on the restart button from the Start menu. Your computer will restart and go to advanced boot options.

However, if your computer does not boot into Windows properly, you will still be able to access advanced boot options. To do this, you need to turn on/off the computer while holding the power key on the system unit. This procedure must be repeated three times. The next time you start, your computer should go to the menu we need.

Run a factory reset.

In the menu that appears, go to the “Troubleshooting” section and then select “Return the computer to its original state.”

Now you need to select “Delete everything” or “Keep my files”, depending on the purpose for which you are running the reset. Again, the latter option will be safer if you plan to sell or give away your computer.

Note: If you have multiple drives installed on your computer, Windows may ask if you want to clean them up as well or if you want to clean only the drive where Windows is installed.

How to clean Windows 7 to its original state through the troubleshooting window

To complete the task, you can use a simple algorithm of actions:

Restart your computer using the standard method through the Start menu.
Before starting the operating system, you must press the “F8” button several times to enter the recovery tool window.
After performing the above manipulations, the “Additional download options” window will appear. Here the user will need to click on the “Troubleshooting” line, moving to the desired items by clicking on the “Up” and “Down” arrows.
The “System Recovery Options” window will open, in which you need to tap on the “System Restore” line.
In the next window that appears, you need to click on “Reset the system to the parameters specified by the manufacturer.” This is a rollback of the operating system to the factory level.

Windows 7 Advanced Boot Options Window

For your information! In the recovery window there are two options for performing the procedure: either the built-in reset system or a proprietary one. The latter is intended for restoring settings for laptops, and the first for desktop computers.

Using the system boot disk

If Windows is seriously malfunctioning or is heavily exposed to viruses, you may need a boot disk. With it, you can reset the system or roll it back to a working state and the desired settings. In safe mode, select the “ Troubleshoot your computer ” item, then insert the disc into the DVD drive and in the window that opens, click on the “ System Restore ” button.

The program offers us a choice of several ways to set default parameters:

The recovery process is the same as with the built-in application. But by working with the disk, you eliminate the possibility of viruses and other third-party software having a harmful effect on the operation.

Reset using distribution

If the user still has a bootable flash drive or CD on which there is an ISO image of Windows seven, then he can use this rollback method. This procedure implies compliance with the following algorithm:

Insert the boot drive into the USB connector on the PC or into the DVD drive if it is a disc.
When starting Windows 7, press the “Delete” key several times to enter the BIOS.
In the BIOS you need to switch to the section responsible for loading connected devices. Much here depends on the specific BIOS version of the computer's motherboard, so the interface may vary.
Select your flash drive or CD from the list of boot devices and restart your PC.
After the restart, the user will see the standard Windows 7 operating system installer window. There is a special button responsible for recovery. It is located in the lower left corner of the menu. You will need to click on this line with the left button of the manipulator.
After performing the previous steps, the same reset window will appear. The principle of rolling back an operating system based on it has already been discussed in the last section of the article. Here the user also needs to follow the recommendations presented.

Windows 7 OS installer

Note! You can create a bootable USB flash drive with Windows Seven yourself in the shortest possible time by downloading an ISO image of the system from the Internet. It is important that the drive is fully formatted and has at least 8 GB of memory.

Problems using the distribution

Experienced specialists highlight a number of shortcomings that PC users make when installing Windows 7 from a USB drive, as well as when restoring it:

using pirated versions of the operating system. This circumstance allows you to save some money, but does not protect you from possible problems in the future. For example, in the operation of unofficial OSs, failures and errors are often observed, which force regular system recovery. Also, using pirated copies of Windows OS is a violation of the law;
skipping the step of saving the “Recovery” section. Saving this partition allows you to quickly restore the operation of the operating system in the future, as well as create a bootable ISO image from the factory Windows seven. More details about completing the task will be discussed below;
incorrect choice of recovery method. In the “Recovery System” window, the user will have to tap on the required line depending on the type of problem: either completely restore the system’s functionality by rolling back its settings, or restore the startup of OS Windows. These are two different functions and should not be confused. The second method is used when the user is unable to load Windows seven, i.e. the operating system cannot start.

System Restore window interface on Windows 7

Important! During the recovery process, you need to remove the USB drive with the ISO image from the connector, otherwise, after rebooting, the laptop will begin installing the operating system automatically, and the reset procedure will be interrupted.

How to reset BIOS using a removable battery

BIOS settings are saved even when the computer is not connected to power sources. This happens thanks to the battery on the motherboard, which constantly powers the chip. But if you remove it for a few minutes, the BIOS will be reset.

Turn off your computer and unplug it from the electrical outlet and other devices. If you have a laptop, remove the battery.

Remove the case cover and locate the battery on the motherboard. Then carefully remove the battery for 10 minutes and reinsert it. Do not overdo it: in some devices it may not be removable. In such cases, you can only rely on the previous methods or send the device to a service center for reset.

On many laptops, the battery is connected to the motherboard using a special wire. If you notice one, disconnect the wire from the board before removing the battery.

Errors when rolling back to the original state

When resetting Windows 7 to factory settings, a message may be displayed that the reset failed and therefore no changes were made. There are several reasons for this alert to appear:

A pirated version of the system is installed on the PC. The main errors that can occur when using unlicensed operating systems have already been described above, and this is one of them;
before completing the task, the user did not save the “Recovery” section;
the compression function is active on the PC, designed to reduce the volume of the disk on which all pre-installed software of the Windows 7 Professional operating system is stored;
incorrect choice of recovery method. For example, if the user decided to reset the settings of the seven to the factory level, but at the same time set the system to roll back to a working state;
PC virus infection. Many viruses are created to block standard functions, tools and modes of Windows operating systems. Therefore, before carrying out the task, it is recommended to check your laptop or desktop computer for virus threats in order to avoid problems in the future.

Licensed antivirus to protect PCs on Windows 7

Note! Not all methods are suitable for resetting Windows 7 to factory level. For example, it may turn out that recovery is possible through a system tool by running it on the PC desktop using the command line. However, you will not be able to reset the settings through the troubleshooting window.

Content:

How to return to standard settings in a running Windows 10?
System rollback using Refresh Windows Tool
How to return to factory settings if the system does not boot?
Restoring data after resetting your computer to its original state

The Windows factory reset function was added only in the tenth version of the operating system, so many users simply do not know about the existence of such a convenient feature. Returning to standard settings is, in essence, most similar to a clean reinstallation of the system, but with the preservation of all information and documents , which is especially important for users who store important data on their computer.

In addition to saving all files, the factory reset function does not require additional software or any complex manipulations with installation flash drives, boot disks and other means. In this way, you can quickly return the system to its original state, thereby correcting errors and problems of the current OS. It is worth noting that the return function should be used in cases where only reinstallation can correct the problems. In other cases, it is better to use less radical methods, such as rolling back the system through restore points.

How to fix reset error via command line

This problem can be solved as follows:

Launch the system recovery window by going to the advanced boot options menu before starting Windows.
Click on the “Command Line Parameter” section with the left mouse button.
If necessary, enter the password for your Microsoft account and click on the “Continue” button located at the bottom of the window.
The classic system application will open, where under the blinking cursor you will need to enter the commands “cd %windir%\system32\config”, “ren system system.001”, “ren software software.001” one by one, pressing “Enter” after entering each one.
After performing the manipulations described above, the user will again find himself in the additional options menu. Here you can try resetting the settings again.

Note! If the above steps did not help solve the Windows 7 Home Basic operating system rollback error, then you should reinstall it using a bootable USB flash drive or CD.

Before reinstalling the operating system, it is recommended to save all important information to an external USB drive to avoid losing it if the information on the system drive is important to the user.

Command line in Windows 7

Thus, there are several common methods that allow you to erase the current Windows seven settings and roll them back to the factory default level. Each method has individual characteristics and execution algorithm. The information presented in this article will allow everyone to figure out how to reset settings on a Windows 7 computer.

How to reset your computer to factory settings

Resetting to factory settings can solve problems associated with instability of the OS or its blocking by malware. However, you should remember that resetting the system will delete all personal data and programs you have installed. Therefore, before starting a rollback, copy all important files, including browser settings and other programs, to an external drive, flash drives or CDs. After reinstalling the system, you can return the necessary settings and data folders.

When you restore your PC to factory settings, you will need a “Recovery” partition allocated on your hard drive to reset the system.
To begin the rollback process, restart your computer and press F8 . Select “Troubleshoot your computer,” then select your language and sign in to your account. In the recovery menu options, select Return Windows to original settings . After this, the OS will be reinstalled with the original settings.

Windows 8 provides a more convenient way to return to factory settings. Select “Settings” – “Change PC settings”. In the “General” tab, go to the “Update and Recovery” section, then to the “Recovery” subsection. Here you can choose to roll back while saving files or delete all data when reinstalling the OS. Once you've selected an option, click "Get Started."

Let us now consider the procedure for restoring factory settings for laptop computers.
Asus laptops . After reboot, press the F9 . You will be taken to the boot menu where you will have to confirm the rollback. During the recovery process, the laptop will reboot repeatedly.

4
Acer laptops . Turn on your computer, press and hold Alt and press the F10 . If this is your first time restoring factory settings, you will be required to enter the password: 000000 . In the menu, select Factory Defaults - reset to factory settings.

5
HP laptops . Turn on the power and press F11 . The proprietary utility will launch – Recovery Manager . Select the System Recovery function in it. Agree to keep your data or choose to delete it. The further process will occur automatically, with computer reboots.

6
Toshiba laptops . Press 0 (zero button) and turn on the power. Release the button when you hear the system beep. The rollback utility will launch. Follow her instructions to reset your OS settings.

7
Samsung laptops . Turn on the power and press F4 . The reinstallation program menu appears. Go to the Restore section, and then to the Complete Restore subsection. In the latter, specify the recovery option - Computer Initial Status . Restart your laptop and follow the instructions in the utility. After loading the OS, another restart will be required to confirm the settings changes.

For other laptops, the options for calling the factory reset utility are as follows:

Dell Inspiron – combination Ctrl+F11;
Sony Vaio – F10 button;
Rover – Alt button;
Fujitsu Siemens – F8 button;
Packard Bell – F10 button;
LG – F11 button.

Never delete the Recovery partition of your hard drive to increase free space. This partition is responsible for system recovery, and if it is destroyed, you will have to install Windows from scratch. If the manufacturer included a Recovery disk with your computer, use it when booting the system to roll back to factory settings. As a rule, such disks provide the opportunity to choose an installation option with the creation of multiple partitions.