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4 January 2021  Ashley S. Miller  Specialist of Customer Service Dept.
 

Summary
Old or new version of Dell computer can be reset to factory settings via built-in recovery option in Windows now. Do you still perform a factory reset using a disc? Read this article and you will get 3 solutions to perform a factory reset on Dell computer in Windows 10.



Transfer Important Files before Factory Reset

A factory reset is a process of restoring the device to its original system state by erasing all of the files and data saved on the device. Doing so could fix the system crashing or PC running slow problem but will also erase all of data, settings and applications on your PC. If you don’t back up your data before performing a factory reset, the files probably will not be recovered once they are lost. So it’s suggested to transfer your important files before performing a factory reset.

How to transfer important files if system fails to boot?

It’s recommended to use Renee PassNow which has already helped more than 3,000,000 users to fix the system issue. Renee PassNow can transfer files to another disk or partition when the Windows can’t boot normally. Here’s how to transfer files using Renee PassNow:

Step 1: Download and install Renee Passnow on any other workable computer. 

The Windows computer you installed Renee Passnow need to be able to login and work normally (The Windows version of the computer you are using to create the new password reset disk does not matter.).
press to the download button

Step 2: Launch Renee Passnow. Create bootable media with USB/CD/DVD. 

Select one option from [Crate a Live USB] and [Create a Live CD]. Then, select [x64] or [x86] according to your computer. Next, click on [Download Now] to download the licensed ISO. Remember to activate the software beforehand. After that, click on [Create USB] to create the boot media.
use renee passnow to create usb to reset passnword

Step 3: Boot the target computer with the created bootable media.

Please hold a Hot key to enter the BIOS menu.Please click here to find how to change the boot order of your computer brand. Please make the create bootable media to be the first in the boot order. (Can not find your brand? Please refer to your PC manual to find out the method.)
change boot order in BIOS menu

Step 4: After loading into the main interface of Renee Passnow, please select “Data Transfer” function.

data transfer function in Renee Passnow

Step 5: Select the original disk and target disk. And drag the target files to the target disk directly. 

run data transfer function in renee passnow
You could refer to the following solutions to reset Dell computer to factory settings after important files are transferred successfully. Except for data transfer, you could also use Renee PassNow to reset the password of user account and recover missing files when the operating system won’t boot.

How to Reset Dell Computer to Factory Settings in Windows 10

Solution 1: Perform a Factory Reset via Windows Recovery Environment

This way will reset Dell computer to the original state including applications and software installed by Dell manufacturer. Please make sure that you have backed up or transferred your files before you follow the steps as below. If you are using Dell laptop, please also remember to plug it in before you reset it.
Step 1: Restart or power on you Dell computer. When you come to the login screen, click the power button and keep pressing the shift key at the same time. Then click “Restart”.
Ctrl + Alt + Delete
Step 2: After you go into Windows Recovery Environment, navigate to “Troubleshoot” > “Factory Image Restore”.
Dell laptop factory image restore
Step 3: Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the options. And resetting process will proceed.

Solution 2: Perform a Factory Reset Using Built-in Recovery Option in Windows 10

This way will reset Windows 10 on Dell computer. You could choose to delete all personal files, apps or driver software. Please make sure that you have backed up or transferred your files before you follow the steps below. If you are using Dell laptop, please also remember to plug in it before you reset it.
Step 1: Press “Win” + “I” key to open “Windows Settings”. Click “Update & security”.
select update and security in windows settings
Step 2: Click “Recovery” in the left pane. Then click “Get started” under “Reset this PC”.
Reset to format PC or nec laptop in Windows 10
Step 3: If you have transferred your important files, you could select “Remove everything” option and system will restore better.
Remove everything in Windows 10
Step 4: According your need, select an appropriate option. If you want to keep all data from non-system drives, you could select “Only the drive where Windows is installed” option.
Reset Windows 10 and clear drives
Step 5: According your need, select “Just remove my files” or “Remove files and clean the drive” option.
remove files and clean the drives
Step 6: Click “Reset” and Dell computer will start resetting.
Ready to reset Windows 10

Solution 3: Perform a Factory Reset from BIOS

The users who are using the latest Dell computer such as Inspiron series could reset Dell computer via BIOS setup. This way will also reset Dell computer to the original state but usually erase the system drive (C drive). Please make sure that you have backed up or transferred your files before you follow the steps as below. If you are using Dell laptop, please also remember to plug in it before you reset it.

Step 1: Restart or power on Dell computer. When Dell logo appears, hold down F2 to trigger BIOS setup.
Step 2: When you go into BIOS setup, use “→” arrow key to select “Boot” tap. Then use “↓” arrow key to select “Secure Boot” option and press Enter. Next, select “Disabled” and press Enter.
factory reset on Dell computer
Step 3: Switch to “Advanced” tap. Use “↓” arrow key to select “BIOS Auto-Recovery” option and then press Enter. Next, select “Enabled” and press Enter.
reset Dell computer in Windows 10
Step 4: Press F10 to save settings and restart the PC. When Dell logo appears, hold down F12.
Step 5: When you see the following screen, use “↓” arrow key to select “SupportAssist OS Recovery” option and then press Enter.
Reset a Dell computer
Step 6: After you go into Recovery window, select “Restore System” and then click “Repair now”.
Restore system on Dell computer
Step 7: In the “Factory Image Restore” window, click “Next”.
You will be prompted whether you back up files or not. If you have already transferred your important files, you could skip the backup.
Step 8: Agree to perform a factory reset. And system will start resetting.