When we've had our computer for a long time and begin to notice it's losing some of its functionality, it's a sign that it needs immediate attention. There are signs that the PC is experiencing various performance issues that make the user experience more tedious and frustrating. But if you don't want to pay, it's best to perform a factory reset. Below, we describe when a factory reset would be necessary.
Have you been experiencing a bad patch with your computer for a few days? You're not alone. It's one of the most common phases many users go through, as the accumulation of programs and applications can become a major cause, becoming a hindrance when performing basic tasks, such as browsing the internet, or more demanding ones, such as editing photos and videos or playing video games. In fact, there are times when we even tend to force a shutdown, and this action can be very detrimental to our personal data in the long run, as we could end up losing it.
Whatever the case, other significant factors can also be involved, which can cause problems every time you log in to your computer. Below, we list the most common reasons why you might need to perform a system restore to leave your PC as smooth and new as the day you bought it. However, we warn you of the importance of always knowing that you will lose all your information, so it's always best to make a full backup of your files before performing this procedure. A mistake in this process can lead to the irreversible loss of your personal data and settings.
| No. | Item to back up | Location / Method | Filled |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Main User Folders | Manually copy the folder C:\Users\[SuUsuario]to an external drive. |
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| 2 | Program Configuration (Critical) | Copy the hidden folder C:\Users\[SuUsuario]\AppData. It contains browser profiles, email, etc. |
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| 3 | Drivers | Open CMD as admin and run: dism /online /export-driver /destination:D:\MisDrivers(change D: to your external drive). |
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| 4 | Browser Favorites and Passwords | Use your browser's native export/sync feature (Chrome, Firefox, Edge). | ☐ |
Continuous crashes and failures
These are the main signs Windows displays if something is wrong with your hard drive. Initially, you can start searching for the source of the problem, but sometimes that's not enough and the errors reappear. Crashes, system failures, blue screens, etc.—anything that prevents you from making progress on your work or means a continued loss of time in your daily tasks will make you increasingly frustrated.
There may even be corrupted files that you can't intercept or USB drivers that won't connect, and no matter how many times you update them, a critical message will always appear, prompting a reboot. Otherwise, it's best to save your pride and restore the settings.
High bloatware load
Have you ever stopped to look at the number of apps that come installed by default on your operating system? This term, known as bloatware, is used when we purchase a computer with software installed as standard, especially if it's Windows. It's a series of tools that you can uninstall, although not all of them yet, since you'll rarely use them regularly.
If you want to free up space to prevent slowness from taking over your computer sooner or later, you can get rid of some of these apps one by one using the following path: Settings – Applications – Installed applications. However, the option to completely restart your PC will delete all the apps you installed at the time.
Malware detection
Another reason your PC can deteriorate and experience continuous issues is the introduction of viruses or malware. Although some very sophisticated computers barely require an antivirus, the truth is that hackers manage to bypass all obstacles and finally penetrate your system.
If you're unsure whether your computer starts doing strange things and you notice that your icons have changed and your files are starting to disappear, it's time to perform a complete wipe of your hard drive.
How to factory reset?
If you've already thought about it carefully, the next step is a factory reset. It's a simple process in Windows 11, and you can choose between two options. A basic reset can take about 20 to 45 minutes, while a full restore with secure data erase can take several hours, depending on the speed of your drive (SSD vs. HDD) and everything you have stored:
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Go to the Start menu and enter Settings.
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Next, go to where it says System.
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Then, scroll down to view the Recovery option.
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Click Reset this PC.
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Choose between Keep my files (reinstalls Windows, but keeps your documents) or Remove everything (permanently removes files, apps, and settings).
| Option | What it eliminates | What preserves | Recommended use | Estimated time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Keep my files | Installed applications and system settings. | Personal files (Documents, Images, etc.). | Troubleshoot software issues, bugs, or general slowness. | 20-45 minutes |
| Remove all | EVERYTHING: Personal files, apps, and settings. | Nothing. The PC is as good as new. | Serious malware infections, sale or donation of the equipment. | 1-3 hours (or more with unit cleaning) |