When you’re faced with a slow, malfunctioning, or virus-infested computer, a factory reset can seem like a miracle cure. With just a few clicks, you can restore your PC to its pristine, out-of-the-box state, erasing all the digital baggage that’s been holding you back. But before you take the plunge, you might be wondering: does factory reset delete everything from all drives? The answer isn’t as simple as a yes or no.
What Is A Factory Reset?
Before we dive into the nitty-gritty of what gets deleted and what doesn’t, let’s quickly cover what a factory reset actually is. A factory reset, also known as a system restore or master reset, is a process that returns your computer to its original factory settings. This means that all software, data, and configurations are wiped clean, leaving your PC in the same state it was in when you first took it out of the box.
The Two Types Of Factory Resets
There are two types of factory resets: refresh and reset. While both options will restore your PC to its factory settings, they work slightly differently.
Refresh Factory Reset
A refresh factory reset will reinstall Windows, remove all installed apps, and delete all personal files and settings. However, it will keep:
- Personal files in the Windows.old folder
- Windows Store apps
- Some Windows settings, like Wi-Fi passwords and BitLocker encryption
This option is useful if you want to start fresh but still want to keep some of your personal files and settings.
Reset Factory Reset
A reset factory reset, on the other hand, will completely erase everything, including:
- All personal files
- All installed apps
- All Windows settings
- All data on the system drive (usually C:)
This option is more drastic and should only be used if you want to start from scratch or are selling/donating your computer.
What Drives Get Affected By A Factory Reset?
Now that we’ve covered the two types of factory resets, let’s talk about what drives get affected by this process.
<h3,System Drive (usually C:)
The system drive, usually labeled as C:, is the drive where your operating system (Windows) is installed. During a factory reset, all data on the system drive will be deleted, including:
- Operating system files
- Installed apps
- Personal files
- Windows settings
Data Drives (D:, E:, F:, Etc.)
Data drives, on the other hand, are separate drives where you store your files, documents, and other data. These drives are not affected by a factory reset, unless you choose to include them in the reset process. This means that:
- Your personal files, documents, and data will remain intact
- You won’t lose access to your files, even if you perform a factory reset
External Drives (USB, External Hard Drives, Etc.)
External drives, such as USB flash drives or external hard drives, are not affected by a factory reset. Since they’re not connected to the system drive, they won’t be touched during the reset process.
What About Other Storage Devices?
In addition to traditional hard drives, modern computers often come with other storage devices, such as:
SSDs (Solid-State Drives)
SSDs are high-speed storage devices that can store your operating system, apps, and data. During a factory reset, an SSD will be completely erased, just like a traditional hard drive.
SD Cards And MicroSD Cards
SD cards and microSD cards are commonly used in laptops, tablets, and smartphones to expand storage capacity. Since these devices are removable, they won’t be affected by a factory reset, unless you choose to include them in the reset process.
Cloud Storage
Cloud storage services, like OneDrive, Google Drive, or Dropbox, store your files online. Since these services are independent of your computer’s storage devices, your cloud storage files won’t be affected by a factory reset.
Best Practices Before Performing A Factory Reset
Before you take the plunge and reset your computer, make sure to:
- Back up your important files and data to an external drive, cloud storage, or both
- Save your Windows product key, if you need to reinstall Windows
- Create a system image, if you want to restore your PC to a previous state
- Remove any external devices, such as USB drives or SD cards, to prevent data loss
Conclusion
In conclusion, a factory reset will delete everything from the system drive (usually C:), but won’t affect other drives, such as data drives, external drives, or cloud storage, unless you choose to include them in the reset process. By understanding what gets deleted and what doesn’t, you can make an informed decision about whether a factory reset is right for you. Remember to always back up your important files and data before performing a factory reset to ensure a smooth and stress-free experience.
What Happens To My Files When I Perform A Factory Reset?
When you perform a factory reset, all your personal files, apps, and settings will be erased from the device. This means that any documents, photos, videos, or other files you have stored on the device will be deleted. However, it’s essential to note that the type of files that are deleted depends on the type of reset you perform.
If you perform a standard factory reset, only the files on the internal storage will be deleted. This means that any files you have stored on external storage devices, such as SD cards or flash drives, will remain intact. However, if you perform a full factory reset or a “wipe data/factory reset” from the recovery mode, all files on both internal and external storage devices will be deleted.
Will A Factory Reset Delete Files On My External Hard Drive?
A standard factory reset will not delete files on your external hard drive. The reset process only affects the internal storage of the device, leaving external storage devices untouched. However, it’s crucial to note that if you have connected your external hard drive to the device and have saved files on it through the device, those files may be deleted.
To be on the safe side, it’s recommended to disconnect your external hard drive from the device before performing a factory reset. This ensures that your files on the external hard drive remain safe and are not accidentally deleted during the reset process.
Does A Factory Reset Delete Windows Or MacOS?
A factory reset on a Windows or macOS device will restore the operating system to its original state. This means that all installed apps, settings, and configurations will be deleted, and the operating system will be reverted to its default settings. However, the operating system itself will not be deleted, and you will still have a functional device after the reset.
In Windows, the factory reset process will reinstall the operating system, and you will need to set up your device again, including installing updates and drivers. In macOS, the factory reset process will erase all content and reinstall the operating system, and you will need to set up your device again, including installing updates and configuring settings.
Can I Recover Deleted Files After A Factory Reset?
It may be possible to recover deleted files after a factory reset, but it’s not guaranteed. The success of file recovery depends on various factors, such as the type of device, the type of files, and the amount of time that has passed since the reset. If you have deleted files that you need to recover, it’s essential to act quickly and use reliable file recovery software.
File recovery software can scan the device for deleted files and attempt to restore them. However, the likelihood of successful recovery decreases over time, as new data is written to the device, and the deleted files are overwritten. Therefore, it’s crucial to stop using the device immediately and use file recovery software as soon as possible.
Will A Factory Reset Delete My Browser History And Passwords?
Yes, a factory reset will delete your browser history and passwords. The reset process erases all user data, including browsing history, saved passwords, and bookmarks. This means that you will need to set up your browser again, including reinstalling extensions and re-entering passwords.
It’s essential to note that if you have synced your browser data with a cloud service, such as Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox, your data may still be accessible from the cloud. You can sign in to your account, and your data will be restored.
Can I Backup My Data Before Performing A Factory Reset?
Yes, you can backup your data before performing a factory reset. It’s highly recommended to backup your important files and data to prevent losing them during the reset process. You can backup your data to an external hard drive, cloud storage, or a USB drive.
You can also use backup software or apps to backup your data, including contacts, photos, and apps. Make sure to backup your data regularly to ensure that you have the latest version of your files. Additionally, consider using a cloud-based backup service to automatically backup your data in the background.
Is It Possible To Perform A Selective Factory Reset?
No, it’s not possible to perform a selective factory reset that deletes only specific files or data. The factory reset process is an all-or-nothing affair, and it will erase all user data and settings. However, you can use the built-in reset options to reset specific aspects of your device, such as resetting network settings or keyboard settings.
If you want to delete specific files or data, you can use the device’s built-in file manager or settings app to manually delete the unwanted files. This approach allows you to selectively delete files and data, rather than erasing everything with a factory reset.