What Does a Factory Reset Do? Find Out Here but Don’t Do It!

Many computer users have learned that when their machine is malfunctioning, and no other fixes seem to work, it’s time to restart. Restarting frees up RAM and renews network connections, often resetting PC operations and improving or fixing poor computer functionality. But sometimes computer problems are much more complicated, perhaps the result of a malware attack. In rare instances, resetting a computer to its factory settings becomes an option for addressing serious issues.

A factory reset is “a software restore of an electronic device to its original system state by erasing all of the information stored on the device.”

What Does a Factory Reset Do?

A factory reset, also referred to as a system restore, a hard reset or master reset, returns a computer to the state it was in when first purchased. It removes any files and programs that have been added since booting it up for the first time and will delete drivers and return all settings to their factory defaults.

What are the main benefits of performing a factory reset?

• Improved Performance: It can resolve issues like slow performance caused by software bloat or corrupted files
• Malware Removal: It helps eliminate viruses or malware that antivirus software can't fully remove by resetting PC standards
• Clean Slate: Offers a fresh start, which is useful when donating, recycling or selling a computer
• System Stability: Fixes recurring errors or crashes by resetting everything to a stable state

Does a Factory Reset Delete Everything?

Performing a complete factory reset erases everything added to the computer since purchase and reinstalls the operating system. If the system software has been updated, those updates will likely have to be reinstalled.

What are the potential risks or downsides of a factory reset?

Does a factory reset delete everything? Yes, but there are benefits to that.

• Data Loss: All personal files, apps and settings will be erased unless backed up to another device
• Reinstallation Hassle: Users need to reinstall software and drivers, which can be time-consuming
• Incomplete Reset (in rare cases): Some malware or corrupted partitions might survive a reset, especially if the recovery image itself is compromised
• Loss of Customization: Personalized settings and tweaks will be lost, which can be inconvenient for some users

Resetting PC operating systems is the computer equivalent of a Hail Mary pass. The reset is a last-ditch effort to repair a malfunctioning PC and might not have the hoped for outcome. In addition, depending on the applications used and the size of the data files, reinstalling programs and loading backed-up data is a time-consuming and arduous task. Furthermore, pre-installed extras such as trial software will return after a reset, cluttering a portion of the hard drive with cumbersome and unnecessary programs and data. These extras are referred to as “bloatware.”

How to Remove Bloatware?

Often, removing bloatware is as simple as uninstalling it. But for off-the-shelf, mass-market computers, the developers of bloatware pay big money to have their programs pre-installed. As a result, those developers need the revenue from those add-on sales. They don’t want users to remove bloatware, so they often make uninstalling it very difficult, and sometimes simply uninstalling it isn’t enough. There are several tools available to help manually remove bloatware, but most require skills beyond those of average users. As part of your business’s IT maintenance, you should consult an IT expert before performing this type of do-it-yourself repair.

Resetting a PC

Resetting a PC is not an operation to be taken lightly. Deleting programs and data en masse is risky when done by non-professionals. Once the process is complete, it is not always easy to restore the programs and data to the user’s preferred configuration. Also, the reboot will likely reinstall all the bloatware and customizations that the manufacturer pre-installed before purchase. Many of these will be trial programs for unneeded functions. They simply take up space that could be used for other more relevant programs.

Very few small or midsized business (SMB) owners or their employees have the time to go through the tedious process of resetting and restoring a PC. There is a threshold beyond which do-it-yourself IT maintenance becomes unworkable, and SMBs require expertise to keep their systems and networks up and running safely and smoothly. There are many moving parts to operating a small to midsized business and only so much time can go to time-consuming IT concerns.

When should users consider doing a factory reset?

It’s typically considered a last-resort option after trying less drastic fixes.

• When the system is extremely slow or unstable
• If it’s infected with malware that won’t go away
• Before selling or giving away a PC
• If troubleshooting hasn’t resolved persistent software issues.

Case Study: DIY Repairs

A law firm partner in New York City considered himself tech-savvy and felt he could handle most software and hardware issues without calling for help. His office computer had been slowing down and doing strange things for a few days. He ran diagnostics and troubleshooting programs and restarted the computer several times. Finally, in complete frustration, he decided to reset the computer to factory settings. He eventually got his PC back up and running. It was a relief, although he realized he no longer had the programs he used for work every day. Instead of speeding up his workday, the result of his misguided factory reset was even more downtime reloading legal software, email, and other essential programs.

In hindsight, he would have been better off having an IT pro troubleshoot the device and resolve the issue while he used his valuable time for work-related tasks. Business IT technicians see this type of scenario frequently and wish clients would contact them earlier in the process.

How Does Someone Know If They Need a Factory Reset?

Even for knowledgeable computer users, it’s a good idea to consult an IT professional before executing a factory reset. The field of onsite IT support fills a void for companies that cannot justify a full-time, in-house IT team. Look for one that specializes in small and midsized business computer and network support and affordable managed IT services.