Reset your laptop is one of the most powerful bombs you have in your troubleshooting arsenal. It resets your Windows, macOS, or Chrome OS computer back to the state it was in when you got it home from the store, and that means you don’t encounter any clutter or bugs that might have integrated in time since.
Thankfully, the process is much easier than it used to be. Microsoft, Apple and Google have put the tools for the job right inside their operating systems. Many applications are more dependent on the cloud, so your important data is most likely already backed up somewhere online, ready to reload.
Resetting gadgets has become something of a cliché when it comes to getting them working again, but that’s because it’s actually an effective tactic. Over time, software can bulge, installation files can become corrupted, and your computer’s drive can be full of extra stuff.
Not only that, but a reset will wipe most of it — though not necessarily all—Software and other unwanted programs may have entered your system. After you’ve put your computer back in square shape, you’re essentially starting over, with the opportunity to load only the apps and files you really need.
Once upon a time, the process was fraught with difficulty and danger; One wrong move and your photo library could be lost forever. But nowadays, it’s simple and fast enough for most people to manage it without much difficulty.
That said, absolutely make sure you’ve backed up everything you need before you begin. Where are your important photos, videos and documents? Can you reinstall all the software you rely on from the web? Are all your browser passwords and other data synced somewhere safe?
Services like Netflix and Spotify mean that we no longer keep as much content on your computer as we used to, but do a full audit of everything you’ve saved locally. It will be deleted, so make sure it’s safely stored somewhere else. If you haven’t registered yet, please register a cloud storage service or attaching an external hard drive might help here.
Not ready to do a factory reset today? Might still be worth taking the time to Free up space on your computer and remove unnecessary programs.
With your data backed up and ready, you’re ready to reset your laptop and enjoy all the benefits of a tidy media.
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Open Windows settings panel through the gear icon above Start menu, then select Update & Security and Recuperate. Click Reset PC to start the reset process. Windows itself recommends performing a reset as a possible way to improve the performance of a computer that isn’t running well.
