Windows 10 Reset Failed? How to Fix It and Reset Windows

If your Windows 10 reset failed with a message such as “There was a problem resetting your PC,” do not jump straight to a clean install. Back up important files first, restart the PC, repair Windows system files, and then retry Reset this PC using Cloud download. If the reset still fails, use Windows Recovery Environment (Windows RE) or official Windows 10 installation media.

Microsoft ended free Windows 10 support on October 14, 2025. Resetting can still reinstall Windows 10, but it does not restore standard security support. If your PC supports Windows 11, upgrading is the safer long-term option.

Before you reset Windows 10 again

Microsoft recommends backing up files before a reset. If device encryption or BitLocker is enabled, make sure you can access your recovery key. Also disconnect external hard drives, USB storage, SD cards, printers, docks, and other nonessential peripherals. Keep the PC connected to power.

If a reset is already running, do not force a restart just because the display stays black. Microsoft notes that the screen can remain black for an extended period while Windows resets. See Microsoft’s Reset your PC guidance.

1. Restart and retry Reset this PC

A normal restart clears temporary processes that can interfere with recovery. After Windows starts again:

Open Settings.
Select Update & Security > Recovery.
Under Reset this PC, select Get started.
Choose Keep my files if you want to preserve personal files, or Remove everything for a full reset. Keep my files still removes installed apps and resets settings.

Windows 10 Recovery settings with Reset this PC and Advanced startup options — In Windows 10, Reset this PC is under Settings > Update & Security > Recovery.

Windows 10 Reset this PC screen with Keep my files and Remove everything choices — Choose whether the reset should keep personal files or remove everything.

Use Cloud download if Local reinstall failed

When Windows asks how you want to reinstall, choose Cloud download if a previous Local reinstall failed. Cloud download obtains a fresh Windows image instead of relying on local recovery files that may be damaged. Use Local reinstall when your internet connection is limited and the local Windows files are known to be healthy.

Windows 10 Reset this PC screen offering Cloud download and Local reinstall — Cloud download is a useful retry when the local recovery files may be corrupted.

2. Repair Windows with DISM and SFC

The older advice to run only SFC is incomplete. Microsoft currently recommends running DISM first, then System File Checker.

Search for Command Prompt, right-click it, and choose Run as administrator.
Run DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth.
After DISM completes successfully, run sfc /scannow.
Restart the PC and try Reset this PC again.

These commands repair the Windows component image and protected system files. Microsoft documents the sequence in Using System File Checker in Windows.

Administrator Command Prompt showing DISM RestoreHealth followed by SFC scannow — Run DISM before SFC, then restart Windows before attempting another reset.

3. Reset from Windows Recovery Environment

If the reset fails from Settings, try it from Windows RE. Hold Shift while selecting Power > Restart, or go to Settings > Update & Security > Recovery > Advanced startup > Restart now. In Windows RE, select Troubleshoot > Reset this PC and follow the prompts. An encrypted device may ask for the BitLocker recovery key.

Windows Recovery Environment Choose an option screen with Troubleshoot selected — Windows RE opens advanced recovery tools outside the normal Windows desktop.

Windows Recovery Environment Troubleshoot screen showing Reset this PC and Advanced options — Select Reset this PC in Windows RE to retry the reset outside the normal session.

Microsoft lists the supported ways to enter recovery in its Windows Recovery Environment documentation.

4. Try System Restore for a recent software problem

If Windows started failing after a driver, app, or system change and you have a restore point, choose Troubleshoot > Advanced options > System Restore in Windows RE. System Restore rolls system files and settings back to the selected restore point without functioning as a full Windows reset. Microsoft’s System Restore instructions explain the process.

Windows Recovery Environment Advanced options screen with System Restore and Startup Repair — System Restore can undo a recent system change before you attempt another reset.

5. Use Windows 10 installation media if Reset this PC still fails

If recovery tools cannot complete the reset, create Windows 10 installation media from Microsoft. Boot the affected PC from the USB drive, then choose Repair your computer on the Windows Setup screen to open Windows RE. From there, you can retry recovery tools without booting the installed copy of Windows.

Windows Setup screen with the Repair your computer link used to open recovery tools — Bootable Windows media can open recovery tools even when the installed system is damaged.

Use only Microsoft’s official Windows 10 download page. If repair and reset options continue to fail, back up everything you can and consider a clean installation. A clean install is more destructive than Reset this PC and can remove files, apps, and settings, so treat it as the final option.

Which fix should you try first?

Reset failed once: restart, disconnect nonessential devices, and retry.
Local reinstall failed: retry with Cloud download.
Windows seems corrupted: run DISM, then SFC.
Reset fails inside Windows: run Reset this PC from Windows RE.
The problem began after a recent change: try System Restore.
Nothing else works: use official installation media and prepare for a clean install.

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