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Factory Reset, Restore, or Reinstall Microsoft Windows on a Dell computer

Summary: See the options for performing a computer restore, resetting Windows installation, or restoring Windows to factory condition on a Dell computer.

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Article Content


Symptoms

Cause

Reinstalling the operating system can fix many software-related issues on the computer, whether it is running slow or infected with malware.

Resolution

Restore the computer using SupportAssist OS Recovery

When your computer cannot boot into the operating system after repeated attempts, SupportAssist OS Recovery automatically starts on supported computers. This recovery environment helps diagnose hardware issues, backup files, repair the computer, or restore the computer to factory defaults.

Dell Technologies recommends using the SupportAssist OS Recovery on supported computers. Learn how to Restore your Computer Using SupportAssist OS Recovery.


Restore the operating system using a Dell operating system recovery image

To repair or restore your operating system to its original factory image, learn How to Download and Use the Dell Operating System Recovery Image in Microsoft Windows. Here, you can learn how to create a USB recovery media using any Windows computer.

Do not have a working Windows computer to create a USB recovery media? Learn How to Download and Use the Dell Operating System Recovery Image in Ubuntu or Linux.


Alternate recovery and reinstall options

Windows 11 or Windows 10

For a list of options for restoring or reinstalling Windows 11 or Windows 10, see the following articles:

How To Reset Your System within Windows 11 or Windows 10

Watch this video to learn how to reset your Windows 11 or Windows 10 computer.

Duration: 00:34
When available, closed caption (subtitles) language settings can be chosen using the Settings or CC icon on this video player.

How to perform a system restore in Windows 10

Watch this video to learn how to run System Restore in Windows 10.

Duration: 01:06
When available, closed caption (subtitles) language settings can be chosen using the Settings or CC icon on this video player.


Windows 8.1

To manually reinstall Windows 8.1, see the Dell Knowledge Base article Windows 8 or Windows 8.1 Upgrade and Installation Instructions.

To perform a system restore in Windows 8.1, see the Dell Knowledge Base article How to Use System Restore in Microsoft Windows.


Windows 7

To learn about using computer restore points, resetting to factory settings, or manually installing Windows 7 on your Dell Computer, see the Dell Knowledge Base article, Restore, Factory Reset or Reinstall Windows 7 on your Dell Computer.

Additional Information

Recommended Articles

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Out of Warranty support Out of warranty? No problem. Browse to the Dell.com/support website and enter your Dell Service Tag and view our offers.

NOTE: Offers are only available for US, Canada, UK, France, Germany, and China personal computer customers. Server and Storage are not applicable.

Article Properties


Affected Product
Chromebox, Alienware, Inspiron, Legacy Desktop Models, OptiPlex, Vostro, XPS, G Series, Chromebook, G Series, Alienware, Inspiron, Latitude, Vostro, XPS, Legacy Laptop Models, Latitude Tablets, Surface, XPS Tablets, Fixed Workstations , Mobile Workstations ...
Last Published Date

05 Dec 2023

Version

24

Article Type

Solution