Dell Migrate User's Guide

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Reset Windows 10 using the Remove everything option

Steps

  1. Click Remove everything.
    Figure 1. Windows reset options
    Windows reset options
  2. Perform one of the following steps to perform the PC reset:
    • Click Just Remove my files if you want to perform a quick format, such as overwrite files on the drive, on your local drives. It is advisable to use this option if you want to retain the operating system.
      NOTE:You can recover your data using third-party tools if you choose this method of reset.
    • Click Remove files and clean the drive if you are planning to give this PC to someone, or repurpose the PC, and you want to ensure that all data is removed from the system. Depending on the type, size of disks, and configuration of the system, the process can take from an hour to a few hours.
    Just Remove my files is quicker than Remove files and clean the drive, but it is less secure.
    After selecting the type of reset, a summary of what will be removed from the PC is displayed.
  3. Review the information about the page, and click Reset to proceed further.
    Figure 2. Removing everything in your PC
    Removing everything in your PC
    The operating system starts configuring the reset process.
    Figure 3. Resetting in progress
    Resetting in progress

    This is your last opportunity to cancel the reset. If you want to cancel the reset, click Cancel, or Windows begins to gather information for reset. This can take a few minutes after which the system restarts and uninstalls the applications, removes the settings, user configurations, and clean the drive if a specific option is selected.

    NOTE:Depending on the number, type, size of disks, and configuration of the system, the process can take from an hour to a few hours.
    A progress bar indicating the progress of Windows reset is displayed.
    Figure 4. Resetting in progress
    Resetting in progress
    After the reset is completed, the system restarts and reinstalls Windows.
    Figure 5. Preparing for operating system reinstallation
    Preparing for OS reinstallation
    After Windows installation is completed, Windows starts with an out-of-box experience to configure Windows, and set up user profiles or accounts.
    Figure 6. Reinstalling Windows
    Reinstalling Windows
    Figure 7. Windows welcome page
    Windows welcome page
  4. Select a region.
    NOTE:You can choose to shut down the system forcefully by holding down the power key if another user continues the setup process. If you plan on keeping the PC, you can setup the system yourself.
    Figure 8. Selecting your region
    Selecting your region in Windows

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