Windows offers different options when we reset it to factory settings. It is best that we know how each of them works and how they differ from each other, in order to choose the best option that suits our need. There are basically two options when it comes to resetting Windows.
In Windows 8, you can either Refresh your PC or Reset your PC. Refresh your PC keeps your files and personalized settings but resets PC settings to default. Applications not from Windows Store will be uninstalled and removed. Reset your PC will perform a complete Windows reinstall from scratch and remove all previous data that doesn't come with this PC.
In Windows 10, there is Reset this PC option. Similar to Windows 8, you can choose whether you would like to keep your personal data or to remove everything.
If your PC came with pre-installed Windows, there will be a third option - Restore Factory Settings. This option restores your computer to the factory default state, which means if your Windows 10 was upgraded from Windows 8, it will be reverted to Windows 8. What's more, the bundled bloatware installed by manufacturers will find their way back to you.
When you reset your PC and remove everything, the PC boots into Windows RE (Windows Recovery Environment). Windows RE will erase and format the Windows partitions before it installs a new copy of Windows.
When you choose to keep your files, the PC will scan your drives and put aside your personal data before the formatting. After a new copy of Windows is installed successfully, the files will be moved back to their original place.
Will Removed Data be Recoverable?
Restoring PCs to factory default can help us solve some problems, but it can lead to potential data loss if anything goes wrong. What should we do if some necessary files are lost after factory reset? Is it possible to recover personal files after the factory reset has removed everything?
Whether or not you can recover data from factory reset depends on your actions. There are two ways to handle the removal of data in both Windows 8 and Windows 10. In Windows 8, when you decide to remove files, Windows will give you the options of "thoroughly" remove your personal files and "quickly" remove your personal files. In Window 10, the options are "Just remove my files" and "Remove files and clean the drive".
The quick removal or the Just remove my files option, is quick but less secure if you plan to donate or recycle your computer. This option is similar to quick formatting. It just resets the filesystem and cleared the table address. Although inaccessible, the raw data are still there and can be recovered by using professional data recovery tools.
The thorough removal, on the other hand, writes random patterns to every sector of the drive, overwriting any existing data visible to the operating system. This process will provide enough security for typical scenarios but as a result consumes hours to complete. This is the option for you if you are disposing of highly confidential business and government data. A single pass overwriting will put most consumer level recovery software off. Even with ample funds and forensic tools, only fragments of data can be salvaged.
Basically, resetting PC will completely remove all programs, applications, games, documents, pictures, music or movies from the device. But unless you specifically order to clean the drive, these lost data can be recovered with the help of H Data Recovery Software, which can help you handle data loss situations like lost partitions, accidental deletions, emptied recycle bin and more!
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