46 Networks · Free technology lesson
Restart or reset? Know the difference
A normal restart and a Windows recovery reset do very different things. Start with the smaller step.
About two minutes. Computer-generated narration. The key instructions are also written below.
1. Save before restarting
Save open documents. A normal restart closes Windows and starts it again; unsaved work can be lost. Use Start, the power button, then Restart, and give the computer time to finish.
2. Understand what a reset changes
Reset this PC reinstalls Windows. Keep my files retains personal files but removes apps and settings. Remove everything also removes personal files. Neither option is a routine restart.
3. Prepare before choosing recovery
Back up important files and confirm that you can open the backup. If the device uses BitLocker encryption, locate its recovery key before a reset. Ask for help if you are unsure which recovery option fits.
4. Reassess the problem
If a normal restart does not resolve the issue, record the error message and what you were doing. Avoid repeatedly changing unrelated settings. Do not interrupt an update or reset because it seems slow.
Further reading: Microsoft: Reset your PC.