Resetting a pre-owned Windows desktop computer

This short guide is a reference tool to help refresh your knowledge or practise what you have learned in the Resetting a pre-owned Windows desktop computer online video course, including how to:

delete the previous owner’s files and accounts
securely reset the computer using Windows Settings
check when the reset process is complete.

Before you begin

Make sure your computer is:

plugged into mains power, switched on and showing the desktop
properly connected to a mouse and keyboard, and your home Wi-Fi
running the latest version of its operating software. If your computer is not running Windows 11, some of the steps may look different but you can still follow along.

What is a reset?

For security, it’s important to reset a pre-owned computer before using it, and to reset it before passing it permanently onto somebody else.

Resetting a pre-owned computer:

removes the previous owner’s files, apps and personal information
protects your privacy and security
prepares the device for your personal use.

Getting started

If you see a language screen, the computer is already reset and you can skip this course and go straight to the Setting up your new Windows desktop computer course.

If you see the previous owner’s Sign In screen, you’ll need to reset the computer. You will need their password or PIN to sign in and start the reset.

The computer needs to be connected to Wi-Fi for the reset to work. If it isn’t connected, you can learn how to connect to Wi-Fi in the Windows desktop computer: System Settings course.

It's best never to share PINs or passwords with others, so ask the previous owner to enter theirs onto the Sign in screen for you. After the reset, you can create your own password or PIN to secure your information.

Preparing to reset

From the desktop, click the Start button in the bottom of the screen. It looks like a window.
The Start menu will open. Find the Settings icon and click on it. It looks like a cog wheel.
The Settings menu will open. Find System in the left of the panel and click on it.
On the right side of the panel, find and click Recovery to see the options.
Click Reset this PC.
A blue pop up appears. Click Remove everything to delete all files and software from the previous owner.
From the How would you like to reinstall Windows? pop up, select Cloud download. This ensures you get the latest version of Windows.
From the Additional settings pop up, click Change settings then click the switch under Clean data? to Yes. This securely deletes personal data and installed apps.
Click Confirm, then Next.
The Ready to reset this PC pop up will summarise what will happen during the reset and warn that this is the last chance for the previous owner to backup their files.
When you’re ready, click Reset.

Performing the reset

The reset may take up to 40 minutes, depending on how much data needs to be removed.

Your computer will restart several times, then show a black screen with a Windows logo or the name of the computer’s maker, or just a plain black screen.

When you see a screen asking you to choose a language, your computer is reset and ready for set up.

You can learn how to do this in the Setting up your new Windows desktop computer course.