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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.

This article applies to This article does not apply to This article is not tied to any specific product. Not all product versions are identified in this article.
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Instructions

Table of contents

  1. Restore the computer using SupportAssist OS Recovery
  2. Restore the operating system using a Dell operating system recovery image
  3. Alternate recovery and reinstall options

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

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 SupportAssist OS Recovery on supported Dell computers. Learn how to Restore your Computer Using SupportAssist OS Recovery.

Note: Dell computers with Qualcomm processors are not supported by SupportAssist OS Recovery, and should first attempt to reinstall Windows using Push-Button Reset. For more information, see KB article How to use Windows Push-Button Reset to reinstall Windows on a Dell Computer.

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 Reinstall Windows or Linux using the Dell OS Recovery Image. Here, you can learn how to create USB recovery media for Windows or Linux using a Windows 11 or Windows 10 computer.

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.

Additional Information

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Affected Products

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 ...
Article Properties
Article Number: 000124379
Article Type: How To
Last Modified: 29 Aug 2024
Version:  30
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