[Full Fix] My Computer Won’t Let Me Factory Reset Windows 10

Factory resetting your Windows 10 browser can be an effective way to troubleshoot and increase the performance of your device. It allows you to reset all settings to their original values, delete applications, and remove unwanted programs. This can help improve the speed of your device and make it more secure.

It can free up space on your hard drive by deleting unnecessary files. Factory resetting also gives users a clean slate to start over fresh if they’ve made significant changes that need undoing.

Of course, for some users, factory resetting may not be an option due to technical restrictions in place or hardware issues that could cause the process to fail. You might experience problems such as being unable to locate recovery media. Likewise, if you’ve installed new hardware or changed necessary settings, factory resetting may not be an option.

Enable Windows Recovery Environment

If you are facing a problem resetting your PC, it could be due to the offline Windows recovery environment image or corrupted system files for the recovery image. In this context, running an elevated command prompt to fix the corrupted system image or system files can resolve the problem of resetting your PC. Here are the steps to follow:

Step 1: Launch the command prompt from the run utility. Click Windows key+ R, and type cmd in the run command box. Click ok to continue. Then click Ctrl+ Shift+ Enter to launch the elevated command prompt.

Step 2: In the prompt window, type the following commands and click enter to execute.

Reagentc /info

Reagentc enable

Step 3: If the error is not resolved, copy the Winre.wim file from another device on your PC, and in the elevated command prompt, type Reagentc /setosimage /path E:\RecoveryImage /index 1 . Click enter to execute the command. Run the reset process to check if the error is resolved.

Run SFC and DISM Commands via Powershell (Admin)

As mentioned earlier, if you cannot reset your PC, it could be due to corrupted system files or images. In this context, running the SFC (system file checker) scan and DISM (Deployment Image Servicing and Management) scan can point out the corrupted system file and system errors that need to be fixed. Here is how you can act.

Step 1: Launch Windows PowerShell (admin) command prompt via the keyboard’s Windows key+ X shortcut keys. Click Windows PowerShell (Admin) from the list to open the prompt window.

Step 2: In the prompt window, type the following command to run the SFC scan and click enter to continue.

sfc /scannow

Step 3: In the next line, type the DISM command to run the scan. Click enter to execute the command.

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

Use Startup Repair

If you are trying to factory reset your PC and can’t complete the action because the screen pops up with an error message, i.e., factory reset not working or problem resetting your PC. It could be due to various reasons. It could be anything from a corrupted Windows System, system crashes, or trouble loading backups. Using startup repair to fix the issue is a quick fix that could be used. Here are the steps to follow: 

Step 1: Launch startup repair by booting your device in safe mode. It could be done by booting a device with installation media or Windows booting options. Boot device from media and select the repair your computer option from the popup window. 

Step 2: In the next window, select the option of Troubleshoot.

Step 3: Select advanced options from the list in the troubleshooting window. 

Step 4: Select the option of Startup Repair in the next window. As the repair completes, your device will function without any error message. 

Apply Command Prompt

To fix issues like ‘problem resetting your PC,’ command-line action is the best quick-fix solution to resolve the error. It can be done from the elevated command prompt window in the advanced options while in the Windows recovery environment screen. Here are the steps to follow:

Step 1: Boot your device in safe mode and select the startup repair option.

Step 2: In the startup repair window, click the option of troubleshoot followed by selecting advanced options.

Step 3: In advanced options, click the command prompt option and Ctrl+ Shift+ Enter to launch the elevated command prompt and type the following commands. Click enter after each command to execute the operation.

cd %windir%\system32\config

ren system system.001

ren software software.001

Step 4: As the commands are executed, reboot the device and check if the error is resolved.

Use ISO File on Another PC

If you fail to reset the device with the Windows ISO file installed on the PC, you can use the ISO file of the same version from another PC. All you need to do is to create the bootable media with an ISO file and plug it into the device that requires a factory reset. Here are the steps to follow:

Step 1: Plug in the bootable media with the ISO file from another device to your device.

Step 2: Boot your device via a bootable media and click Repair your computer. 

Step 3: In the next window, select the option of troubleshoot.

Step 4: In the troubleshooting section, select reset this PC.

Step 5: Click Reset to confirm the action. As soon as the function completes, start your device to check if the error is resolved. 

Use System Restore Point

System restores are created to back up the whole data set available on your device. If your device shows any error like a problem resetting this PC, restoring the device to the last restore point could work. It will take your device back to a point where the error didn’t exist. Here are the steps to follow:

Step 1: In the taskbar’s search, type system restore and double-click the option to launch it. 

Step 2: Select Create a restore point in the system restore window. 

Step 3: In the system properties window, select the option of System Restore. 

Step 4: Click Next to complete the wizard. 

Step 5: If you already have a restore point, select the appropriate restore point and click next to continue. Follow the wizard to complete the action. 

Disable REAgentC.exe

REAgentC.exe is a command-line tool that helps administrators install, uninstall, configure, and update Windows Recovery Environment (Windows RE). This can be used to troubleshoot startup issues on computers running Windows 10 and later operating system versions. It allows users to execute everyday tasks such as creating new recovery images, setting default operating systems, and configuring pre-boot settings.

To repair the Windows recovery environment boot image and all recovery-linked customizations, the Reagentc.Exe tool is used. If you are trying to factory reset the device, disabling the extension tool can help to resolve the error. Command prompts can be used in this regard. Here are the steps on how to disable the tool. 

Step 1: Launch the command prompt from the Windows main menu. Type the command in the taskbar’s search and click the option in the list. Select run as administrator to open the prompt window.  

Step 2: In the command prompt, type reagentc /disable and click enter to execute the command.

Step 3: Close the command prompt by typing exit and click enter to complete the action. Restart the device and check if you can reset it. 

Keep Your Computer Updated for Windows

It is important to keep your computer regularly updated to prevent any issues or errors that may occur when resetting Windows factory settings. Updates can help ensure that all the necessary software and drivers are up-to-date and that any potential vulnerabilities in the system have been patched. It helps reduce data loss or corruption since outdated files are replaced with the most recent versions.

It’s also a good idea to back up important files before doing a factory reset, as this will provide an additional layer of protection in case anything goes wrong during the reset process. Regularly updating your computer ensures you have the latest security updates and patches, which will help protect against viruses and other malicious software.

Overcome the Obstacles Preventing a Factory Reset on Windows 10 With Our Comprehensive Fix Guide

This guide has explored various scenarios and provided effective solutions for when your computer won’t let you factory reset Windows 10. Whether you encounter error messages, missing recovery options, or other obstacles, we have outlined step-by-step instructions to help you troubleshoot and resolve the issue. From checking for system requirements to utilizing alternative reset methods, we have equipped you with the necessary knowledge and tools to perform a factory reset on your Windows 10 device successfully. Bid farewell to frustrating limitations and easily restore your computer to its default settings.

Frequently Asked Questions About Computers Being Unable to Reset for Windows 10