How to Factory Reset an Asus Laptop

This article covers a factory reset of an Asus laptop running Windows 11 or Windows 10.

How to Factory Reset an Asus Laptop

Performing a factory reset of an Asus laptop will reinstall Windows and return settings to their default state. A factory reset is often the last resort when troubleshooting a persistent problem with the computer. It's also essential if you want to sell or gift a laptop.

Here's what to do:

1. Search Windows for Reset this PC and select it from the results. Another way to get there is through Settings (Win+i).

2. Select Reset PC (Windows 11) or Get started (Windows 10) from the Recovery area of Settings.

3. You'll see up to three options. Any of these will reset the device, but the details depend on the method you select. Tap the option you prefer:

   • Keep my files: This will remove apps and reset settings but will keep personal files. Select this if you plan to keep the laptop.
   • Remove everything: This will remove all files, apps, and settings and perform a clean reinstall of Windows. Select this if you plan to sell or gift the laptop.
   • Restore factory settings: This is only available on some Asus laptops, such as if you're running Windows 10 but it shipped with Windows 8.1. It removes all files, resets all settings, and installs Windows 8.1. Only select this if you prefer to have Windows 8.1 installed.

4. You might see this screen, but not all setups will. This provides two additional options. Tap whichever you prefer.

   • Cloud download: This will download the latest version of Windows from Microsoft during the reset. It will also install the latest drivers. Select this if you have Internet access during the reset.
   • Local reinstall: This reinstalls using the version of Windows currently on the laptop. It might seem more straightforward, but Windows Update will bug you to install updates after you've finished, so you're not saving time. Select this if you won't have Internet access during the reset.

5. Select Change settings on this step if you want to see an additional option (not pictured here) called Data erasure. If toggled on, all your files will be removed and Windows will clean the drive (this takes longer).

   On some devices, you'll instead see an option called Download Windows?, which just switches between the cloud and local download option seen in the last step.

   Tap Next to continue.

6. You'll see a final confirmation of your settings and several warnings about what will happen to your files. Thoroughly read this screen, then select Reset to continue.

   This is the point of no return! Your Asus laptop will begin its factory reset once you tap Reset. Double-check any important files or settings are backed up to another device.

7. You can leave the device unattended while it resets. The process can take 15 minutes to over an hour, depending on your laptop's performance and your internet connection speed.

When Is a Factory Reset of an Asus Laptop Necessary?

Performing a factory reset can resolve various problems because it will return Windows to its default settings and remove any software, including malware. It can wipe away driver or software conflicts. It's typically a last resort only used when you can't identify the cause of a problem.

You'll also want to perform a factory reset if someone else will use the laptop after you. The factory reset will remove all your data (if you choose that option), so the next user doesn't have access to it, which is vital for your privacy and security.

You might also perform a factory reset to freshen up your laptop. It provides a clean slate, which helps if you feel you've downloaded too many apps and files, and don't want to pick through them one-by-one.

How to Prepare for a Factory Reset of an Asus Laptop

It's essential to back up your files and settings before performing a factory reset. You'll generally want to back up files individually using cloud storage or an external drive. Backup solutions that create an image of your entire PC defeat the point of a factory reset because they'll restore everything that was on your laptop before the reset.

Plan to go without the computer for 15 minutes to an hour while the reset process completes. You can cancel the reset while Windows downloads and prepares files for install, but you can't stop it after that point.