This article explains how to format a laptop with a Windows 10 operating system. If you intend to sell it to someone, it is a good idea to format it before you sell it to prevent the buyer from accessing your personal files or data. You can also format a laptop in case it doesn't work as it should. This can sometimes improve the performance of a computer. Formatting removes all files and programs installed on the laptop. Make sure you back up any documents you want to keep.
Steps
Step 1. Back up any files you want to keep
Formatting involves deleting all files and programs installed on your computer by reinstalling Windows. As a result, if you don't back up your documents, they will be lost. You can perform this procedure using an external hard drive, USB key, DVD, or rewritable Blu-ray. You can also use a cloud storage service like Dropbox or Google Drive to back up.
Step 2. Click on the Windows Start button
It is represented by the Windows logo and is located at the bottom left of the taskbar.
Step 3. Click on the icon
The gear icon located in the left column allows you to open the Windows settings.
Step 4. Click Update & Security
It is the last option and the icon is represented by two arrows forming a circle.
Step 5. Click Restore
This item is located in the left column, next to the clock icon.
Step 6. Click on Get started
It can be found in the section titled "Reset your PC".
Step 7. Click Remove All
This will delete all files, uninstall all programs and reinstall Windows. If you click on "Keep my files", only the programs will be uninstalled and Windows will be reinstalled, while your files and documents will be kept. This option is useful for those who want to keep files, but may not solve all computer problems. If you are going to give the laptop to someone, it is recommended that you delete everything.
Step 8. Click Remove files and wipe the drive to delete all programs and files from your computer
This action is recommended for anyone who intends to sell or give away the computer. It is not recommended to click on "Remove only my personal files".
Step 9. Click Next
If you have recently updated Windows, you will not be able to revert to a previous version of the operating system.
Step 10. Click Reset
The formatting process will start. It will take some time and in the meantime the computer will be restarted several times.
Step 11. Click Continue
Once your computer has restarted, you will see this button at the top of the screen.
