Windows 8 integrates a function that allows you to reinstall the operating system without the need to use an installation disc and the product key. You can reinstall Windows 8 by choosing the "Reset your PC" or "Reset this PC" option in the Settings app.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Reinitialize Windows 8 (Keep Personal Files)
Step 1. Press the key combination "Windows + C"
The Windows 8 charms bar will appear.
Step 2. Select the "Settings" option, then choose the "Change PC settings" item
Step 3. Select the "General" tab, then scroll down the list to the "Refresh your PC while keeping your files" section
Step 4. Click the "Get Started" button, then select the "Next" option
Your computer will be reinitialized and all personal files and apps you have installed from the Windows Store will be kept. The programs you have installed will be removed, but your other personal files will be kept.
Step 5. This should take 15-20 minutes to complete
At the end of the reinitialization phase, the list of programs that have been removed from the computer will be displayed.
Method 2 of 2: Reset Windows 8 (Delete All Personal Files)
Step 1. Back up all personal data and files on your computer using an external hard drive or clouding service
Resetting Windows 8 includes erasing all data stored on the PC and restoring the factory default settings. For this reason, you need to back up all your personal files using a USB stick, external hard drive or clouding service.
Step 2. Press the key combination "Windows + C"
The Windows 8 charms bar will appear.
Step 3. Select the "Settings" option, then choose the "Change PC settings" item
Step 4. Select the "General" tab, then scroll down the list to the "Remove everything and reinstall Windows" section
Step 5. Click the "Get Started" button, then select the "Next" option
Step 6. Select the "Perform a full drive cleanup" option
All files on your computer's hard drive will be removed, after which a fresh installation of Windows 8 will be performed.
Step 7. Click on the "Reset" button to confirm your willingness to reinstall Windows 8 from scratch
The hard drive of your computer will be formatted, then Windows 8 will be reinstalled. The Windows welcome screen will be displayed at the end of this operation.
Advice
- Choose the option to reset Windows 8 if your PC has a slowdown in performance or if it takes a long time to start up. This procedure allows you to delete all third-party applications that you have installed and to restore the original operating system files as well as the factory settings. This solution is ideal for troubleshooting performance issues.
- If the computer running Windows 8 fails to boot properly and the advanced boot menu appears, choose the "Troubleshoot" option to have access to the ability to reset or reset your PC.
