How To Reimage Windows 10: A Step-by-Step Guide

Home » How-To

7 min. read

Published on October 30, 2025

Fix Windows errors with Fortect:
Fortect can repair common computer errors by scanning your entire system for damaged or missing OS files and replacing them with the original, working versions. Optimize your PC in 3 simple steps:

Download and Install Fortect on your PC
Use the PC Scan feature to look up any Windows issues (including drivers)
Right-click on Repair, and fix it within a few minutes.

Besides that, it helps you clean up junk files, fix stability problems, and get rid of annoying programs and malware traces.

Reimaging Windows 10 is a crucial process for restoring your operating system to a previous state or a factory default. This can be incredibly helpful if you’re experiencing persistent issues, malware infections, or simply want to start fresh. Reimaging essentially reinstalls Windows, giving you a clean slate to work with.

This guide will provide a comprehensive, step-by-step walkthrough of how to reimage Windows 10, covering various methods and considerations to ensure a smooth and successful restoration. Whether you’re a seasoned tech enthusiast or a beginner, this guide will equip you with the knowledge and tools to tackle the reimaging process with confidence.

What Are The Steps To Reimage Windows 10?

Preparing to Reimage Windows 10

Before you begin the reimaging process, it’s essential to take a few preparatory steps to protect your data and ensure a successful outcome.

Back Up Your Important Data: This is the most crucial step. Reimaging will erase everything on your system drive. Back up all important documents, photos, videos, and other files to an external hard drive, cloud storage, or another safe location.
Gather Necessary Installation Media: Depending on the reimaging method you choose, you might need your Windows 10 installation media (USB drive or DVD). If you don’t have it, you can create one using the Media Creation Tool from Microsoft.
Locate Your Windows Product Key: While not always required, having your Windows product key handy can be useful during the reimaging process. You can usually find it on a sticker on your computer or in your Microsoft account.
Ensure Adequate Power: If you’re using a laptop, make sure it’s plugged into a power source throughout the reimaging process to prevent interruptions due to battery drain.

Method 1: Using the “Reset this PC” Feature

Windows 10 has a built-in feature called “Reset this PC” that allows you to reimage your system without external media.

Open Settings: Click the Start button and then click the gear icon to open the Settings app.
Go to Update & Security: In the Settings app, click on “Update & Security.”
Select Recovery: In the left-hand menu, click on “Recovery.”
Click “Get Started” under “Reset this PC”: This will launch the Reset this PC wizard.
Choose an Option: You’ll be presented with two options: “Keep my files” and “Remove everything.”

“Keep my files” will reinstall Windows but keep your personal files intact. However, it will remove installed apps and settings.
“Remove everything” will erase all data on your system drive, including your personal files, apps, and settings. This is the equivalent of a clean install.

Follow the On-Screen Instructions: The wizard will guide you through the remaining steps, which may include choosing the target drive, confirming your selections, and initiating the reimaging process.
Wait for the Process to Complete: The reimaging process can take some time, so be patient and avoid interrupting it. Your computer will restart several times during the process.

Method 2: Using Installation Media (USB or DVD)

If your system is severely corrupted or you want to perform a clean install of Windows 10, you can use installation media.

Boot from the Installation Media: Insert the USB drive or DVD into your computer and restart it. You might need to change the boot order in your BIOS settings to boot from the media.
Select Your Language and Region: On the initial setup screen, choose your preferred language, time zone, and keyboard layout.
Click “Install Now”: This will start the Windows 10 installation process.
Enter Your Product Key (If Prompted): If prompted, enter your Windows product key. If you don’t have one, you can usually skip this step and activate Windows later.
Accept the License Terms: Read the license terms and check the box to accept them.
Choose “Custom: Install Windows only (advanced)”: This option allows you to perform a clean install of Windows.
Select the Drive to Install Windows On: Choose the drive where you want to install Windows. If you want to erase all existing partitions, select each partition and click “Delete” until only unallocated space remains. Then, select the unallocated space and click “New” to create a new partition.
Follow the On-Screen Instructions: The installation process will begin, copying files and installing Windows. Your computer will restart several times during the process.
Complete the Setup Process: After the installation is complete, you’ll need to complete the setup process, which includes creating a user account, configuring your network settings, and choosing your privacy settings.

Post-Reimaging Tasks

After reimaging Windows 10, there are a few essential tasks to complete to get your system back to its optimal state.

Install Drivers: Install the latest drivers for your hardware components, such as your graphics card, network adapter, and sound card. You can usually find these drivers on the manufacturer’s website.
Install Updates: Check for and install the latest Windows updates to ensure your system is secure and up-to-date.
Reinstall Your Applications: Reinstall all the applications you were using before reimaging.
Restore Your Data: Restore your backed-up data to your system.
Activate Windows: If you skipped the product key entry during installation, activate Windows using your product key.

Tips for a Smooth Reimaging Process

Create a System Image Backup: Before reimaging, consider creating a system image backup of your current installation. This will allow you to restore your system to its previous state if something goes wrong during the reimaging process.
Disable Antivirus Software: Temporarily disable your antivirus software before starting the reimaging process, as it can sometimes interfere with the installation.
Disconnect External Devices: Disconnect any unnecessary external devices, such as printers and scanners, to avoid potential conflicts.
Read the Instructions Carefully: Pay close attention to the instructions displayed on the screen during the reimaging process and follow them carefully.

Comparison of Reimaging Methods

Feature	Reset this PC (Keep Files)	Reset this PC (Remove Everything)	Installation Media
Data Preservation	Keeps personal files	Erases all data	Erases all data
Clean Install	No	Yes	Yes
Media Required	No	No	Yes
Ease of Use	Easiest	Easy	Moderate
Best For	Minor issues	Major issues, clean slate	Clean install, system corruption

Restoring Your Windows 10 System

Reimaging Windows 10 offers a reliable way to restore your system to a healthy state, whether you’re dealing with persistent errors or simply want a fresh start. By following these steps and taking the necessary precautions, you can successfully reimage your system and enjoy a clean, optimized Windows 10 experience.

FAQ

What does reimaging Windows 10 do? Reimaging Windows 10 reinstalls the operating system, either keeping your personal files or removing everything for a clean slate.

Will reimaging Windows 10 delete everything? It depends on the method you choose. “Reset this PC” offers an option to keep your files, while using installation media or choosing “Remove everything” will erase all data.

How long does it take to reimage Windows 10? The reimaging process can take anywhere from 30 minutes to a few hours, depending on the method you choose and the speed of your computer.

Do I need a Windows product key to reimage? While not always required, having your Windows product key handy can be useful during the reimaging process.

**Can I reimage Windows 10 without a USB