When frequent computer crashes persist despite virus scans and optimizations, many resort to ‘reinstalling the operating system.’ However, Windows 10 includes a ‘Reset this PC’ function, akin to a factory reset. People often wonder about the differences between reinstalling a computer and the OS. How do you choose? In the following, YUNZE’s editor will explain the distinctions between the two.
Differences Between Resetting a Computer and Reinstalling the Operating System #
Comparatively, first, resetting a computer can be done directly through the Windows 10 settings, while reinstalling the operating system is more involved. It requires a USB drive, creating a bootable USB drive, and downloading system image files, which usually takes more time to prepare. Additionally, after reinstalling the system, reactivation, hardware driver installation, and application software installation are necessary.
In summary, both resetting a computer and reinstalling the operating system serve the purpose of fixing the system. Resetting preserves personal files and data selectively on the existing system while reinstalling involves setting up an entirely new system and erasing all data within the computer.
How to ‘Reset This PC’ in Windows 10? #
1. Click the Start menu in Windows 10’s bottom left corner, then open ‘Settings‘ > ‘Update & Security‘ > ‘Recovery.’ Next, choose to keep your files or remove everything. Click ‘Initiate,’ and the system will begin resetting your computer.
2. Here, we notice two options: ‘Keep my files‘ and ‘Remove everything.’
Keep my files: This option retains your personal files stored in the C: drive, while files on other drives remain untouched.
Remove everything: This option deletes all personal files and is equivalent to formatting all drives.
3. After selecting this option, two additional choices will appear: ‘Only the drive where Windows is installed‘ and ‘All drives.’
Choosing ‘Only the drive where Windows is installed‘ refers to resetting the system drive. If a user has repartitioned during usage, this option will affect files in the space carved out from the C: drive.
‘All drives‘ means that all displayed drive letters will be reset, including D: and F: drives. Generally, it’s not recommended to select this option, as it can affect files in the recovery partition and erase previously set system restore points.
Which is Better: Resetting a Computer or Reinstalling the Operating System? #
As for whether it’s better to reset a computer or reinstall the operating system, it’s a matter of personal perspective. As we’ve seen from the differences mentioned earlier, resetting a computer is simpler, while reinstalling the operating system is more complex. If you’re not well-versed in these operations, opting to reset the computer is advisable. However, if the computer has been in use for a long time and experiences frequent slowdowns, crashes, or significant malfunctions, reinstalling the operating system would be more appropriate.
Related:
