7 Fixes For “Can't Factory Reset Windows” error

So, you wanted to reset the Windows and start fresh. Yet, the error ‘There Was A Problem Resetting Your PC’ popped up. As a result, you now don’t know what to do. Maybe you were already having plenty of problems and needed to factory reset your PC. But now, this problem is getting out of hand, annoying.

This error means that you will face a problem resetting your PC. There are a couple of issues that need your attention first. The worst-case scenario will leave your PC like this forever. But, don’t you worry!
We have a perfect solution for this problem. This is a guide where you will find a list to fix the problem. It will cover almost every solution for you.

Reasons For Problem Resetting Your PC

There isn’t a single ‘There was a problem resetting your PC’ error. Depending on the problem in your computer, the error message may differ. It would also depend on the version of Windows 10 that you’re using. As such, you might even find errors like:

‘There Was A Problem Refreshing Your PC. No Changes Were Made.’
‘Can’t Reset Your PC.’
‘There Was A Problem Resetting Your Laptop Or Computer.’

These errors can also pop up when you try to refresh your PC. It could also pop up if you’re trying it for a USB flash drive or a disk drive partition. The error isn’t limited to Windows 8. Windows 7 and 8 users have also reported it.
Either way, there are plenty of reasons. The most common is the corrupted Windows 10 recovery image.
Another popular reason is corrupted system files. Corrupted system files could occur due to an unfortunate power cut to the PC. You could’ve deleted some essential files. Maybe malware is corrupting your PC from the inside. When you create a restore point, it could’ve gotten corrupted as well.
The final reason could be that you’re using a pirated version of windows. It could be that you have not activated your Windows, either. So, you might have to fix that.
Other problems include:

If you have an older version of Windows 10, or pre-installed Windows 10, the error could appear.
You tried to create a recovery drive with a USB recovery drive.
You tried to use the Troubleshoot option and Reset This PC and decided to have ‘Remove Everything.’
Maybe you used a disk space compression tool or feature. It would remove or replace the files.

Solutions For Can’t Reset This PC

Run The System File Checker
Run A Dism Scan
Use A System Restore Point
Rename System And Software Registry
Disable ReAgentc.Exe
Windows Defender Solution
Use The Installation Media

Solutions For Can’t Reset Windows 10 Operating System Error

1. Run The System File Checker

Before you try to use any other method, you could try to recover system files. As mentioned above, damaged or corrupted system files are a leading reason for this error. So, you can run System File Checker to see if there is any problem. It will fix any issue:

Go to the Search Bar and type ‘Command Prompt.’ Right-click on it and click on ‘Run As Administrator.’ You might get a prompt to allow it and even use a password.

control panel command prompt run as admin Windows 10

Once you get Command prompt running, type ‘SFC/scannow’ and hit enter.

system file checker command prompt messages stored leave command prompt

The entire process is automated. All you need to do is wait patiently for the scan to get to 100%. Don’t do anything while SFC is underway.
The best part about this tool is that it will fix any problem or error with SFC. After it gets done with the fix, you can restart the PC. Try to reset the PC again after that.

2. Run A DISM Scan

If SFC doesn’t work, you can check the system image file. As mentioned earlier, image recovery might be corrupted. So this step will help you fix that.

You can either run Command Prompt or Powershell for this step. For that, you will have to press Window Key + X to open the settings window.

automatic repair system image file DISM scan

Click on Powershell or Command Prompt (Admin). If there isn’t an admin option, use the SFC’s step to run the command prompt as admin.
Type or paste the following: DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth

powershell blue screen restore health system drive

Now, you will have to wait patiently. This is just like SFC but on a deeper level. Sometimes it can take 30 minutes to an hour for this step to fix your PC. You will have to restart your PC and see if you can reset the Windows 10 now.

3. Use A System Restore Point

One of the best practices that you can have is to create a restore point. Make sure to do so every week or month and keep a system restore point. This can help you when you run into a problem with an operating system reset.
All you would have to do is select one of the restore points. By returning to an older point, you can fix many issues with your PC. It is like keeping a system backup.
Remember, this step will work if you have a pre-existing restore point. The restore point has to be from before you started to get the error. If you’re unsure, it is still worth trying.

Go to the Start Menu and search for System Restore.
Select ‘Create A Restore Point.’ It will open a properties window.

system restore window personal files search box windows 10

You will most likely be on the ‘System Protection’ tab. From there, find the System Restore button.

Windows 10 search box recovery partition recovery drive

It will load and then give you a recommended option. There is also a ‘choose a different restore point.’

windows 10 restore point option operating systems data loss

You will have to select either at your convenience.

Simply click Next and go through the instructions. The process will begin automatically, and once done, the system will restart. See if you can reset the PC now.

4. Rename System And Software Registry

windows 10 perform automatic repair windows recovery environment

This is another one of the Command Prompt options available for you. Now, this one will help you restore some essential files. It also works for software registry. Yes, these are the things that might need a fix if you still have an error.

Launch Command Prompt Window as Administrator again.
Type cd %windir%system32config and press enter.
Then type ren system system.001, press enter again.
Then type ren software software.001 and hit enter.

Then close the Command Prompt and restart your PC. This should help you fix the issue. If it didn’t work, make sure to type exit on the command prompt, don’t just close it. Then, restart the computer.
Remember that this option will most likely take you to the Windows Recovery Environment Screen. It is an option that allows you to use various options to reset or recover your system image and fix the problem of resetting your PC.

5. Disable ReAgentc.exe

Many users have also found it helpful to disable ReAgentc.exe to solve the issue. You can fix the ‘There Was A Problem Resetting Your PC’ error with this step. Once again, you will have to access the command prompt and make sure to Run As Administrator.

Type – reagentc/disable and hit enter.
Renable reagent by typic ‘reagentc/enable.’

Make sure to restart the computer. Re-enabling is essential for this step to work.

6. Windows Defender Solution

Windows Defender is Microsoft’s attempt to bring you holistic protection for the PC. It is quite a well-versed tool that gets you essential protection for free. You can protect yourself from malware, viruses, and other similar threats.
Windows Defender is a handy tool that you can refresh windows with. But, before you do it, make sure to back up your personal data.
This is almost the same as resetting your PC. System Restore Point won’t be enough. Make sure to backup files in a USB Flash Drive or some other storage before you follow through with this step:

Press Windows + I key. This will open the Settings window. Select ‘Update & Security’ option from the list.

reset this PC startup repair disk space required windows 10

Find Windows Security from the left panel. In the latest versions, it might be known as Windows Defender. You can also try to search for it in the search bar by typing Windows Security.

control panel drivers installed windows security options windows 10

Now, go to the ‘Device Performance & Health’ option in the list.
You will see a Fresh Start section. Click on the Additional Information option.

fresh start pirated software restet this PC all your data

Now, click on Get Started. You will have to follow the on-screen instructions. But once you do so, it will help you refresh the entire Windows OS.

A point to note would be that you can scan the PC first. If you think that you can’t reset your PC due to some issue with malware or viruses, you might want to scan the system first.

7. Use The Installation Media

choose device performance create installation media windows 10

This is a long series of steps. You will use the installation media to either reinstall Windows or reset Windows 10. This will also help you repair system errors as an integrated tool. So, make sure to follow the steps carefully.

Download And Create The Installation Media

Before you begin with this option to reset Windows 10, you must download the Media Creation Tool. It is easy to download by visiting the official website. Make sure to click on the ‘Download Tool Now’ option after selecting the Windows Version.
Next, you will have to make sure to download it anywhere on your Harddrive. For the safe side, make sure to copy it to your USB device or burn a CD. USB Flash Drives are better for the latest windows.
Once you save, you will have to run the media creation tool.

There will be a prompt for the License and Terms. You will have to click Accept.
Then Select ‘Create Installation Media For Another PC’ option.
Make sure to select ‘Use the recommended options for this PC.’
Now, you can either create a DVD (ISO File) or a USB Drive (USB Flash Drive). Choose the option with what you have available.
Now, navigate the location according to the option you chose. Make sure to select the target disk or USB. Then click Save.
Let the Download take its time.

Install Windows 10 With Installation Media

Now, if you have a USB drive, all you need to do is boot the system and use a USB device as the boot option. This will load an array of steps for you to choose from.
If you want to use the DVD, you have to boot from the DVD. You can also click and run the ISO file from the PC. When you do that, you will get advanced options to perform various tasks.
Don’t forget to backup the personal files before you go through with this option.

FAQs

What To Do When You Can’t Reset Windows 10?

Make sure that your system image is intact, make a system back up, and use Windows Recovery Environment if the system can’t boot. If the system can boot, use image backup from the system restore window. If you updated recently, you might want to roll back to the previous version. Make sure to always back up the personal files before you factory reset Windows 10.

Why Will My Windows 10 Not Reset?

There can be many reasons for the factory reset not to always back up the personal files work. Maybe the system image is corrupted. You might have to run a System File Check before you can reset this PC. Open system restore and check for any available restore points. Sometimes secure boot and then using factory settings can help you.

How Do I Force A Factory Reset On Windows 10?

The best way to force a factory reset is to reinstall Windows 10. If you Fresh Install Windows 10, you won’t run into any problems. You won’t need to access factory settings or use startup repair. There’s no need for a recovery drive or to perform the automatic repair. Yes, you will face some data loss during this reset process as you are entering windows setup. All your files, all your data will be lost if there aren’t recovery partitions or drives.

How Do I Fix Windows Won’t Reset?

System restore point option or fixing system image is the best option known. You can try advanced options like image backup and system protection tools like Windows. Automatic repairs from the Environment screen are also an option. PC Windows might require a recovery drive, but if nothing works, reinstall windows.