A Windows reset that only removes your files can leave them recoverable with free software. Before you sell, donate or recycle a PC, back up, sign out of software licenses, and run the reset with the drive-cleaning option turned on.
On Windows 11, open Settings › System › Recovery › Reset PC, choose Remove everything, then open Change settings and turn on Clean data. The reset can take a few hours. When the PC restarts to the screen asking for your country or region, turn it off and remove it from your Microsoft account at account.microsoft.com/devices.
1. Back up and check the backup
Copy your Documents, Desktop, Pictures and Downloads folders to OneDrive or an external drive. Then open a few files from the backup. Also export anything stored only in apps, such as browser bookmarks if you do not sync them, and email kept in a desktop mail program.
If your PC has BitLocker or device encryption, find the recovery key before you start, in case the reset asks for it: sign in at account.microsoft.com/devices/recoverykey.
2. Release software licenses
Some software limits how many computers you can use. Sign out inside each app so the license moves to your next PC:
- Microsoft 365: sign out in any Office app, or remove the device at account.microsoft.com.
- Adobe and other subscriptions: sign out from the app’s Help or Account menu.
- Apple Music or iTunes: Account › Authorizations › Deauthorize This Computer.
3. Reset with Clean data turned on
- Open Settings › System › Recovery.
- Next to Reset this PC, click Reset PC.
- Choose Remove everything.
- Choose Cloud download (a fresh copy of Windows from Microsoft) or Local reinstall. Cloud download is more reliable if the PC has had problems.
- On the Additional settings screen, click Change settings and turn Clean data on. This overwrites the drive so your files are much harder to recover.
- Click Next, then Reset. Leave the PC plugged in; it can take a few hours.
Windows 10: the same option is in Settings › Update & Security › Recovery.
4. Stop at the setup screen
When the PC restarts to the screen asking for your country or region, hold the power button to turn it off. Do not sign in, so the next owner sets it up as their own.
5. Remove the PC from your accounts
- Sign in at account.microsoft.com/devices and remove the PC.
- If you used Chrome or Edge sync, check your Google or Microsoft account’s device list and sign the old PC out.
If something goes wrong
| Problem | Fix |
|---|---|
| The reset stops or fails | Try again with Cloud download instead of Local reinstall. |
| It asks for a BitLocker recovery key | Find it at account.microsoft.com/devices/recoverykey. |
| Reset PC is missing or blocked | A work or school PC may be managed by an organization. Ask its IT team before passing it on. |
Using a Mac as well? See how to wipe a Mac before you sell it. For the Downloads folder clutter you will not miss, see cleaning your Downloads folder.
Which reset option to choose
| Option | What it does | Use it when |
|---|---|---|
| Keep my files | Reinstalls Windows, removes apps and settings | Fixing problems on a PC you keep |
| Remove everything | Removes files, apps and settings | Selling, donating or recycling |
| Remove everything with Clean data | Also overwrites the drive | Any PC leaving your hands |
| Cloud download | Fresh Windows from Microsoft | The PC has had problems, or local reinstall fails |
| Local reinstall | Uses files already on the PC | The PC works well and your internet is slow |
Microsoft notes that if BitLocker is on, you will need the recovery key for most recovery options, so find it first.
Questions
Does the Windows license transfer to the buyer? A Windows license that came with the PC stays with the PC after a reset. Retail licenses moved to another PC follow Microsoft’s terms for that license.
Is Clean data enough for a drive with sensitive files? For most home users, yes. If the PC held highly sensitive work data, ask your employer how they want it handled, or remove and keep the drive.
How long does the reset take? Usually one to a few hours. Clean data adds time, especially on large hard drives.
What if the PC will not start? Windows can start the reset from the recovery screen: choose Troubleshoot › Reset this PC. You will need the BitLocker recovery key if the drive is encrypted.
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A printable 7-page checklist with these Windows steps plus iPhone, Android and Mac, drawn diagrams and an “if something goes wrong” box for every device.
Steps checked against Microsoft Support in November 2026 for Windows 11, with Windows 10 notes.
Sources
- Microsoft Support: Recovery options in Windows
