How to Perform a Factory Reset on Windows 7 [With Detailed Instructions]

"I recently purchased a used Windows 7 computer from a garage sale. It comes with a lot of unnecessary items that I don't need or intend to use. How can I erase everything on Windows 7 to begin with a clean slate? Alternatively, is there a way to wipe the computer and restore it to its original, factory settings?"

When you purchase a second-hand computer with data, decide to sell/give your computer to someone else, or your computer becomes cluttered and slow, you might want to delete everything from the Windows 7/8/10 computer.

To wipe a computer in Windows 7 or Windows 10, you can restore it to its factory settings, which enables you to retain the system while erasing all personal data. If you wish to erase everything on Windows 7 without using a CD, including both the Windows system and data, you can accomplish this using the following method.

How to Wipe a Computer with Windows 7 Without a CD, Including the Windows System and Personal Data

How to delete everything on Windows 7 without a CD, including the Windows operating system and personal files? Although Windows does not provide a built-in feature for data wiping, you can use a third-party utility, such as tools Partition Master, to erase all data from your Windows laptop or PC.

tools Partition Master is a comprehensive tool that effectively deletes all data from a Windows OS computer using its "Wipe Data" function. This feature allows you to erase your system drives and other partitions with a WinPE bootable USB, ensuring that your computer leaves no trace of data behind, making it irrecoverable.

Download this data erasure tool and follow a step-by-step guide to learn how to delete everything on Windows 7.

1. Create a WinPE Bootable Disk

Step 1. To create a bootable disk of Partition Master, you'll need to prepare a storage medium such as a USB drive, flash drive, or a CD/DVD disc. Connect it properly to your computer.

Step 2. Launch AOMEI Partition Assistant, and locate the "Bootable Media" feature on the left. Click on it.

Step 3. You can select USB or CD/DVD when the drive is available. However, if you don't have a storage device on hand, you can also save the ISO file to a local drive and burn it to a storage medium later. After making your choice, click the "Create" button to start the process.

Check the Warning message and click "Yes".

Step 4. When the process is complete, a pop-up window will ask if you want to restart your computer from the bootable USB.

• Reboot Now: This means you wish to restart the current computer and enter the Bootable Media tool to manage your disk partitions without the operating system.
• Done: This indicates that you do not want to restart the current PC but instead intend to use the bootable USB drive on a different computer.

Note: To use the bootable disk on a new PC, you need to restart the target computer and press F2/F8/Del key to enter BIOS, and set the USB bootable disk as the first boot drive.

Just be patient, your computer will automatically boot from the USB boot media and launch into the WinPE tool desktop.

2. Wipe Windows 7 Computer to Delete Everything

Upon successfully creating the bootable disk, you can restart the computer, press Del to enter the BIOS, and set "USB Boot Device" as the first boot option. Following this, you can utilize the Partition Master tool to erase your computer, including both the system and data drives.

We've prepared two options for you to erase data. Please select the one that suits your needs.

Option 1. Wipe Partition

1. Right-click on the partition from which you want to erase data, and select "Wipe." 2. In the new window, specify the duration for which you wish to wipe your partition, then click "OK." 3. Click the "Execute 1 Task(s)" button in the bottom right corner, review the changes, and then click "Apply."

Option 2. Wipe Disk

1. Select the HDD/SSD and right-click to choose "Wipe Disk." 2. Set the number of times to overwrite data (maximum 10). Click "OK." 3. Click "Execute 1 Task(s)" and then click "Apply."

Reinstalling Windows 7 or Windows 10 for Reuse: To reinstall Windows 7 or Windows 10 on a device for the purpose of reusing it, follow these steps: 1. **Backup Important Data**: Before beginning the process, ensure that you backup all important files and documents to an external hard drive or cloud storage. This step is crucial to prevent any potential data loss. 2. **Prepare Installation Media**: - For Windows 7: Visit the Microsoft Download Center and download the Windows 7 ISO file. You will need a product key to proceed. Burn the ISO to a DVD or create a bootable USB using software like Rufus. - For Windows 10: Go to the Windows Media Creation Tool webpage, download the tool, and use it to create a bootable USB or DVD with the latest version of Windows 10. You'll need a valid product key or a digital license associated with your device. 3. **Boot from Installation Media**: Insert the installation media (DVD or USB) into the computer and restart it. Press the appropriate key (usually F2, F12, or Delete) during startup to enter the BIOS/UEFI settings. Change the boot order to prioritize the CD/DVD drive or USB port and save the changes. 4. **Start Installation**: The system should now boot from the installation media. Follow the on-screen instructions for the language, time, and keyboard preferences. 5. **Select Installation Type**: Choose "Custom: Install Windows only (advanced)" to overwrite the existing operating system. If you want to keep your files, choose "Upgrade," but note that some apps and settings may still be removed. 6. **Choose Partition**: Select the partition where you want to install Windows (usually the primary one). If necessary, delete or format the partition first. Click "Next" to proceed. 7. **Wait for Installation**: The installation process will take some time. Your computer will restart several times during this process. 8. **Set Up Windows**: After the installation is complete, you'll be prompted to set up Windows by providing information such as your region, user account, and password. 9. **Update and Install Drivers**: Connect to the internet and check for updates to ensure you have the latest security patches and features. Then, visit your computer manufacturer's website to download and install the necessary drivers for optimal performance. 10. **Restore Data and Install Apps**: Finally, restore your backed-up data onto the new installation and reinstall any applications you need. Now your device is ready for reuse with a fresh installation of Windows 7 or Windows 10.

After completely wiping your Windows 7 computer, you can reinstall the system for reuse.

To install Windows 7: Download Windows 7 Disc Images (ISO Files) and follow the instructions to complete the process.

To install Windows 10: Download the media creation tool from Microsoft and complete the clean installation.

Todo Backup allows users to create and restore system images to a different computer, enabling OS migration without the need for reinstallation. If interested, please check the details.

How to Wipe Everything on Windows 7 by Restoring to Factory Settings

If you wish to maintain the clean Windows system on your computer as when you first purchased it, but need to erase user accounts, personal files, customized settings, programs, and data for privacy concerns, you can accomplish this by restoring the computer to its factory settings.

The methods for performing a factory reset differ across various systems. Read on to learn how to delete everything on Windows 7 or Windows 10 with or without an installation CD/DVD.

How to Restore Windows 7 to Factory Settings

To erase everything on Windows 7 and revert your computer to its original factory state, you'll need to use an authentic Windows 7 installation media or a recovery disk. If you don't possess the disc, you'll need to contact the computer manufacturer to request a new restore disc or proceed to learn how to delete everything on Windows 7 without a CD.

Restore Windows 7 with Installation CD/DVD

Step 1. Insert the Windows 7 installation CD into the CD-ROM drive and restart your computer.

Step 2. Press the F8 key repeatedly to open the Advanced Boot Options menu. On the Advanced Boot Options screen, select "Repair Your Computer" and press Enter. This will open the System Recovery Options menu.

Step 3. Select System Restore or Startup Repair (if this option is available).

Step 4. Follow the on-screen instructions to proceed with any operation.

Restore Windows 7 to factory settings without a CD

If you don't have the install CD or DVD, you can boot into Safe Mode and run System Restore from the Command Prompt.

Step 1. Turn on the computer. Press and hold the F8 key.

Step 2. At the Advanced Boot Options screen, select "Safe Mode with Command Prompt" and press Enter.

Step 3. Log in as an Administrator.

Step 4. When the Command Prompt appears, type rstrui.exe and press Enter.

Step 5. Follow the wizard's instructions to complete System Restore on Windows 7.

How to Reset Windows 8/8.1 to Factory Settings to Erase Everything

You can restore Windows 8 to its factory settings by either "refreshing" your PC (without removing your files) or by "resetting" it (which deletes your personal files).

Step 1. Go to "Settings". Click "Change PC settings" > "General" > "Remove everything and reinstall Windows" > "Get started". If your operating system is "Windows 8.1", click "Update and recovery" > "Remove everything and reinstall Windows".

Step 2. Click "Next". Note: All your personal files, settings, and apps will be erased.

Step 3. Select the drives from which you want to remove files. In this case, you can choose your system drive.

Step 4. Select either "Just remove my files" or "Fully clean the drive." Click "Reset" to proceed with resetting your PC.

How to Reset Windows 10 to Factory Settings to Erase Everything

Resetting Windows 10 can erase everything on your Windows 10, including personal data.

Step 1. Go to "Settings." Select "Update & security" > "Recovery" in the left pane > "Get started" under "Reset this PC."

Step 2. Click "Keep my files" or "Remove everything." To restore a clean version of Windows, select "Remove everything."

Step 3. Choose "Just remove my files" or "Remove files and clean the drive." The latter option takes much longer. If you're giving the computer away, choose the second option; if you're keeping it, choose the first.

Step 4. Click "Next" > "Reset" > "Continue" when prompted. Windows will then restart and take several minutes to reset.

In conclusion

To erase everything on Windows 7 or Windows 8/10, you have two options:

Method 1: Use Partition Master Bootable USB to erase the entire disk without a CD, including Windows and personal files. With this program, you can easily wipe your computer completely with just a few clicks.

Method 2: Restore Windows 7 to its factory settings, returning it to its original configuration when it was first purchased. This solution is slightly more complex. Restoring the factory settings typically does not thoroughly erase your data; you will still need to use a data wiping tool to delete everything on Windows 7/8/10.