“Factory reset” — sometimes called a “hard reset” — is a term that gets thrown around a lot in the tech world. Factory resetting a device is often recommended to fix nagging issues – and it usually solves the problem. Why this?
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What is a factory reset?
Let’s start by defining factory reset or hard reset. The “factory” part of the term refers to the factory where the device was manufactured. A factory reset restores the device to the original factory settings. Anything that caused problems will most likely be deleted. Your data will be removed from the device, so a factory reset is a good idea if you’re selling or otherwise disposing of an old device.
You can think of factory reset as like putting your device in a time machine. After the process is complete, the device will be as it was when it was brand new. It needs to be set up from scratch. Of course, the factory reset only applies to the software. It cannot undo hardware defects.
What does factory reset do?
So a factory reset will bring the device back to its original state. Let’s examine a little more closely what that means. Depending on the device, the factory reset may take several minutes. What happens during this time?
When you get a new electronic device, such as a computer, tablet, or smartphone, it comes with a “base layer” of software preinstalled. This includes the operating system, some apps and files, pre-configured settings, etc. If you use the device, add your own data.
Once you’ve confirmed that you want to perform a factory reset – which usually requires multiple confirmations – the device will reboot into a low-power “recovery” mode. The device then erases all user-writable areas of the operating system and overwrites them with the “factory” version. When it boots up again, you’ll be back on that “base layer”.
One important thing to note is that the base layer is subject to change. Let’s say your laptop originally ran Windows 10, but you’ve upgraded to Windows 11. A factory reset does not fully bring the device back to Windows 10. Windows 11 sets up a new “base layer” for your device.
Can you recover data after a factory reset?
Operating systems generally make it clear that a factory reset cannot be undone. Still, it’s entirely possible to accidentally lose something when performing a factory reset. You have bad luck? The short answer is yes, you are.
What is the best way to secure my computer?
Actually to recover Data after a factory reset is usually not possible. Your best option is restore from a backup, but that requires some forward thinking. It’s always a good idea to back up important data. Sometimes a factory reset is the only way to salvage a device and you can’t backup it first.
The good news is that there are many ways to back up computers, tablets, and smartphones. Online backup services abound, but your data is stored in the cloud and, for the most part, is out of your control. Cloud storage is a good choice for iPhone, iPad and Android. Offline backups are more reliable but not as convenient, especially for smartphones.
Do you find yourself doing factory resets too often?
You may be wondering whether deleting and overwriting data repeatedly can harm your device. The good news is that you don’t have to worry about that. Technically, there’s no limit to how many times you can factory reset a phone, tablet, or computer.
A factory reset will affect the physical memory of the device. Eventually, that’s where the data will be stored, which will be erased and rewritten. This repeated cycle can damage memory, but it would take an insane number of resets to actually see that damage in real life.
Factory resetting your device every day for months is not good for storage. However, most people probably only perform two to three factory resets a year at most, and many may never have to do it. Unless you’re a chronic resetter, don’t fret.
How to reset factory settings
With all the talk about factory reset, you might be wondering how to do it for your device. We have factory reset guides for a variety of devices, including Android phones and tablets, Windows 10 and Windows 11 PCs, iPhone and iPad, MacBooks and other Mac PCs, and Chromebooks. It’s not a difficult thing, but you have to be sure that you want to do it.
Finally, a factory reset is a method to restore your device to its original factory condition. It’s a common solution to a variety of problems that may arise. Sometimes you just need to get back to a safe point, and a factory reset is often the easiest way to do it.
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