This wikiHow teaches you how to format a Windows 10 laptop. If you're planning to sell your laptop to other users, it's a good idea to format it first so that new users can't access your files or personal information. Also, you can format the laptop if it doesn't work properly (the formatting process can usually improve the laptop's performance). This procedure will delete all files and applications from the laptop. Therefore, make sure you back up files that you shouldn't lose.
Step
Step 1. Back up all the files you want to keep
The laptop formatting procedure will erase all content and reinstall the operating system. You will lose anything that was not backed up. However, you can back up files using an external hard drive, a USB drive, or a writable DVD or Blu-Ray disc. You can also back up your files to an online storage space (cloud storage) like Dropbox or Google Drive.
Step 2. Click the Windows “Start” menu button
It's the button with the Windows logo in the lower-left corner of the taskbar.
Step 3. Click the icon
The gear icon in the left column of the menu is the settings menu button.
Step 4. Click Update & Security
This option is the last option on the menu and is indicated by the icon of two arrows forming a circle.
Step 5. Click Recovery
It's next to the arrow icon that forms a clock in the left column of the window.
Step 6. Click Get Started
This button is below the "Reset this PC" option.
Step 7. Click Remove Everything
This option will delete all files and applications, and reinstall Windows. If you select " Keep my files ", all applications will be removed and the operating system will be reinstalled, but files and documents will remain. This option is useful if you want to keep your existing files, but may not be able to fix all problems with your computer. If you plan to give your laptop to someone else, it's a good idea to erase all data on the computer.
Step 8. Click Remove files and clean the drive
All applications and files will be deleted from the computer. This option is recommended if you want to give your computer to someone else. It is not recommended that you select "Just remove my files".
Step 9. Click Next
If you recently updated Windows, you cannot revert to a previous version of Windows.
Step 10. Click Reset
The computer will be formatted immediately. This process takes a fairly short time, and the computer will restart several times.
Step 11. Click Continue
This button is the top option that appears after the computer finishes restarting.
