How do I fully clean my PC?

Author: Prof. Thaddeus Stark Jr.  |  Last update: Wednesday, October 8, 2025

Here's how to clean up your system:
  1. Disk Cleanup: Open Disk Cleanup tool. Remove temporary files. Clear system files. Delete downloaded program files. Empty recycle bin.
  2. Storage Optimization: Uninstall unused programs. Remove duplicate files. Transfer large files to external storage. Use storage sense for automatic cleanup.

How to completely clean your PC?

To reset your PC, go to Start > Settings > System > Recovery . Next to Reset this PC , select Reset PC. Then, select Keep my files, or Remove everything or choose cloud or local, change your settings , and set Restore preinstalled apps? to No.

How to completely wipe your PC?

How to wipe your computer hard drive
  1. Go to "Settings."
  2. Choose "System" on the left side menu.
  3. Click "Recovery."
  4. Click "Reset PC."
  5. Choose "Keep my files" (removes apps and settings but keeps your personal files) or "Remove everything" (removes apps, settings, and your personal files).

How do I do a full system wipe on my computer?

Here's how to factory reset a Windows 10 computer:
  1. Click Start, then Settings.
  2. Click Update & Security.
  3. Click Recovery. Under “Reset This PC,” click Get Started.
  4. Click Remove everything. Junk files and malware might remain if you choose “Keep my files.”

Can you really wipe a computer clean?

Open the Settings from the Start menu. Click Update & Security. Click Recovery on the left-side menu, then click Get started under Reset this PC. Click Remove everything.

How To Clean Your Gaming PC! (2022 Update)

Does wiping PC remove everything?

Wiping a computer hard drive is different from shredding because it merely erases any stored information while keeping the physical hard drive intact. This is also different from moving documents to the trash or recycle bin because, even though the files are hidden from view, they remain on the device.

How to reset a PC to sell?

Reset a Windows device
  1. In the Settings app on your Windows device, select System > Recovery or use the following shortcut: Open Recovery settings. Note: In Windows 10, you can access it from Update & Security > Recovery. ...
  2. Select Reset PC.
  3. Choose from the options and/or settings in the reset options table​​​​​​​.

How do I wipe my old computer before I get rid of it?

In Windows 10, go to Settings > Update & security > Recovery and click the Get started button under the Reset this PC section. You are then asked what you wish to remove; choose the Remove everything option.

Is it good to factory reset your PC?

A factory reset may fix recurring glitches or crashes, boost a sluggish system, and help remove malware and unwanted software from your PC. But keep in mind that a factory reset will also wipe out your applications, settings and preferences, personal files, and accounts.

How to clean a PC without compressed air?

Option 2: Use dry brushes

As another alternative to compressed air, Sloman says a dry brush is perfect for removing dust from your keyboard or any other hard-to-reach places on your PC, computer, or laptop.

Will completely wiping my PC make it faster?

A reset is a simple way to improve your computer's performance and make it easier to use. By restoring the default settings, you can free up space on your hard drive and reduce the load time for programs. In addition, a reset can remove unnecessary files and programs that may be slowing down your computer.

Does a factory reset delete everything?

Important: A factory reset erases all your data from your phone. If you're resetting to fix an issue, we recommend first trying other solutions.

How to completely wipe a PC from BIOS?

Performing a Factory Reset from BIOS (Microsoft Windows)
  1. Power on or restart the workstation.
  2. Enter the BIOS by tapping either the right or left bottom of the screen.
  3. Tap Advanced, and then tap Special Configuration.
  4. Tap Factory Recovery.
  5. Select Enabled from drop-down menu.
  6. Tap Home.
  7. Tap Save and Exit.

How to completely wipe a computer?

To wipe your drive in Windows 11, go to Settings > System > Recovery and click Reset PC. When asked what you want to erase, select Remove everything. Choose Local reinstall to reinstall Windows from this device, since it will run faster than the cloud download. If that doesn't work, select Cloud download.

How to clean a dirty CPU?

Step-by-Step Guide
  1. Step 1: Power Down and Unplug. Ensure your computer is completely powered down and unplugged from any electrical source.
  2. Step 2: Remove the CPU Cooler. ...
  3. Step 3: Apply Isopropyl Alcohol. ...
  4. Step 4: Wipe Down the CPU and Cooler. ...
  5. Step 5: Detail Cleaning with Cotton Swabs.

How to make a PC run faster?

Tips to improve PC performance in Windows
  1. 1. Make sure you have the latest updates for Windows and device drivers. ...
  2. Restart your PC and open only the apps you need. ...
  3. Use ReadyBoost to help improve performance. ...
  4. 4. Make sure the system is managing the page file size. ...
  5. Check for low disk space and free up space.

Does reset PC remove everything?

It will remove installed applications and drivers, as well as revert any changes you made to the settings. Note: Resetting your device will take a considerable amount of time. During the reset process, your screen may go black for an extended period and your device may restart on its own.

Can factory reset remove viruses?

Factory resets remove most viruses

Performing a hard reset will get rid of most viruses on your device because it wipes everything away. When you return your phone to its original state, the process removes all programs and system files from your device, leaving your phone with a clean slate.

Is resetting PC enough to sell it?

Reinstalling your system before sale is a much safer alternative.” While a factory reset is generally sufficient, a determined hacker could, at least theoretically, use advanced data recovery software to retrieve your old files.

How do I clean my computer and start over?

Method 1: Reset Through Windows Settings

Open the Start menu and select Settings (gear icon) Navigate to Update & Security > Recovery. Under “Reset this PC,” click Get Started. Choose between “Keep my files” or “Remove everything”

What to do with a 20 year old computer?

Here are our seven favorite money-saving, environmentally friendly ways to do so.
  • Make a home theater media center. ...
  • Play retro games. ...
  • Create a game server. ...
  • Create a file server. ...
  • Use your old computer for video conferencing. ...
  • Use your old computer in your kitchen or garage. ...
  • Boost your home security.

Can you wipe a dead computer?

Trusted data wiping solutions, such as BCWipe Total WipeOut, have been designed to erase all information from drives beyond forensic recovery. Whether the cause of your dead computer is related to software or hardware, you can still use wiping software to effectively remove data.

How to completely reset a PC?

Navigate through the settings window by going to Update & Security > Recovery. Under “Reset this PC,” click Get Started. Choose whether to keep your files or remove everything. Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the reset process.

How do you clean my PC so I can sell it?

On Windows 11
  1. Right-click the Start button and select Settings in the menu.
  2. Select System on the left menu, and then select Recovery on the right.
  3. In the Recovery options section, click the Reset PC button next to the Reset this PC option.
  4. On the Choose an option page, click Remove everything.

Will factory reset remove administrator?

Yes, factory reset means it erases all accounts and passwords on the computer, so your admin account and password will be removed at the same time in factory settings.

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