Factory Reset, Restore, or Reinstall Microsoft Windows on a Dell computer

Article Number: 000124379

Reinstalling the operating system can fix many software-related issues on the computer, whether it’s running slow or infected with malware.

When your computer cannot boot into the operating system after repeated attempts, SupportAssist OS Recovery automatically starts on supported computers. This recovery environment helps diagnose hardware issues, backup files, repair the computer, or restore the computer to factory defaults.

Dell recommends using the SupportAssist OS Recovery on supported computers. Learn how to Restore your Computer Using SupportAssist OS Recovery.

To repair or restore your operating system to its original factory image, learn How to Download and Use the Dell Operating System Recovery Image in Microsoft Windows. Here, you can learn how to create a USB recovery media using any Windows computer.

Don’t have a working Windows computer to create a USB recovery media? Learn How to Download and Use the Dell Operating System Recovery Image in Ubuntu or Linux.

For a list of options for restoring or reinstalling Windows 11 or Windows 10, refer to the following articles:

Watch this video to learn how to reset your Windows 11 or Windows 10 computer.

Duration: 00:34
Closed captions: English only

Watch this YouTube video to learn how to run System Restore in Windows 11 or Windows 10.

Duration: 02:33
Closed captions: English only

To manually reinstall Windows 8.1, see the Dell Knowledge Base article Windows 8 or Windows 8.1 Upgrade and Installation Instructions.

To perform a system restore in Windows 8.1, see the Dell Knowledge Base article How to Use System Restore in Microsoft Windows.

To learn about using computer restore points, resetting to factory settings, or manually installing Windows 7 on your Dell Computer, see the Dell Knowledge Base article, Restore, Factory Reset or Reinstall Windows 7 on your Dell Computer.

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Out of warranty? No problem. Browse to the Dell.com/support website and enter your Dell Service Tag and view our offers.

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22 Mar 2023

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