What is the command to reset a Windows installation without deleting any files
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40
I want to sell a pc and have reinstalled Windows 10 and afterwards I installed the correct GPU driver. Now I want to reset the pc so when it gets turned on the next time the windows first-time configuration comes up, but the already installed GPU driver should NOT be removed. I know that this is possible and have done it multiple times already, but I don't remember the command and can't find it anywhere.
windows-10 command-line cmd.exe reset factory-defaults
edited yesterday
glglgl
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asked Apr 7 at 16:18
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40
I want to sell a pc and have reinstalled Windows 10 and afterwards I installed the correct GPU driver. Now I want to reset the pc so when it gets turned on the next time the windows first-time configuration comes up, but the already installed GPU driver should NOT be removed. I know that this is possible and have done it multiple times already, but I don't remember the command and can't find it anywhere.
windows-10 command-line cmd.exe reset factory-defaults
edited yesterday
glglgl
1,307922
asked Apr 7 at 16:18
QuesterDesuraQuesterDesura
65439
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12
This is a really confusing title, since hitting the reset button of a PC doesn't delete files.
– David Richerby
2 days ago
I don't think so. If you search for 'reset pc', then you won't find a single answer, that will not explain you how to reset your windows installation to factory defaults, thus removing all installed applications. As found here: support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/17085/… "Reset your PC to reinstall Windows but delete your files, settings, and apps—except for the apps that came with your PC. "
– QuesterDesura
2 days ago
1
@QuesterDesura Win10 actually has a reset that should preserve drivers, but that's quite different from the OOBE you're looking for.
– Bob
2 days ago
add a comment |
40
40
40
10
I want to sell a pc and have reinstalled Windows 10 and afterwards I installed the correct GPU driver. Now I want to reset the pc so when it gets turned on the next time the windows first-time configuration comes up, but the already installed GPU driver should NOT be removed. I know that this is possible and have done it multiple times already, but I don't remember the command and can't find it anywhere.
windows-10 command-line cmd.exe reset factory-defaults
edited yesterday
glglgl
1,307922
asked Apr 7 at 16:18
QuesterDesuraQuesterDesura
65439
New contributor
QuesterDesura is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
I want to sell a pc and have reinstalled Windows 10 and afterwards I installed the correct GPU driver. Now I want to reset the pc so when it gets turned on the next time the windows first-time configuration comes up, but the already installed GPU driver should NOT be removed. I know that this is possible and have done it multiple times already, but I don't remember the command and can't find it anywhere.
windows-10 command-line cmd.exe reset factory-defaults
windows-10 command-line cmd.exe reset factory-defaults
edited yesterday
glglgl
1,307922
asked Apr 7 at 16:18
QuesterDesuraQuesterDesura
65439
New contributor
QuesterDesura is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
edited yesterday
glglgl
1,307922
asked Apr 7 at 16:18
QuesterDesuraQuesterDesura
65439
New contributor
QuesterDesura is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
edited yesterday
glglgl
1,307922
edited yesterday
glglgl
1,307922
edited yesterday
glglgl
1,307922
1,307922
asked Apr 7 at 16:18
QuesterDesuraQuesterDesura
65439
New contributor
QuesterDesura is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
asked Apr 7 at 16:18
QuesterDesuraQuesterDesura
65439
asked Apr 7 at 16:18
QuesterDesuraQuesterDesura
65439
65439
New contributor
QuesterDesura is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
New contributor
QuesterDesura is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
QuesterDesura is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
12
This is a really confusing title, since hitting the reset button of a PC doesn't delete files.
– David Richerby
2 days ago
I don't think so. If you search for 'reset pc', then you won't find a single answer, that will not explain you how to reset your windows installation to factory defaults, thus removing all installed applications. As found here: support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/17085/… "Reset your PC to reinstall Windows but delete your files, settings, and apps—except for the apps that came with your PC. "
– QuesterDesura
2 days ago
1
@QuesterDesura Win10 actually has a reset that should preserve drivers, but that's quite different from the OOBE you're looking for.
– Bob
2 days ago
add a comment |
12
This is a really confusing title, since hitting the reset button of a PC doesn't delete files.
– David Richerby
2 days ago
I don't think so. If you search for 'reset pc', then you won't find a single answer, that will not explain you how to reset your windows installation to factory defaults, thus removing all installed applications. As found here: support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/17085/… "Reset your PC to reinstall Windows but delete your files, settings, and apps—except for the apps that came with your PC. "
– QuesterDesura
2 days ago
1
@QuesterDesura Win10 actually has a reset that should preserve drivers, but that's quite different from the OOBE you're looking for.
– Bob
2 days ago
12
12
This is a really confusing title, since hitting the reset button of a PC doesn't delete files.
– David Richerby
2 days ago
This is a really confusing title, since hitting the reset button of a PC doesn't delete files.
– David Richerby
2 days ago
I don't think so. If you search for 'reset pc', then you won't find a single answer, that will not explain you how to reset your windows installation to factory defaults, thus removing all installed applications. As found here: support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/17085/… "Reset your PC to reinstall Windows but delete your files, settings, and apps—except for the apps that came with your PC. "
– QuesterDesura
2 days ago
I don't think so. If you search for 'reset pc', then you won't find a single answer, that will not explain you how to reset your windows installation to factory defaults, thus removing all installed applications. As found here: support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/17085/… "Reset your PC to reinstall Windows but delete your files, settings, and apps—except for the apps that came with your PC. "
– QuesterDesura
2 days ago
1
1
@QuesterDesura Win10 actually has a reset that should preserve drivers, but that's quite different from the OOBE you're looking for.
– Bob
2 days ago
@QuesterDesura Win10 actually has a reset that should preserve drivers, but that's quite different from the OOBE you're looking for.
– Bob
2 days ago
add a comment |
1 Answer
1
active
oldest
votes
60
After searching for a whole hour I found the solution: sysprep.
Enter this is in the command line and it will shutdown your PC after confirming. The next time you start your PC it will look like a fresh install.
edited Apr 7 at 20:17
Kamil Maciorowski
29.1k156287
answered Apr 7 at 16:28
QuesterDesuraQuesterDesura
65439
New contributor
QuesterDesura is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
5
A fresh install doesn't come with the GPU driver, what does the command do, then?
– Xtreme Biker
2 days ago
@XtremeBiker docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-hardware/manufacture/desktop/…
– ErikE
2 days ago
5
It will look like a fresh install(out-of-box experience - OOBE) when you power on the PC again, but the installed software/drivers will still be there after doing the "first time startup" configuration. The link from @ErikE links to a specific option of sysprep "Generalize", but it is optional. The general command is described here: docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-hardware/manufacture/desktop/…
– QuesterDesura
2 days ago
add a comment |
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1 Answer
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60
After searching for a whole hour I found the solution: sysprep.
Enter this is in the command line and it will shutdown your PC after confirming. The next time you start your PC it will look like a fresh install.
edited Apr 7 at 20:17
Kamil Maciorowski
29.1k156287
answered Apr 7 at 16:28
QuesterDesuraQuesterDesura
65439
New contributor
QuesterDesura is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
5
A fresh install doesn't come with the GPU driver, what does the command do, then?
– Xtreme Biker
2 days ago
@XtremeBiker docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-hardware/manufacture/desktop/…
– ErikE
2 days ago
5
It will look like a fresh install(out-of-box experience - OOBE) when you power on the PC again, but the installed software/drivers will still be there after doing the "first time startup" configuration. The link from @ErikE links to a specific option of sysprep "Generalize", but it is optional. The general command is described here: docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-hardware/manufacture/desktop/…
– QuesterDesura
2 days ago
add a comment |
60
After searching for a whole hour I found the solution: sysprep.
Enter this is in the command line and it will shutdown your PC after confirming. The next time you start your PC it will look like a fresh install.
edited Apr 7 at 20:17
Kamil Maciorowski
29.1k156287
answered Apr 7 at 16:28
QuesterDesuraQuesterDesura
65439
New contributor
QuesterDesura is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
5
A fresh install doesn't come with the GPU driver, what does the command do, then?
– Xtreme Biker
2 days ago
@XtremeBiker docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-hardware/manufacture/desktop/…
– ErikE
2 days ago
5
It will look like a fresh install(out-of-box experience - OOBE) when you power on the PC again, but the installed software/drivers will still be there after doing the "first time startup" configuration. The link from @ErikE links to a specific option of sysprep "Generalize", but it is optional. The general command is described here: docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-hardware/manufacture/desktop/…
– QuesterDesura
2 days ago
add a comment |
60
60
60
After searching for a whole hour I found the solution: sysprep.
Enter this is in the command line and it will shutdown your PC after confirming. The next time you start your PC it will look like a fresh install.
edited Apr 7 at 20:17
Kamil Maciorowski
29.1k156287
answered Apr 7 at 16:28
QuesterDesuraQuesterDesura
65439
New contributor
QuesterDesura is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
After searching for a whole hour I found the solution: sysprep.
Enter this is in the command line and it will shutdown your PC after confirming. The next time you start your PC it will look like a fresh install.
edited Apr 7 at 20:17
Kamil Maciorowski
29.1k156287
answered Apr 7 at 16:28
QuesterDesuraQuesterDesura
65439
New contributor
QuesterDesura is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
edited Apr 7 at 20:17
Kamil Maciorowski
29.1k156287
edited Apr 7 at 20:17
Kamil Maciorowski
29.1k156287
edited Apr 7 at 20:17
Kamil Maciorowski
29.1k156287
29.1k156287
answered Apr 7 at 16:28
QuesterDesuraQuesterDesura
65439
New contributor
QuesterDesura is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
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answered Apr 7 at 16:28
QuesterDesuraQuesterDesura
65439
answered Apr 7 at 16:28
QuesterDesuraQuesterDesura
65439
65439
New contributor
QuesterDesura is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
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New contributor
QuesterDesura is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
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5
A fresh install doesn't come with the GPU driver, what does the command do, then?
– Xtreme Biker
2 days ago
@XtremeBiker docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-hardware/manufacture/desktop/…
– ErikE
2 days ago
5
It will look like a fresh install(out-of-box experience - OOBE) when you power on the PC again, but the installed software/drivers will still be there after doing the "first time startup" configuration. The link from @ErikE links to a specific option of sysprep "Generalize", but it is optional. The general command is described here: docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-hardware/manufacture/desktop/…
– QuesterDesura
2 days ago
add a comment |
5
A fresh install doesn't come with the GPU driver, what does the command do, then?
– Xtreme Biker
2 days ago
@XtremeBiker docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-hardware/manufacture/desktop/…
– ErikE
2 days ago
5
It will look like a fresh install(out-of-box experience - OOBE) when you power on the PC again, but the installed software/drivers will still be there after doing the "first time startup" configuration. The link from @ErikE links to a specific option of sysprep "Generalize", but it is optional. The general command is described here: docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-hardware/manufacture/desktop/…
– QuesterDesura
2 days ago
5
5
A fresh install doesn't come with the GPU driver, what does the command do, then?
– Xtreme Biker
2 days ago
A fresh install doesn't come with the GPU driver, what does the command do, then?
– Xtreme Biker
2 days ago
@XtremeBiker docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-hardware/manufacture/desktop/…
– ErikE
2 days ago
@XtremeBiker docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-hardware/manufacture/desktop/…
– ErikE
2 days ago
5
5
It will look like a fresh install(out-of-box experience - OOBE) when you power on the PC again, but the installed software/drivers will still be there after doing the "first time startup" configuration. The link from @ErikE links to a specific option of sysprep "Generalize", but it is optional. The general command is described here: docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-hardware/manufacture/desktop/…
– QuesterDesura
2 days ago
It will look like a fresh install(out-of-box experience - OOBE) when you power on the PC again, but the installed software/drivers will still be there after doing the "first time startup" configuration. The link from @ErikE links to a specific option of sysprep "Generalize", but it is optional. The general command is described here: docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-hardware/manufacture/desktop/…
– QuesterDesura
2 days ago
add a comment |
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12
This is a really confusing title, since hitting the reset button of a PC doesn't delete files.
– David Richerby
2 days ago
I don't think so. If you search for 'reset pc', then you won't find a single answer, that will not explain you how to reset your windows installation to factory defaults, thus removing all installed applications. As found here: support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/17085/… "Reset your PC to reinstall Windows but delete your files, settings, and apps—except for the apps that came with your PC. "
– QuesterDesura
2 days ago
1
@QuesterDesura Win10 actually has a reset that should preserve drivers, but that's quite different from the OOBE you're looking for.
– Bob
2 days ago