If the reset fails, your recovery image is corrupt.
If you have the Dell Support Assist option by pressing the F12 key on the Dell logo screen when you start your system, then you can use that Dell option, but please note, that option will delete all partitions and data from your system, and install a clean version of Windows.
If that option also fails, you will need to create a bootable Windows USB and use that to clean install Windows, which will also create a new recovery image on the drive, are you using Windows 10 or 11 on your system.
Answer from DaveM121 on learn.microsoft.comDell
dell.com › support › kbdoc › en-us › 000124379 › factory-reset-restore-or-reinstall-microsoft-windows-on-a-dell-computer
Factory Reset, Restore, or Reinstall Microsoft Windows on a Dell computer | Dell US
To repair or restore your operating system to its original factory image, learn how to Reinstall Windows or Linux using the Dell OS Recovery Image. Here, you can learn how to create USB recovery media for Windows or Linux using a Windows 11 or Windows 10 computer.
Dell
dell.com › support › kbdoc › en-us › 000176966 › reset-or-reinstall-windows-10-on-your-dell-computer
How to Reinstall Windows 10 on your Dell Computer | Dell US
At the Dell logo screen, tap the F12 key several times until you see Preparing one-time boot menu in the upper right corner of the screen. At the boot menu, select the device under UEFI BOOT that matches your media type (USB or DVD). Select your keyboard language.
I want to hard reset a Windows (Dell) PC from boot but I don't know how
You want to do a factory reset. With out knowing if this dell has a recover partition or not it would be faster if you have access to another pc and a I think 8 gig usb drive to download a windows 10 image from Microsoft and format and reinstall windows. If it does have a recovery partition. You may be able to use that but it may require an admin password which you may or may not have. Google how to factory reset dell laptop from recovery partition. More on reddit.com
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November 16, 2021Rest in computer
While the computer is restarting, keep tapping the F12 key until you see the one-time boot menu. Choose Dell's factory reset from the list of options. ... Have you tried holding down shift key while choosing the Windows restart option, then go to Troubleshoot > Reset this PC. If that won't work, you will have to do a clean install. To perform a clean installation of Windows 10 ... More on answers.microsoft.com
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January 18, 2025Factory Reset
I am trying to do a factory reset on my Dell Inspirion 2 in 1 and so I get to the point where it says fully clean or only remove my items and I want to fully clean it however after it started for a... More on dell.com
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August 22, 2021Restore to Original Factory Settings
I am at my wits end. I have been looking all over the internet and on Dell for the past 2 hours trying to find help with no luck. I have a Dell Inspiron E1505. I want to wipe ever... More on dell.com
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June 13, 2013How do I factory reset my Dell laptop using F12?
To start the Dell factory reset from the boot with F12, switch off your laptop and turn it on again, and continuously press F12 until the one-time boot menu appears. Go to Other Options and select SupportAssist OS Recovery. Follow the steps to factory reset your system.
auslogics.com
auslogics.com › tech wisdom blog › how to`s › device issues › how to factory reset dell laptop on windows 10/11
How to Factory Reset Dell Laptop on Windows 10/11 — Auslogics Blog
Is factory reset bad for your Dell laptop?
To the extent that some programs are bloatware that takes up valuable drive space, they can also be security risks. In 2014, for example, Lenovo laptops were found to contain malware. So it is not an ideal method to factory reset your Dell laptop, even if this will clear up all data and your stored information.
easeus.com
easeus.com › computer instruction › how to factory reset dell laptop [step-by-step guide]
How to Factory Reset Dell Laptop [Step-by-Step Guide]
What will happen if I factory reset my Dell laptop?
After factory reset your Dell laptop, your programs and applications downloaded on your computer will be wiped off. In other words, your PC will return to the same state it was when it rolled off the assembly line.
easeus.com
easeus.com › computer instruction › how to factory reset dell laptop [step-by-step guide]
How to Factory Reset Dell Laptop [Step-by-Step Guide]
Videos
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01:46
Tutorial on System Restore When You Can't Start Windows 7 | Dell Aruba
How To Perform a Windows Reset in Windows 10 | Dell US
Top answer 1 of 2
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If the reset fails, your recovery image is corrupt.
If you have the Dell Support Assist option by pressing the F12 key on the Dell logo screen when you start your system, then you can use that Dell option, but please note, that option will delete all partitions and data from your system, and install a clean version of Windows.
If that option also fails, you will need to create a bootable Windows USB and use that to clean install Windows, which will also create a new recovery image on the drive, are you using Windows 10 or 11 on your system.
2 of 2
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Hi trey ion,
When a Dell laptop doesn’t complete a factory reset and just returns to the main screen, it usually means the Windows Recovery Environment or the recovery partition is damaged. Here are a few steps you can try:
1. Reset from Advanced Startup
- On the login screen, click the Power icon.
- Hold Shift and click Restart.
- After the system restarts, go to: Troubleshoot → Reset this PC → Remove everything.
- Follow the on-screen instructions.
2. Use Dell SupportAssist OS Recovery
If the above doesn’t work:
- Restart your laptop and press F12 when the Dell logo appears.
- Select SupportAssist OS Recovery.
- Back up your files if needed.
- Choose Reset or Restore to Factory Settings and follow the prompts. Learn more on Dell’s official guide.
Reference: Factory Reset, Restore, or Reinstall Microsoft Windows on a Dell computer | Dell US
3. Repair System Files
If reset still fails:
- Boot into Windows (or Safe Mode).
- Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
- Run:
sfc /scannow
dism /online /cleanup-image /restorehealth
Restart your laptop and try again.
Hope this helps! If the issue still persists, please let me know. I'd be more than happy to help!
Auslogics
auslogics.com › tech wisdom blog › how to`s › device issues › how to factory reset dell laptop on windows 10/11
How to Factory Reset Dell Laptop on Windows 10/11 — Auslogics Blog
May 26, 2025 - To start the Dell factory reset from the boot with F12, switch off your laptop and turn it on again, and continuously press F12 until the one-time boot menu appears. Go to Other Options and select SupportAssist OS Recovery.
Dell
dell.com › support › kbdoc › en-us › 000125291 › how-to-restore-the-bios-system-setup-defaults-on-a-dell-product
How to Restore the BIOS or UEFI (System Setup) to Factory Defaults on a Dell Computer | Dell US
Learn how to reset the BIOS or UEFI to factory default settings on a Dell laptop. Follow step-by-step instructions for UEFI BIOS utility factory reset, resetting BIOS without display, and restoring BIOS in Windows 10 and Windows 11.
Wikihow
wikihow.com › computers and electronics › computers › laptops › laptop maintenance and repair › how to factory reset a dell laptop: windows 10 & 11
How to Factory Reset a Dell Laptop: Windows 10 & 11
August 14, 2015 - As soon as you see the Dell logo upon reboot, press F12 repeatedly until you see the "Preparing one-time boot menu."
Dell
dell.com › support › kbdoc › en-us › 000177401 › restore-your-system-using-dell-supportassist-os-recovery
Repair and Restore your Computer Using SupportAssist OS Recovery | Dell US
Turn the computer on and repeatedly tap the F12 key at the Dell screen to access the One Time Boot Menu (Figure 1). NOTE: If you wait too long, the operating system loads. Restart the computer and try again. Figure 1: SupportAssist OS Recovery Main Page. Image available in English only.
EaseUS
easeus.com › computer instruction › how to factory reset dell laptop [step-by-step guide]
How to Factory Reset Dell Laptop [Step-by-Step Guide]
2 weeks ago - You can factory reset your Dell laptop from Windows Startup, which is the easiest way. In addition, if your computer won't boot from Windows 10 but is stuck on the loading screen, you can also fix this problem from Windows Startup.
uBackup
ubackup.com › aomei backup › windows 10 backup › 3 ways make laptop dell factory reset in windows 10/11/8/7
3 Ways Make Laptop Dell Factory Reset in Windows 10/11/8/7
May 27, 2024 - 1. Restart Your Laptop: Power off your Dell laptop and then restart it. 2. Access Boot Menu: When the Dell logo appears, press the F12 key for several seconds to open the One Time Boot Menu.
Reddit
reddit.com › r/techsupport › i want to hard reset a windows (dell) pc from boot but i don't know how
r/techsupport on Reddit: I want to hard reset a Windows (Dell) PC from boot but I don't know how
November 16, 2021 -
Hey there,
I just bought a second hand Dell PC from someone. Turns out that the person I got it from didn't reset or wipe the PC before selling, so now I cannot access it at all.
I know there is a way to do this from boot - I pressed F2 while booting and a menu came up chose the advanced boot settings (I think that's what it was called) but doesn't seem to work?
Sorry, I'm not very tech savvy myself so haven't really got further than that. Would anyone be able to help?
Top answer 1 of 3
2
You want to do a factory reset. With out knowing if this dell has a recover partition or not it would be faster if you have access to another pc and a I think 8 gig usb drive to download a windows 10 image from Microsoft and format and reinstall windows. If it does have a recovery partition. You may be able to use that but it may require an admin password which you may or may not have. Google how to factory reset dell laptop from recovery partition.
2 of 3
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Use and boot from an installation media to wipe the drive and reinstall your operating system.
MiniTool Partition Wizard
partitionwizard.com › home › disk recovery › how to factory reset a dell laptop without password? 2 approaches
Factory Reset Dell Laptop Without Password [Step-by-Step Guide]
April 28, 2026 - Do you need to factory reset Dell laptop without password? If so, you can refer to this post, which offers 2 ways.Click to Tweet ... Both the F11 and F12 keys can be used to factory reset.
EaseUS
easeus.com › backup and recovery › how to factory reset dell laptop from bios [2026]
How to Factory Reset Dell Laptop From BIOS [2026]
in 1 hour - Restart your laptop and repeatedly press the F2/F8/F12 button while booting. From the "Advanced Boot Options," pick the "Repair Your Computer" option. Once the "System Recovery Options" window appears, select the language & keyboard input method ...
Microsoft Answers
answers.microsoft.com › en-us › windows › forum › all › rest-in-computer › 3d5df688-1e63-4033-a3c2-130beb5e34d3
Rest in computer - Microsoft Q&A
January 18, 2025 - While the computer is restarting, keep tapping the F12 key until you see the one-time boot menu. Choose Dell's factory reset from the list of options. ... Have you tried holding down shift key while choosing the Windows restart option, then ...
Qiling
qilingtech.com › windows-10 › dell-factory-reset-windows-10.shtml
Safely Perform Dell Factory Reset in Windows 10/8/7 | 2 Ways
October 17, 2023 - Alternatively, press the F8/F12 keys continuously while the computer is starting until the Advanced Boot Options menu appears. ... 4. Then follow the on-screen instructions to factory reset Dell laptop without password (if you set up password ...
MiniTool
minitool.com › home › data recovery › ultimate guide to factory reset dell laptop safely
Ultimate Guide to Factory Reset Dell Laptop Safely
October 21, 2025 - Then, you can work with the following steps. Step 1: Insert the recovery media into your Dell laptop. Step 2: Turn off your laptop. Step 3: Power on the laptop and press and hold the F12 key to enter the boot menu.
Dell
dell.com › dell community › laptops › inspiron
Factory Reset | DELL Technologies
August 22, 2021 - Instead of windows RESET Please use dell's recommended OS Recovery option. Power on and repeatedly tap F12 to get in to One time boot menu.
Itarian
itarian.com › blog › how-to-factory-reset-dell-laptop
How to Factory Reset Dell Laptop (Quick Reset Guide)
Boot into Advanced Startup Options (Shift + Restart or F12).
Dell
dell.com › dell community › laptops › locked topics – laptops general
Restore to Original Factory Settings | DELL Technologies
June 13, 2013 - I have been looking all over the ... this laptop except what was on it when I purchased it. I keep reading hit F12 or control F11 and then click Restore....
Wondershare Recoverit
recoverit.wondershare.com › computer-problems › factory-reset-dell-laptop.html
How to Factory Reset a Dell Laptop[2026]
● The reset can alternatively be initiated through the BIOS setup screen by pressing F2, F10, or F1 during system boot and navigating to the default settings restoration option.
Reddit
reddit.com › r/dell › [deleted by user]
[deleted by user] : r/Dell
December 27, 2024 - Once everything is installed try ... the updates. ... It is a Windows 10 Dell laptop. More replies ... If you book to the boot device menu by pressing F 12 at startup there should be a OS recovery option there....