Performing a reboot can sometimes be strongly recommended, or even essential.
If your computer crashes, or slows down, if you think it has been infected by a virus, or if you want it refurbished, to resell it for example, then I invite you to read this article!
To start, here is a very explanatory video on how to reboot your PC under windows 10 quickly!
WHY IS REBOOTING YOUR COMPUTER IMPORTANT?
WHAT DOES “REBOOT” MEAN?
Rebooter is an anglicism which means to restart. In our case, it means resetting your computer to factory settings, that is to say that at the end of the process, you will find your computer as the day you purchased it (with Windows 10 installed)!
In fact, you will be able to choose between:
- Delete everything completely, except the operating system which will have its settings reset.
- Format without deleting your files, while resetting your operating system settings (thus deleting all your software).
WHAT ARE THE INTERESTS IN A REBOOT?
When your reset is finished, your computer is cleaned of anything that may have been cluttering your hard drive.
During an uninstallation, it quite often happens that “residue” files remain on your hard drive, and never leave. Resetting then removes all of that.
This will also allow you to remove potential viruses that you have without knowing it, because you were not careful and your anti-virus does not detect them...
Your computer will also be able to start up much more quickly, in fact, it may be that over time, a lot of unnecessary software launches itself when your computer starts up, resetting allows you to delete this “unwanted”!
Also, this will improve the performance of your computer, because all unnecessary programs running in the background will be deleted.
A reboot can also be used to correct an error made in your settings. It may happen that you configure an element of Windows and you cannot return it to its basic settings. In this case, formatting without deleting your files can solve your problem.
HOW LONG CAN A REBOOT TAKE?
The duration strongly depends on the power of your equipment and the items that your computer needs to remove/uninstall. The duration can vary from a few tens of minutes to several hours. Don't worry, you don't need to stay in front of your computer during the process, once you start, everything is done alone!
A FEW TIPS
Before resetting, it is still advisable to store what you want to keep on a USB key or on a cloud. Most people have all their files scattered all over their hard drive. Make sure all your important files are backed up somewhere!
If you have the impression that your computer is less powerful than when you bought it, resetting it will not necessarily solve all your problems! In fact, the more time passes, the more resources the programs and the Windows system require over the updates. So obviously, if the power requested increases, resetting your machine will not improve your components!
How to proceed ?
Rebooting your PC is no longer very complicated today, it is in fact possible on all computers in just a few clicks since Windows 10.
Here are the steps to follow:
- Click Start (the Windows button at the bottom left), then click “Settings” (the gear).
- A window opens. Click “Update & Security”, then “Recovery” in the tabs on the left.
- The “recovery” page opens, at the very top you will have the option “Reset this PC”, that’s what we need, click “Get started”!
- The window to reset your PC opens, you have two possible choices:
- Keep my files: This option allows you to remove all software and restore settings, but keep your personal files!
- Delete All: This option deletes all the items that were not present when you purchased your computer.
In case of slowdowns, crashes or sale of your computer, we recommend the second option. This option takes more time, but at least you're off to a good start with a like-new computer and an operating system with factory settings. Once again, remember to save your important files elsewhere, because they will be lost!
- Choose the option you want, after a short loading time, a summary of the assets is given to you, click “next”.
- A final window appears, “Ready to reset this PC”, it details everything that will happen during the process, take the time to read to be sure of your choice, click on “Reset”.
And There you go ! Once launched, your PC will restart several times. Then at some point, you will have to indicate some information about yourself (last name, first name, password, etc.). Your computer will have been reset and you can configure it again or simply turn it off and let the new owner do it.
CONCLUSION
As you can see, even if rebooting your computer can take a little time, it is very simple to do and the positive effects are numerous. It is recommended by many computer repairers to do an annual reboot in order to maintain the capabilities of your computer at maximum.
