How Long Does It Take to Factory Reset a Laptop?

If you’re struggling with issues on your laptop, factory resetting might be the solution you need. While it can be time-consuming, we’ve covered you with the easiest methods to get it done right.

You may have exhausted all other options to fix your laptop, but a factory reset should be your last resort. However, it’s not always a straightforward process, as various factors can affect how long it takes to complete.

That’s where we come in – this article will guide you through the entire factory reset procedure and explain the factors that can impact the duration of the process. Let’s dive into the details:

How Long Does it Take Factory Resetting a Laptop?

The factory resetting process of a laptop can be affected by several factors, such as the processor’s speed, the size of the hard drive, and the amount of data stored in it. While resetting a laptop varies depending on these factors, it typically takes 30 minutes to 3 hours.

If you have a large amount of data and your processor is slow, resetting will take longer. Since each laptop is different, there is no fixed time for the process. An older laptop with a lot of data will take longer to reset than a newer model, which typically takes about 2 hours to complete, regardless of the amount of data stored.

It is important to manage certain factors to ensure a smooth and faster factory resetting process.

Folders, Files, and Programs

Resetting your laptop to factory settings can be time-consuming, especially if your laptop has a lot of files, folders, and memory-intensive programs.

You should back up your data using an external hard drive to avoid losing your important data during resetting. It will help you to recover your data once the process is complete.

Remember that the more files, folders, and programs your laptop has, the longer it will take to factory reset. So, to speed up the process, consider removing unnecessary files and programs from your laptop before initiating the reset.

Connected Devices

Your laptop can be a hub for various devices. While connecting peripherals such as keyboards, speakers, and external hard drives are convenient, it can also slow down the factory resetting process. Each connected device adds an extra step to the reset process, ultimately increasing the time.

Disconnect all external devices before starting the factory reset to ensure a faster reset process. It will eliminate potential interference and allow the reset process to focus solely on the laptop’s internal components. Plus, it’s always a good idea to keep your devices organized and only connect what you need to avoid clutter and potential conflicts.

By taking these steps, you can ensure a smoother and faster factory resetting process for your laptop, allowing you to return to your work or leisure activities in no time.

OS (Operating System)

Did you know that the two most popular operating systems used in laptops are macOS and Microsoft Windows? While Windows 10 is known for its speed and efficiency, older versions like Windows 7 and 8 tend to take longer to reset the system.

On the other hand, the older versions of macOS are more familiar to use, but when it comes to factory resetting, macOS is the clear winner in terms of speed. So, if you’re looking for a fast and efficient operating system, macOS and Windows 10 are great choices!

HDD or SDD

Most laptops nowadays are equipped with Solid State Drives (SSD) instead of traditional Hard Disk Drives (HDDs). There are many benefits to having an SSD in your laptop, including faster performance and space-saving capabilities.

However, suppose you have a lot of data on your laptop and use the SSD for backing up. Removing it before starting the factory reset process is important to avoid accidental data loss. So, if you’re looking for a time-efficient and space-saving solution for your laptop, consider upgrading to an SSD today!

Processing Speed

The whole resetting duration depends on the RAM and CPU. Generally, the laptops with 8GB RAM and 3.4GHz speed work faster than those with 4GB RAM and 2GHz speed. So, the resetting process will be faster if the laptop has a high processing speed.

How Does the Factory Reset Your Laptop?

It does not matter which laptop you use; factory resetting is easy. Whether the laptop is Mac or any other model, follow the procedure given below to process the factory reset process in your laptop:

• First, sign out of all your accounts, including messages, google, and iTunes.
• Now, go to the laptop’s settings by searching it in the search bar menu.
• If you do not want to do this lengthy procedure, click Window + i.
• Click on Update and Security and then on Recovery.
• Under the Reset this PC option, choose to Keep my files or remove all in the next window.
• Before the system starts resetting, it will ask you a few questions. You can change any setting if you want in the tab.
• After satisfying the data files, click on the Next option.
• Clear all data is recommended if there is malware.
• The notification appears on the screen asking if you are ready to restart your PC.
• If you want to back up your data and files, save them on a hard drive before resetting the laptop.
• If you do not want, select that you want to remove all the data and files from your laptop.
• Click on the Factory reset option, and the laptop will start resetting.

After resetting the system, sign up to the Microsoft account and ask for recovery of Windows 10. It will take almost 30 minutes to 2 hours to factory reset your laptop with Windows 10.

How To Factory Reset for MacBook?

 

It is also easy to factory reset your MacBook or iMac, but the process differs from the previous one. Before resetting your MacBook, log out from all accounts, including your Google account. Follow the steps to format your MacBook:

• Shut down your MacBook and Restart it.
• When it restarts, click Command + R until the Apple logo appears on the screen.
• Now, you will go to the factory reset store of the MacBook.
• After clicking on the macOS utility, you must click on the Disk Utility and then click Continue.
• You have to select Correct Startup Disk and then Erase option. The factory restart process will start from here.
• Do not turn off the laptop until the resetting completes.
• When done, click Disk Utility by returning and clicking on quit the process.
• The reinstallation of the macOS will stop.
• If you want to reinstall it, you can select the Reinstall macOS option, and by clicking Continue, you can reinstall it.
• While reinstalling, the laptop will update all the software and programs of the laptop after resetting.

When the reinstallation finishes, sign in to all accounts, including your Google account. The factory reset process will take approximately 35 minutes to 1 hour. So, wait patiently to finish the resetting; after the resetting, you can restart the laptop and do what you want.

Tips For Factory Resetting Your Laptop

After reading the above steps, it must be clear now that resetting is so easy. But if you have any questions in mind, then don’t worry. Here are some tips to help you understand the process and clarify what you must consider before factory resetting your laptop.

• If you do not need your laptop anymore and are selling it or giving it away to anyone, remove all of your data by selecting the Remove Everything option. Do not select the Keep my files option if you are going to sell your laptop.
• After resetting the laptop, a few companies may ask you to provide your data or information to sign in for your account when you sign in for the accounts. Do not immediately agree to provide your personal information; read the fine print and ask about the company’s privacy policies.
• If files are important to you and you do not want to lose them, back up them before factory resetting your laptop. You can use the cloud storage method or any external hard drive to back up your data.
• Make sure whenever you start resetting your laptop, the laptop’s battery must be full. If the battery is low, keep the charger plugged into the laptop. It will help the laptop not to shut down during the resetting process.
• After resetting your laptop, if your files are missing and you cannot find them, install them manually. Do not choose complete factory reset or system restore.
• Make sure to have a fast internet connection when factory resetting your laptop. With fast internet, you will easily download the programs onto your computer. If you reset your laptop, but the internet is slow, it will affect your factory reset process.

Final Verdict

Have you ever wondered how long it takes to factory reset your laptop? Well, the truth is, it varies depending on several factors, such as the laptop’s model, hardware specifications, and the amount of data stored on it. Therefore, it’s impossible to give a definite answer on the exact time it will take to reset your laptop.

But don’t worry! The steps outlined in this article will guide you through the factory resetting process smoothly and correctly. So, whenever you reset your laptop, follow these steps for a hassle-free experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Long Maximum Does the Factory Reset Take?

If your laptop is new, a factory reset will take an hour. The battery or laptop must be 70% minimum, and the internet connection must be faster. After factory resetting the laptop, you must sign into all the accounts.

Is It Necessary to Factory Reset Your Laptop?

Factory reset of your laptop lets you perform a clean installation and new windows update. A clean installation process makes its performance, security, battery life, and browsing experience better and more convenient.