How to refresh or reset Windows 8

A new way to backup, recover, and restore Microsoft Windows

Versions of Microsoft Window’s operating systems pre Windows 8 gave the computer user options to perform System Recoveries and System Restores. Many times performing recoveries and restores pre Windows 8 era, even locating the appropriate interface was a task.

As Microsoft began planning for Windows 8 they asked themselves “Wouldn’t it be great if you could just push a button and everything is fixed?” (As stated by Steven Sinofsky). Now Windows 8 allows it’s users to Refresh or Reset their computers as well as restore recover, or use the command prompt via the new Windows 8 boot menu.

Quick Windows 8 Refresh & Reset Instructions

Before we get into details and instructions I want to identify that if you are seeking to quickly refresh or reset your Windows 8 computer you can simply type refresh or reset on the main tile screen. A search window on the side will appear in which you can choose to search between apps, settings, and files. You will find Windows 8 refresh and reset options located in Settings.

What is Windows 8 Refresh (Windows 8 Refresh Function)?

A Windows 8 refresh allows you to reset your computer while allowing you to keep all your computer’s items and settings intact without initially setting up a backup. The Refresh functionality in Windows 8 is fundamentally still a reinstall of the Windows operating system, just like resetting your PC as described below, but your data, settings, and Metro style apps (apps approved by the Microsoft store) are still preserved. Windows 8 also offers a new solution to help support desktop apps.

Windows 8 Refreshing Process:

1. The PC boots into Windows RE.
2. Windows RE scans the hard drive for your data, settings, and apps, and puts them aside (on the same drive).
3. Windows RE installs a fresh copy of Windows 8.
4. Windows RE restores the data, settings, and apps it has set aside into the newly installed copy of Windows 8.
5. The PC restarts into the newly installed copy of Windows 8.

How to refresh Windows 8 to fix problems

The Windows 8 refresh function is available through the “PC Settings” Metro-style application.

1. At the boot menu (after PC manufacturers logo disappears) click or tap Change defaults or change other options.

2. Click or tap Choose other options.

3. Click or tap Troubleshoot.

4. Click or tap Refresh your PC with the broom icon and follow the directions to refresh your Windows 8 computer.

What is the Windows 8 Reset (Windows 8 Reset Function)?

In some cases, you might just want to remove everything and start from scratch. But in other cases, you’re removing your data from a PC because you’re about to recycle or decommission it. For both of these situations, you can easily reset your Windows 8 PC and Windows 8 software to factory settings.

Windows 8 Resetting Process:

1. The PC boots into the Windows Recovery Environment (Windows RE).
2. Windows RE erases and formats the hard drive partitions on which Windows and personal data reside.
3. Windows RE installs a fresh copy of Windows.
4. The PC restarts into the newly installed copy of Windows.

How to reset Windows 8 to start from scratch

The Windows 8 reset function is available through the “PC Settings” Metro-style application.

1. At the boot menu (after PC manufacturers logo disappears) click or tap Change defaults or change other options.

2. Click or tap Choose other options.

3. Click or tap Troubleshoot.

4. Click or tap Reset your PC with the circular arrow icon and follow the directions to reset your Windows 8 computer.