How to Reset a Samsung Laptop

This article will teach you how to reset a Samsung laptop running Windows 10 to its factory settings.

How to Reset a Samsung Laptop with Samsung Recovery

Many Samsung laptops ship with a utility called Samsung Recovery. It's a quicker, less complex alternative to Windows 10's default Reset this PC. Here's how to use it.

1. Start your Samsung laptop (or restart it if already on). Immediately press F4 repeatedly. Continue to tap it rapidly as the laptop boots. The Samsung Recovery screen should appear.

2. Select Computer Factory Reset.

3. A screen will appear with information about the version of Windows 10 that will be installed during the reset process and a warning that data on the laptop will be lost.

   Make sure to read and understand the warning screen.

   Select Start Factory Reset to continue.

4. A confirmation screen will appear. Select Ok.

5. A screen with a progress bar will appear and the reset will begin. This can take up to 30 minutes. A pop-up message will appear once the reset is finished. Select Ok to restart the laptop.

The Samsung laptop will restart after the reset is complete. Windows 10 setup will begin when the laptop boots. You can finish Windows 10 setup immediately or turn the laptop off and set up Windows later.

How to Reset a Samsung Laptop in Windows 10

Resetting a Samsung laptop will return it to its factory settings. This will erase most data from the laptop's hard drive and return Windows to its defaults. You will need to complete Windows first-time setup after the reset has finished.

1. Open the Start menu.

2. Open Settings.

3. Tap Update & Security.

4. Select Recovery.

5. Find the Reset this PC section of the Recovery menu, which should be at the top. Tap Get Started.

6. A window will open and provide two options. Each of these will reset your Samsung laptop, but the details differ. Select the option you prefer.

   • Keep my files: This will remove all apps and reset Windows but won't remove personal files. Choose this if you plan to keep the laptop.
   • Remove everything: This will remove all apps and files and reset Windows. It's the best option if you plan to sell or gift the laptop.

7. After a few moments, a new window will appear with two more options. Tap the option you prefer.

   • Cloud download: This will download and install the latest version of Windows 10 as part of the reset. It requires an Internet connection and will typically take more time than a local reinstall.
   • Local reinstall: This will reset using the version of Windows 10 currently installed. It doesn't require an Internet connection, but you'll likely need to download and install updates after the reset.

8. The next window will list the settings you've selected so far. Examine them and tap Next if they're correct. Select Back to make changes.

9. You'll receive a final confirmation that describes the reset process. Tap Reset when you're ready to continue.

10. You can leave the Samsung laptop unattended while it resets. This process typically requires 15 minutes to an hour, depending on the age of the laptop and the reset options you selected.

Once finished, the Samsung laptop will begin the Windows first-time setup process. You can set up Windows immediately or shut down the laptop and finished setup later.

How do I Reset a Samsung Laptop Without a Password?

The Samsung Recovery method described above can be used to reset a Samsung laptop without a password. Alternatively, you can perform a clean reinstall of Windows 10.