What a factory reset does and when you need one

A factory reset wipes your Toshiba laptop and reinstalls Windows as it came from the factory. This removes all your files, programs, and settings — everything you added after you bought it. The operating system itself goes back to the version Toshiba shipped with, though Windows will usually update itself afterward.

You need a factory reset when your laptop has become too slow to use, when malware won't go away with normal removal tools, when you're selling or giving away the machine, or when Windows has become so corrupted that normal troubleshooting won't fix it. A factory reset is not the first thing to try for a slow laptop — that usually means clearing out old files and programs first — but it is the last thing that often works.

The process takes 30 minutes to two hours depending on your internet speed and how full your hard drive is. Your laptop will restart several times. You will need to be plugged into power the entire time, and you should not interrupt the process once it starts.

Key Takeaways

  • Back up any files you want to keep before you start, because a factory reset removes everything on your laptop.
  • Toshiba laptops use Windows recovery tools built into the system, not a separate Toshiba program, so you access the reset through Windows settings.
  • You can start a factory reset from Windows itself if your laptop still boots, or from the boot menu if Windows won't start.
  • After the reset completes, Windows will ask you to set up the laptop as if it were new, and you will need to sign in with a Microsoft account or create a local account.

Back up your files before you start

A factory reset erases everything on your hard drive. Before you begin, copy any files you want to keep to an external drive, cloud storage, or another computer. This includes documents, photos, videos, and any work files.

The fastest way is to plug in an external USB drive and drag your important folders to it. If you don't have an external drive, you can upload files to OneDrive, Google Drive, or Dropbox — but this takes longer if you have a lot of data. Do not skip this step. Once the reset starts, there is no way to get your files back.

Reset from Windows settings if your laptop still boots

If your Toshiba laptop still starts up and Windows loads, you can begin the reset from the Settings app. This is the easiest route.

Step 1: Click the Start button in the bottom left corner and type "Reset this PC" into the search box. Click the result that says "Reset this PC".

Step 2: Click the button that says "get your free guide". Windows will ask you to choose between "Keep my files" and "Remove everything". Click "Remove everything" to do a full factory reset.

Step 3: Windows will ask whether you want to remove files securely or just remove them. For a laptop you are keeping, "Remove files and clean the drive" is fine. If you are selling or giving away the laptop, choose "Remove files and clean the drive" to make sure deleted files cannot be recovered.

Step 4: Click "Reset" and confirm that you want to proceed. Your laptop will restart and begin the reset process. Do not turn it off or unplug it. The process will take 30 minutes to two hours.

Reset from the boot menu if Windows won't start

If your Toshiba laptop won't boot into Windows, you can still factory reset it by starting the reset from the boot menu. This is more technical but works the same way.

Step 1: Turn off your laptop completely. Wait 10 seconds, then turn it back on.

Step 2: As soon as you see the Toshiba logo, press and hold the F12 key. Keep holding it until a menu appears with boot options. (On some older Toshiba models, you may need to press F1 or F2 instead. If F12 does not work, try restarting and pressing F1.)

Step 3: Look for an option that says "Windows Recovery" or "System Recovery". Click it with your arrow keys and press Enter.

Step 4: Windows will load a recovery screen. Click "Troubleshoot", then "Reset this PC", then "Remove everything". Follow the same steps as above from that point forward.

If you do not see a recovery option in the boot menu, your laptop may not have a recovery partition. In that case, you will need to use a Windows installation USB drive, which requires downloading Windows on another computer first. This is a more involved process — contact Toshiba support or a local computer repair shop if you reach this point.

What happens after the reset completes

When the reset finishes, your laptop will restart and show the Windows setup screen, as if it were brand new. You will be asked to choose your language, region, and keyboard layout. Then Windows will ask you to sign in.

You can sign in with a Microsoft account (your Outlook, Hotmail, or other Microsoft email address and password) or create a local account with just a username and password. A Microsoft account is easier if you plan to use OneDrive or other Microsoft services. A local account is fine if you just want to use the laptop offline.

After you sign in, Windows will download and install updates. This can take 15 to 30 minutes depending on your internet speed. Let it finish — do not turn off your laptop during this time. Once updates are done, your laptop is ready to use.

Reinstall your programs and restore your files

After the reset, you will need to reinstall any programs you use. Microsoft Office, Chrome, Firefox, Zoom, and other software are gone. You can download them again from their official websites or from the Microsoft Store.

Copy your backed-up files from your external drive or cloud storage back onto your laptop. If you used OneDrive or Google Drive to back up files, you can sign in and download them. If you used an external USB drive, plug it in and drag the files back to your Documents, Pictures, or Desktop folder.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will a factory reset remove viruses and malware?

Yes. A factory reset wipes the entire hard drive and reinstalls Windows from scratch, so any malware is removed. However, if malware is on an external drive or USB stick you plug in afterward, it can come back. Scan any external drives with antivirus software before you use them again.

Can I stop the reset once it starts?

You should not stop it. If you turn off your laptop during a reset, Windows may not finish properly and your laptop could become unusable. If the reset seems stuck for more than three hours, you can force shut down by holding the power button for 10 seconds, but this is a last resort and may require professional repair.

Do I need a product key or password to factory reset my Toshiba?

No. The factory reset uses the recovery partition or Windows installation files already on your laptop. You do not need a product key. You will need to sign in with a Microsoft account or create a local account after the reset, but that is different from a product key.

What if I forgot my Windows password?

A factory reset will erase your old password, so you can create a new one when Windows asks you to sign in after the reset. This is one reason a factory reset can be useful if you are locked out of your laptop.

How long does a factory reset take?

The reset itself usually takes 30 minutes to two hours. After that, Windows updates can take another 15 to 30 minutes. The total time depends on your internet speed, how much data was on your laptop, and your hard drive type. Solid-state drives (SSDs) are faster than older spinning hard drives.