Can't reset my laptop

jayjay lin 0 Reputation points
2026-09-22T04:48:04.81+00:00

Im trying to reset my laptop(win10), by resetting. It keeps giving error, and failing

I tried complete wipe local reset but it always gives the error "there was a problem resetting your pc" and restart. Eventually i just gave up and switch to " delete files, and apps only" But it stil gives error " ran into problom" in the screenshot

How do i fix it so that i can reset. FYI im not available to do the usb fresh reinstall, it seems complicated to me. But final strap leave s me no choice, ill try it.

Windows for home | Windows 10 | Recovery and backup
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  1. AI answer

    2026-09-22T04:48:23.2433333+00:00

    Try these steps in order:

    1. Do not force-restart during Reset
      A reset can show a black screen for a long time and may restart itself. Manually restarting it can cause the reset to fail.
    2. Try Reset from Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE)
      If resetting from normal Windows keeps failing, start from WinRE and try again:
      • Go to Troubleshoot > Reset this PC
      • Choose the reset option you want
      • Follow the on-screen steps
    3. Check for Windows Update first
      Before trying reset again, install available updates. This can improve reset reliability:
      • Open Start > Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update on Windows 10
    4. Repair the Windows image and disk errors
      Corrupted files can block reset. Run these from an elevated Command Prompt:
      • DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth
      • chkdsk /f C: These require administrator permissions. chkdsk may require a restart and can take time.
    5. If Reset still fails, use recovery media
      If the built-in reset feature is not working, the supported fallback is to reinstall Windows using recovery media or a recovery drive. This is more disruptive and can remove personal files, apps, and settings.
    6. For a Surface device only
      If the laptop is a Surface and reset keeps failing, try creating and using a Surface USB recovery drive.

    If the goal is the least disruptive reinstall, there is also a Windows reinstall option through Windows Update that keeps files, apps, and settings. If the goal is a full wipe, recovery media is the fallback when Reset this PC keeps failing.

    References:

    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

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  2. Ramesh 182K Reputation points Volunteer Moderator
    2026-09-22T05:18:56.81+00:00

    Eventually i just gave up and switch to " delete files, and apps only" But it stil gives error " ran into problom" in the screenshot

    Please post the screenshot here.

    Also, upload a zipped copy of the following setup log file:

    C:\$WINDOWS.~BT\Sources\Panther\setupact.log

    Note: C:\$WINDOWS.~BT is a hidden folder. To access it, press Win + R, type C:\$WINDOWS.~BT and click OK.

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