need to restore windows

Reset Windows 10 from the sign-in screen by entering Windows Recovery Environment and selecting Troubleshoot > Reset this PC > Keep my files.

Reset Windows while keeping personal files

1. Connect the computer to power.
2. At the Windows sign-in screen, select the Power icon in the lower-right corner.
3. Hold down Shift, select Restart, and continue holding Shift until Choose an option appears.
4. Select Troubleshoot > Reset this PC. This recovery option is available in Windows 10 even when Windows will not start or you cannot sign in.^1^
5. Select Keep my files.
6. Choose:
   • Cloud download to download a fresh Windows copy. Use this when you have a reliable Internet connection or suspect the existing Windows files are damaged.
   • Local reinstall to use recovery files already stored on the computer.
7. Review the summary and select Reset.

Keep my files preserves documents, photos, and other personal files, but removes installed applications and resets Windows settings.^2^

The screen may remain black for more than 15 minutes and the computer may restart several times. Do not turn it off manually during the reset, because that can cause the process to fail.^2^

If the recovery screen does not open

Force Windows to start Automatic Repair:

1. Turn on the computer.
2. When the Windows or manufacturer logo appears, hold the power button until it shuts down.
3. Repeat that process a second time.
4. Turn it on a third time.
5. At Automatic Repair, select Advanced options.
6. Select Troubleshoot > Reset this PC > Keep my files.^3^

If BitLocker requests a recovery key

An encrypted computer may require its 48-digit BitLocker recovery key before recovery can continue. From another device, sign in to the Microsoft account associated with the computer and locate the key matching the displayed recovery-key ID. The key may instead be in a work or school account, on a printout, or on a USB drive.^4^

Do not proceed with an option that removes everything if the files have not been backed up. Microsoft cannot recreate a lost BitLocker recovery key.

If Reset this PC is unavailable or fails

On another working computer, create Windows installation media on a USB drive. Boot the affected computer from that USB, select Repair my PC, and enter Windows Recovery Environment.^3^

A full reinstall from installation media is the final fallback, but it removes everything from the device, so personal files should be recovered or backed up first.^1^

Windows 10 support ended on October 14, 2025. The computer will continue to work, but it no longer receives free security fixes; after recovery, check whether the PC supports Windows 11.^3^

References

1. Recovery options in Windows | Microsoft Support
2. Windows 10
3. Windows recovery environment
4. Find your BitLocker recovery key