How to Refresh or Reset PC From Command Prompt in Windows 10

Windows 10 allows you to refresh or reset PC from Command Prompt. This eliminates the need to dig through menus. Here’s how to do it.

With Windows 10, Microsoft made it easy to refresh or reset PC with just a few clicks quickly. All you have to do is open the Settings app, go to the “Update and Security -> Recovery” page and press the “Get started” button under the “Reset this PC section.” Alternatively, you can also reset the PC from Command Prompt when needed. Basically, you issue a single command, and Windows will start the reset process. The good thing about this approach is that you don’t have to dig through menus to find the reset or refresh option.

Difference between Reset and Refresh

You might be wondering what the difference is between Refresh and Reset options on Windows 10. It’s straightforward, actually.

Refresh PC: When you refresh a Windows 10 PC, Windows will refresh and/or replace all system files. Refreshing a PC doesn’t remove your personal files. However, Windows will uninstall all applications except the ones that come pre-installed, like the built-in store apps.

Reset PC: Resetting is the more aggressive version of Refresh. That is, resetting a PC removes all installed applications and your personal files located in the Windows installation drive. i.e., C drive. Windows will not touch your files in other drives or partitions as long as you select appropriate options.

Without ado, let me show you how to reset Windows 10 PC from Command Prompt. The same command works in PowerShell too.

Before resetting or refreshing, close all the applications and backup any application settings and files. This allows you to restore them after the reset or refresh process.

Reset PC from Command Prompt

1. Open the start menu.
2. Search for “cmd“.
3. Right-click on the Command Prompt and select “Run as Administrator“.
4. In the command prompt window, execute the below command.

   systemreset

5. Select “Remove everything” option in the prompt window.
   
6. Select “Just remove my files” option.
   
7.  Click on the “Reset” button.
   

As soon as you click on the reset button, Windows will start the reset process. It takes anywhere from 20 to 30 minutes to complete the resetting procedure. So, sit back and wait. Once completed, Windows will automatically restart, and you can start using it. Of course, you need to install all your favorite programs.

Refresh PC From Command Prompt

1. Open the start menu.
2. Search for “cmd“.
3. Right-click on the Command Prompt and select “Run as Administrator“.
4. In the command prompt window, execute the below command.

   systemreset -cleanpc

5. Click on the “Next” button in the Fresh start
   
6. Windows will show a list of all the application it will uninstall. In my case, Windows is uninstalling McAfee and a bunch of other apps. Click on the “Next” button.
   
7. Click on the “Start” button in the “Let’s get started” prompt.
   

That is it. Just like with the reset option, it can take anywhere from 20 to 30 minutes to complete refreshing your Windows 10 PC. So, please sit back and wait till it is complete. Once complete, your system will automatically restart.

As you can see, it is rather easy to reset the PC from Command Prompt. If you have any problems or questions, comment below, and I will try to help as much as possible. Also, if you like this article, you might like to know how to change command prompt or PowerShell cursor size, color, and share and how to preview or open raw images on Windows 10. Do check them out.