How can I factory reset my PC if i can't access start or my settings?

I have been having issues with this computer for awhile and i just want to factory reset it to try and fix it. I cannot click on start or open settings. If i try the screen flashes white and closes all open applications. Please help. Thank you

Hi Alistair,

I am Dave, I will help you with this.

Restart your PC, if you cannot access the Start menu to shut down, on your Desktop, press Alt + F4 to open the Shut Down dialog.

Start your PC, just as Windows attempts to load (spinning dots), press and hold Power Button for 5 - 10 seconds to perform a Hard Shut Down

Do this twice

On the third start Windows will boot into the Recovery Environment and from there you can access System Repair, Safe Mode, Command Prompt... etc.

Go to Troubleshoot - Advanced Options - Reset this PC
Choose to keep your files and apps, just your files or to keep nothing
Then start the Reset
___________________________________________________________________

Power to the Developer!

MSI GV72 - 17.3", i7-8750H (Hex Core), 32GB DDR4, 4GB GeForce GTX 1050 Ti, 256GB NVMe M2, 2TB HDD

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Hi,

in addition to Daves's reply, you can also hold shift and click restart on the login screen.

This is sometimes easier to do.

Regards,

LightJack

No backup, no pity!

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Last updated April 26, 2025 Views 166,551 Applies to: