How to Reset Windows 10 but Keep Games: A Step-by-Step Guide
When your Windows 10 operating system starts to slow down or become cluttered, it’s time to think about giving it a fresh start. Resetting your PC is a great way to erase all the errors and give your system a clean slate. However, the biggest concern for gamers is losing their installed games. Can you reset Windows 10 and keep your games intact? The answer is yes, and this article will guide you through the process.
Resetting Windows 10
Before we dive into keeping your games, let’s understand how to reset your Windows 10 PC. To do this, follow these steps:
- Open the Settings app: You can do this by pressing the Windows logo key + I on your keyboard or searching for "Settings" in the search bar.
- Go to Update & Security: Click on the "Update & Security" section.
- Recovery: Click on "Recovery" from the left sidebar.
- Reset this PC: Click on "Get Started" under the "Reset this PC" section.
How to Keep Games During a Reset
To keep your games during a reset, you’ll need to choose the "Keep my files" option during the reset process. This will keep your personal files, including your games, intact.
What You Need to Know
- Important files: Windows will preserve your personal files, documents, pictures, and other data.
- Important settings: Your system settings, such as your theme, wallpaper, and font size, will be retained.
- Not included: Your installed applications, including games, will be uninstalled and reinstalled.
- User accounts: Your user account will remain the same, but all your login information will be reset.
How to Reset Windows 10 with Games
Now that you know what will be retained and what will be erased, let’s go through the process:
- Open the Settings app: Follow the same steps as before to open the Settings app.
- Go to Update & Security: Click on the "Update & Security" section.
- Recovery: Click on "Recovery" from the left sidebar.
- Reset this PC: Click on "Get Started" under the "Reset this PC" section.
- Keep my files: Select the "Keep my files" option. This will retain your personal files, including your games.
- Choose an option: You can choose to reset your PC to its factory settings or keep your existing files.
What’s Next
After you’ve reset your PC, your games will still be available, and you can play them without any issues. However, you’ll need to reinstall any apps you had previously installed.
Tips and Tricks
- Make sure you back up your files: Before resetting your PC, make sure you back up your files to an external hard drive or cloud storage service. This way, you can restore them if needed.
- Use the cloud: Consider using cloud services like Xbox Cloud Gaming or Google Stadia to play your games without having to install them on your PC.
- Reinstall apps: After resetting your PC, reinstall any apps you had previously installed.
Conclusion
Resetting your Windows 10 PC is a simple process that can help erase errors and give your system a fresh start. With the "Keep my files" option, you can retain your personal files, including your games, making it easy to get back to playing without any interruption. By following these steps and tips, you can reset your PC with confidence and enjoy a hassle-free gaming experience.