Back up and verify your important files before you reset Windows—even if you plan to choose Keep my files. Use OneDrive for selected folders, copy files to an external drive or USB device, or confirm that File History has a recent backup. Then check the reset options carefully: Remove everything deletes personal files, while Keep my files preserves them but removes apps and settings.
What to check before choosing a backup method
Start by identifying the files you need to keep and where they are stored. Desktop, Documents, Pictures, Videos, and Music are common locations; Windows Backup can sync those selected folders to OneDrive. Also check for files saved elsewhere, such as in another folder or on a separate drive. A backup only helps if it includes the files you intend to keep.
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Choose a destination you can access after the reset. Consider whether you have an internet connection, enough cloud or device storage, how long an upload or copy may take, and whether you want the files available on another device. For especially important files, you can make both a cloud and a local copy.
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Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Option 1: Back up selected folders with OneDrive
Windows Backup can sync selected Desktop, Documents, Pictures, Videos, and Music folders to OneDrive. This consumer Windows Backup flow requires a personal Microsoft account; work or school accounts do not work with it. It can also back up certain Windows settings and preferences, which is separate from syncing your files.
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- Easily store and access 2TB to content on the go with the Seagate Portable Drive, a USB external hard drive
- Designed to work with Windows or Mac computers, this external hard drive makes backup a snap just drag and drop
- To get set up, connect the portable hard drive to a computer for automatic recognition no software required
- This USB drive provides plug and play simplicity with the included 18 inch USB 3.0 cable
- The available storage capacity may vary.
- Open Settings > Accounts > Windows backup.
- Review the folder choices and select the folders you want synced. Do not assume that every file on the PC is included.
- Check OneDrive storage and the backup or sync status. A free Microsoft account includes 5 GB of OneDrive storage, according to Microsoft; insufficient space can cause a backup error.
- Wait for the selected folders to finish syncing. Sign in to OneDrive and confirm that the intended files are present and current before resetting.
After a reset or when setting up a new PC, signing in with the same Microsoft account can offer restoration of Windows Backup settings. Files synced to OneDrive are accessed by signing in to OneDrive.
Option 2: Copy files to an external drive or USB device
A USB flash drive or external hard drive gives you a local copy that does not depend on an internet connection. It can be useful for a large collection of files, though copying can take time depending on the number and size of the files. Make sure the destination has enough free space for everything you plan to copy.
Rank #2
- Easily store and access 5TB of content on the go with the Seagate portable drive, a USB external hard Drive
- Designed to work with Windows or Mac computers, this external hard drive makes backup a snap just drag and drop
- To get set up, connect the portable hard drive to a computer for automatic recognition software required
- This USB drive provides plug and play simplicity with the included 18 inch USB 3.0 cable
- The available storage capacity may vary.
- Connect the external drive or USB device to the PC.
- Open File Explorer and locate the files and folders you want to preserve.
- Select and copy them, then paste them into a clearly named folder on the external device.
- Open the destination in File Explorer. Check that the expected folders and files are there, and open representative files to confirm the copy is usable.
Do not unplug the device until the copy has finished. Keep it disconnected and in a safe place once you have verified the backup.
Option 3: Check an existing File History backup
File History can save copies of personal files to an external drive or network location, but it is useful only if it was configured, covers the folders you need, and has a recent backup.
Rank #3
- Easily store and access 1TB to content on the go with the Seagate Portable Drive, a USB external hard drive.Specific uses: Personal
- Designed to work with Windows or Mac computers, this external hard drive makes backup a snap just drag and drop. Reformatting may be required for Mac
- To get set up, connect the portable hard drive to a computer for automatic recognition no software required
- This USB drive provides plug and play simplicity with the included 18 inch USB 3.0 cable
- The available storage capacity may vary.
- Connect the external drive or make sure the network location is available.
- Open Control Panel > System and Security > File History and check its status and destination.
- If the destination was disconnected, reconnect it. Microsoft’s troubleshooting guidance offers a manual Run now action in Control Panel.
- Confirm the backup is current and includes the files you need before you reset.
How to choose between OneDrive, an external copy, and File History
| Route | Best fit | Check before resetting |
|---|---|---|
| OneDrive through Windows Backup | You have internet access and want selected files accessible through OneDrive on other devices. | Use a personal Microsoft account, select the folders you need, confirm enough storage, and verify sync is complete. |
| External drive or USB device | You want a local copy, have limited or no internet, or need to copy many or large files. | Confirm the device has enough space and inspect the copied files on the destination. |
| File History | You already have it configured to a drive or network location. | Make sure the destination is available, the right folders are covered, and the backup is recent. |
OneDrive is not automatically a complete backup of the PC: Windows Backup syncs selected folders, and available capacity and successful syncing matter. An external copy is independent of internet access but depends on having a suitable destination and completing the transfer. File History is not a substitute for checking its configuration and most recent backup.
Check encryption and reset choices before proceeding
Microsoft advises backing up important files before starting a reset. If the device is encrypted, you may need its BitLocker recovery key. Locate the key before beginning so you can respond if Windows requests it.
Rank #4
- Easily store and access 4TB of content on the go with the Seagate Portable Drive, a USB external hard drive.Specific uses: Personal
- Designed to work with Windows or Mac computers, this external hard drive makes backup a snap just drag and drop
- To get set up, connect the portable hard drive to a computer for automatic recognition no software required
- This USB drive provides plug and play simplicity with the included 18 inch USB 3.0 cable
- The available storage capacity may vary.
When you start Reset this PC, read the choices carefully. Keep my files preserves personal files but removes apps and settings. Remove everything removes personal files, apps, and settings. The choices Cloud download and Local reinstall concern how Windows is reinstalled; they do not create a backup of personal files.
Do not rely on a Windows.old folder as a recovery plan: Microsoft says, “The Reset this PC feature doesn’t create a Windows.old folder.” During reset, the screen may remain black for an extended period, occasionally more than 15 minutes; Microsoft cautions that manually restarting the PC can cause the reset to fail.
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- 【Plug and Play】 - With no software to install, just plug it in and the drive is ready to use.The hard disk chip is wrapped with an aluminum anti-interference layer to increase heat dissipation and protect data.
- 【What You Get】 - 1 x Portable Hard Drive, 1 x USB 3.0 Cable, 1 x User Manual, Gift-type shell packaging ,Three-year manufacturer's warranty and free technical support services.
Windows 10 support status
Windows 10 support ended on October 14, 2025. Microsoft says it no longer provides free Windows Update software updates, technical assistance, or security fixes after that date, although the PC continues to work. This does not change the need to back up your files before resetting.
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