Mark is a freelance content writer working from home. He works on contract with a company that requires him to write reviews and proofread documents. But lately, Mark’s computer has been running rather obtuse while performing even normal daily life tasks. Now, Mark has ton loads of useless files stored in his computer. His friends suggest he should format everything on the hard drives.

But Mark isn’t sure. He wants to know more about a decision that may seem at times, puny but should not be taken lightly. Don’t you worry Mark… we’ve got you covered.

In this article, we will be discussing:

So, without further ado… Let’s begin.

THINGS TO CONSIDER

When should someone format their pc? One reason would be the same as Mark’s… too many unnecessary files. But there can be many others… like upgrading to a better laptop, optimize the performance rate of windows, selling your current pc, an attempt to annihilate all bugs and viruses etc. Whatever the reason maybe, the prime purpose to consider before formatting should be to save your personal data such as family pictures, bills, bank statements and as such.

Know that formatting essentially means erasing all data and software that you’ve installed on your pc and as the operating system reinstalls itself, it represents itself as a blank state. If you are someone who doesn’t mess around the internet, doesn’t install cracked software from untrustworthy websites and as such… there is no need to format your computer.

HOW TO SAVE YOUR IMPORTANT FILES

Now, there are various ways to save your files.

The best way would be to upload all the required files onto a portable device such as a USB, your phone (via a data cable), a memory card or whatever option represents itself. This task is literally as simple as a copy and paste and requires very less work. Also, since the files are in your personal device, there is no threat from online data thieves and hackers.

However, if this facility is unavailable, there is always our friend… the internet. Isn’t that right, Mark? You can simply upload all the required files into a cloud storage or put simply… an online storage.

But…

What is cloud storage? In short,Cloud storage is a memory space available online from where users can upload and download data. The data is stored on various servers that store the data in massive physical computers and make it available for users via the web interface.

There are various multibillion dollar companies that provide free limited cloud storage. Top of the list are the following (that I have personally used):

• Google drive (15GB ON FREE ACCOUNT)
• Mega (25GB ON FREE ACCOUNT)
• Onedrive (5GB ON FREE ACCOUNT)

Other cloud storages with quite a number of good reviews are:

• Blomp
• Degoo
• Mediafire
• Icedrive
• Koofr
• Mimedia

(My best experience… so far… has been with Mega as not only the free storage provided is adequate, the upload speed is pretty good as well. However, I implore you that you discover these options for yourself and find the one that suits you best.)

HOW TO FORMAT YOUR COMPUTER

Now, after all things considered and saving his files, we are ready to format all files on his computer.

Well, optimally, we should take our laptop or pc to a customer service center where the professionals can have it done with minimal risks and state of the art methods.

However, if you wish to proceed with the task personally… we are here.

Know that though the resetting process usually finishes up on its own, there may be times when the window will require a recovery media that accompanies the PC, usually in the form of a DVD disc or a thumb drive. Having a recovery media is beneficial, as it can help your PC troubleshoot problems (even if its not starting.)

You can make it yourself if you have a usb of 16gb or higher, or you can contact the company’ support center.

1. RUN SETTINGS: Now, first of all, click on the windows icon in the bottom right corner of your screen. Just above the power button, you will see the settings icon. Click it and run settings.

Following screen should show up:

• Click on update and recovery.

As shown in the above image, click on the “UPDATE AND SECURITY” option. Following screen should show up.

• Click on the recovery option.

Click on the “recovery” on the right side of the screen. Following screen should show up:

• Click on “Get started.”

Under the options to “RESET THIS PC”, click on the Get started option. Following screen should show up:

• Click on “Remove everything”: Since we want to remove all unwanted files and folders and have already uploaded our files to a safe portable device, one should go with option two. Otherwise, the risk of bugs and viruses remains, though it does fall. Following screen should show up:

• Your choice:

Option 1, “JUST REMOVE MY FILES,” should be chosen if the device will remain under your possession after resetting.

Option 2, “REMOVE FILES AND CLEAN THE DRIVE”, should be chosen if you no longer intend to keep the device and do not want any personal or official data to remain in the device.

THE FORMATTNG PROCESS SHOULD START NOW.

And that’s it! Now you know all factors to consider and the way to format your PC. If you still have more queries or would like more tutorials such as this, feel free to comment below and we shall provide.