How to Reset Windows 10 Without Deleting Drive D: A Step-by-Step Tutorial

Feeling sluggish? Is your Windows 10 PC bogged down with unnecessary files and programs? You might be thinking about a clean install, but what about all those precious files and programs on your secondary drive (Drive D)? Fear not! This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process of how to reset Windows 10 without deleting drive D, allowing you to rejuvenate your system without losing your valuable data.

Understanding the Reset Options

Windows 10 offers two primary reset options:

• “Keep my files”: This option reinstalls Windows 10, keeping your personal files, settings, and apps. However, it might not fully address performance issues caused by corrupted system files or unwanted programs.
• “Remove everything”: This option completely wipes your hard drive, including all data and programs. It’s ideal for a fresh start but requires backing up your critical data beforehand.

Since we’re aiming to reset Windows 10 without deleting drive D, we’ll focus on the “Keep my files” option with some key adjustments.

Preparation is Key: Back Up Your Data

While the “Keep my files” option aims to preserve your data, it’s always wise to have a backup. Here’s why:

• Unexpected issues: Even with the “Keep my files” option, there’s a small chance of data loss. A backup provides peace of mind.
• Drive D: While we’re focusing on preserving Drive D, it’s still a good practice to back up any essential data stored there.
• System Restore Point: Create a system restore point before proceeding. This allows you to revert to the previous state if something goes wrong.

Method 1: Reset Windows 10 Using Settings

This is the most straightforward method. Here’s how to do it:

1. Access Settings: Open the Start menu and click on the “Settings” gear icon.
2. Navigate to Update & Security: Click on “Update & Security” in the Settings window.
3. Select Recovery: In the left pane, choose “Recovery.”
4. Choose “Reset this PC”: Under “Reset this PC,” click the “Get started” button.
5. Select “Keep my files”: Choose the “Keep my files” option and follow the prompts.
6. Confirm and restart: Confirm your choice and allow Windows to reset your PC.

Method 2: Reset Windows 10 Using the Command Prompt

If you prefer a more advanced approach, you can reset Windows 10 using the Command Prompt. This method gives you more control over the reset process.

1. Open Command Prompt: Search for “Command Prompt” in the Start menu and run it as administrator.
2. Run the reset command: Type the following command and press Enter: `reset this pc -cleanc -keepdata`
3. Confirm and restart: Follow the prompts to confirm your choice and allow Windows to reset your PC.

Method 3: Reset Windows 10 Using a USB Drive

This method is useful if you can’t access the Windows 10 settings or if your PC is experiencing severe issues.

1. Create a bootable USB drive: Download the Windows 10 installation media from Microsoft’s website and create a bootable USB drive.
2. Boot from USB: Restart your computer and boot from the USB drive.
3. Choose “Repair your computer”: Select “Repair your computer” from the boot menu.
4. Access the Command Prompt: Select “Troubleshoot” > “Advanced options” > “Command Prompt.”
5. Run the reset command: Type `reset this pc -cleanc -keepdata` and press Enter.
6. Confirm and restart: Follow the prompts to confirm your choice and allow Windows to reset your PC.

Optimizing Your PC After the Reset

Once the reset is complete, you’ll have a fresh and clean Windows 10 installation. Here are some additional steps to optimize your PC:

• Install essential drivers: Ensure that all necessary drivers for your hardware are installed.
• Update Windows: Check for and install any available Windows updates.
• Install antivirus software: Protect your PC with a reliable antivirus program.
• Clean up disk space: Delete unnecessary files and programs to free up disk space.
• Run a system scan: Run a system scan to check for any remaining issues.

A Fresh Start: Your PC Rejuvenated

By following these steps, you’ve successfully reset Windows 10 without deleting drive D, giving your PC a fresh start without losing your valuable data. Remember, regular maintenance and keeping your system updated are essential to prevent future performance issues.

Popular Questions

Q: Will this reset affect my programs installed on Drive D?

A: No, the reset process primarily targets the Windows installation drive (usually Drive C). Programs installed on Drive D will remain untouched.

Q: What if I accidentally choose “Remove everything” during the reset?

A: If you choose “Remove everything” and realize your mistake, you can try to stop the reset process by pressing and holding the power button to force shut down your PC. However, this might lead to data loss. It’s always best to double-check your selection before proceeding.

Q: Can I use the “Keep my files” option to remove unwanted programs?

A: While the “Keep my files” option aims to preserve your programs, it might not remove all unwanted programs. You might need to manually uninstall them after the reset.

Q: Is there a way to reset Windows 10 without losing my personal files on Drive D?

A: Yes, the methods outlined in this guide focus on resetting Windows 10 without deleting Drive D. However, it’s always recommended to have a backup of your important data, just in case.