Unleashing the Ultimate Solution to Fix 'There Was a Problem Resetting Your PC' Error on Windows 10 and Windows 11
Learn how to fix the frustrating There Was a Problem Resetting This PC error on Windows 10 and 11 Our guide offers multiple solutions, including using DISM, Windows Startup Repair, Win RE, System Restore, or even a fresh install Get your system back to factory settings in no time
Why Can’t I Factory Reset My PC?
Are you struggling with the "There was a problem resetting this PC" error while trying to reset your Windows PC? Don't worry, we have a solution for you. By running Command Prompt as an administrator and entering the command "dism /online /cleanup-image /restorehealth", followed by a reboot, you can likely resolve the issue and proceed with the factory reset. In this article, we'll guide you through multiple ways to fix this error and successfully reset your PC.Corruption of the Windows image is the primary cause of the "problem resetting your PC" error. This can occur due to several reasons, such as the presence of viruses or malicious applications on the system. Additionally, faulty Windows Recovery Environment, incorrect changes made to the PC, or unusable core files of the system can also lead to this error.
Ways to Resolve a “There Was a Problem Resetting This PC” Error
To resolve this error, it is essential to follow certain troubleshooting tips that can help you fix the issue. Since there are various reasons that can lead to this error, it is crucial to start with the most common cause, which can assist you in quickly resolving the problem.
Fix Windows Image With DISM
If you encounter the error mentioned above, Microsoft suggests repairing your local Windows image file to tackle the problem. This approach will not only fix the issue with core system features but also restore the option to reset your PC, which may have been affected.
Using the DISM command is a simple and effective way to repair a corrupted Windows image. Accessing it is easy-- just navigate to your PC's "Start" menu and select "Command Prompt." From there, be sure to run the command as an administrator for the best results.
In the “User Account Control” prompt, choose “Yes.”
On the Command Prompt window, type the following command and press Enter:
dism /online /cleanup-image /restorehealth
Wait for the command to fix your Windows image. When that’s done, reboot your PC and retry resetting your PC.
Use Windows Startup Repair
If you're encountering the frustrating "There Was a Problem Resetting Your PC" error, don't lose hope just yet. You can try running Windows' Startup Repair tool, which is designed to fix various issues with the operating system's startup process. It's possible that the tool will be able to identify and resolve the underlying problem that's preventing your reset from working properly.
Head to Settings on your Windows 11 device and select System followed by Recovery. Look for the option labeled "Advanced Startup" and click on "Restart Now" located next to it. Then, select "Restart Now" from the prompt that appears.
In Windows 10, navigate to Settings > Update & Security > Recovery. Here, in the “Advanced Startup” section, click “Restart Now.”
In the open menu, navigate to Troubleshoot > Advanced Options and click “Startup Repair.”
Follow the on-screen instructions to repair your system. When that’s done, you’re ready to reset your PC.
Restart Windows Recovery Environment (Win RE)
Restarting the Windows Recovery Environment service can potentially resolve the “There Was a Problem Resetting Your PC” error. This particular service might be encountering a problem, which can result in the unsuccessful completion of the reset process.
Access the "Start" menu and locate the "Command Prompt" option. Right-click and select "Run as Administrator" when prompted by the "User Account Control" message. Once in Command Prompt, input the following command and press Enter to halt Windows RE.
reagentc /disable
Start Windows RE by issuing the following command:
reagentc /enable
Try resetting your PC now.
Use System Restore
To resolve issues with resetting your PC, it's possible that the recent alterations made to your system are not fitting. You can rectify this by utilizing the System Restore tool in Windows to revert to a previous restore point and undo the changes made. To access this tool, navigate to the "Start" menu, look for "Recovery," and select "Open System Restore."
In System Restore, select “Next.” Choose the most recent restore point on the list and click “Next.”
Begin restoring your PC by selecting “Finish.”
When you’ve restored your PC, start the reset process.
Fresh Install Windows 10 or Windows 11
If you have exhausted all other options to resolve the "There Was a Problem Resetting Your PC" error, performing a clean installation of either Windows 10 or Windows 11 operating system on your computer is the ultimate solution. This process will not only reset your PC, but it will also erase all your data, including your apps, settings, and other files. Once you have completed the installation, you can start customizing your system according to your preferences from scratch.
After following the installation guides for Windows 11 or Windows 10, you will have a fresh start to work with. To ensure a smooth transition, it's important to keep track of any important data or files that may need to be transferred to the new operating system.
