Windows Defender has a feature that allows you to completely reinstall the OS if you don’t have an installation DVD or USB drive. Here’s how to activate it.
If your Windows 10 suffers from a lot of malfunctions, sometimes the only solution is to completely reinstall the operating system. You will need an installation DVD or USB drive for this, but it is now also possible to perform a full reinstallation from Windows Defender, the security software included with Windows 10. According to Microsoft, this operation preserves the user’s data but, on the other hand, removes the installed applications. However, we recommend that you back up your data to avoid losing them if the reinstallation goes wrong. Here are the steps to perform:
- Type defend in the search box near the Start button and click Windows Defender Security Center in the results list.
- Click on Device performance and health in the window, or on the small heart-shaped icon in the left column.
- The section Restart from zero is available at the bottom of the window. Click on Additional Information to get there.
- Click on the Get started button to start the Windows 10 reset operation.
The restart from zero wizard starts and guides you through the various stages of the process. Click on the button Following when necessary and wait because the operation is quite long. Resetting Windows is a radical process so remember to write down your license numbers, or even back up the software keys, to be able to reinstall your paid applications afterwards.