Facing the frustrating "Windows 10 there was a problem resetting your pc" error? This guide explains the causes, practical fixes, and recovery options to help you resolve the reset issue quickly. Your system can be restored smoothly with clear, step-by-step instructions.
What the Error Message Actually Means
When Windows 10 says "There was a problem resetting your PC", it’s basically telling you:
A reset is supposed to reinstall Windows and remove old data. But if Windows can’t access certain files, the process fails.
Common Situations When This Error Appears
You might see this message when:
Damaged System Files
Corrupted system files are the most common reason this error appears. These files are essential for resetting your system.
Incorrect Windows Installation or Updates
If an update fails or wasn’t installed correctly, Windows reset tools might stop working.
Disk Errors or Bad Sectors
Your hard drive might have corrupted sections that prevent Windows from completing the reset process.
Disabled Recovery Environment (WinRE)
Windows uses WinRE for resets. If WinRE is disabled or missing, the reset will fail instantly.
Third-Party Software Conflicts
Security tools, cleaning apps, and even broken drivers sometimes interfere with the Windows reset process.
Before jumping into more advanced solutions, try these quick checks:
1. Restart Your PC
A simple reboot can fix temporary glitches.
2. Disconnect External Devices
Unplug USBs, hard drives, printers, and anything that isn’t necessary.
3. Ensure Sufficient Disk Space
Windows needs enough space to prepare reset files—usually 10–15 GB.
Let’s jump into the actual solutions. Start with the easy ones and move down the list until one works.
1. Open Command Prompt (Admin).
2. Type: sfc /scannow.
3. Press Enter.
SFC automatically repairs corrupted system files that may be blocking the reset.
If SFC can’t repair everything, DISM steps in.
Run these commands one by one:
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
This ensures your Windows image is healthy and repairable.
If WinRE is disabled, Windows cannot reset the system.
1. Check its status: reagentc /info.
2. If disabled, enable it: reagentc /enable.
This alone fixes the issue for many users.
If your PC won’t reset due to boot-related problems:
1. Go to Advanced Startup.
2. Select Troubleshoot.
3. Click Startup Repair.
Windows will fix issues preventing normal system reset operation.
If you created a restore point:
1. Go to Troubleshoot.
2. Select System Restore.
3. Choose a restore point.
This rolls your system back to before things broke.
Booting into Safe Mode sometimes bypasses conflicting apps.
Steps:
1. Go to Advanced Startup.
2. Choose Enable Safe Mode.
3. Go to Settings → Update & Security → Recovery.
4. Select Reset this PC.
If nothing else works, this is the guaranteed fix.
Steps:
1. Download the Windows 10 Media Creation Tool.
2. Create a bootable USB.
3. Boot from it.
4. Choose Custom Install.
5. Reinstall Windows.
This method wipes the old Windows installation and installs a fresh, working system.
Losing data during a system reset issue can feel like a nightmare—especially if the reset fails and your files disappear in the process. But don’t panic. With a powerful recovery tool like MyRecover, you can still bring your lost files back.
MyRecover is designed specifically for Windows users who need a simple, effective way to recover deleted, lost, or corrupted files—even after system errors, reset failures, formatting, or crashes.
Why MyRecover?
Step 1: Download and install MyRecover
Install the tool on your Windows PC. Make sure not to install it on the same drive where data was lost.
Step 2: Select the drive to scan
MyRecover will show all available drives. Choose the drive where your files were lost (often the C: drive after a reset error).
Step 3: Start scanning
The program will automatically perform a quick scan to locate deleted or lost files. You can preview files during the scan.
Step 4: Recover your data
Select the files you want to restore and click Recover. Choose a different drive to save them to prevent overwriting.
When Should You Use MyRecover?
Use it if:
Keep Windows Updated
Updates often fix system file inconsistencies.
Avoid Forced Shutdowns
Hard power-offs can corrupt system files.
Use Reliable Antivirus Tools
Malware can corrupt reset files—always protect your PC with trusted software.
Seeing the message "There was a problem resetting your PC Windows 10" is frustrating, especially when you just want to start fresh. The good news? This error is extremely common—and absolutely fixable. Whether it’s repairing system files, restoring WinRE, or reinstalling Windows entirely, one of the solutions above will get your PC running smoothly again.
By understanding the cause and applying the right fix, you’ll regain control over your Windows system without the stress.