Resetting your Asus TUF A17 laptop to its factory settings can be a valuable troubleshooting step if you’re experiencing persistent software issues or simply want to start fresh. Below, you’ll find a step-by-step guide on how to perform a factory reset on your device.
Preparing for the Reset
Before you initiate the reset process, there are some preparatory steps to ensure a smooth restoration.
Backup Important Data
- External Drives: Use an external hard drive or USB stick to back up critical files.
- Cloud Storage: Consider using cloud services like Google Drive or Dropbox to save important documents.
- Settings and Applications: Make a note of installed applications and settings that you may need to restore later.
Charge Your Laptop
- Ensure your Asus TUF A17 is fully charged or plugged into a power source to avoid interruptions during the reset process.
Initiating the Reset Process
Once you have prepared your laptop, you can proceed with the factory reset.
Using Windows Settings
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Open Settings:
- Press the Windows key and select the gear icon (Settings) from the Start menu.
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Navigate to Update & Security:
- Click on Update & Security from the options available.
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Find Recovery Options:
- In the left-hand menu, select Recovery.
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Start Reset:
- Under the "Reset this PC" section, click on Get started.
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Choose Reset Option:
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You will see two options:
- Keep my files: This method will remove apps and settings but keep your personal files.
- Remove everything: This option will delete all of your personal files, apps, and settings.
- Choose Remove everything for a complete factory reset.
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Follow On-Screen Instructions
- After making your selection, follow the prompts that appear. You may need to choose whether to remove files from just the drive where Windows is installed or all drives.
- Select either Just remove my files or Remove files and clean the drive, depending on your preference.
Confirm Reset
- The laptop will show a summary of the reset options. If all looks correct, click Reset.
- The device will restart multiple times during the process, and it may take some time to complete.
Alternative Reset Method via Advanced Startup
If your laptop is not booting properly or you can’t access Windows settings, you can use an alternative method as follows:
Access Advanced Startup
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Force Shutdown:
- Hold the power button until the laptop turns off. Repeat this two or three times to trigger Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE).
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Select Troubleshoot:
- In the recovery environment, select Troubleshoot.
ADVERTISEMENT - Reset This PC:
- Choose Reset this PC and follow the prompts. You can choose to remove everything as mentioned earlier.
After the Reset
Once the factory reset process is complete:
- Initial Setup: Follow the on-screen instructions to set up Windows as though it were a new device.
- Reinstall Applications: Proceed to download and install necessary applications and restore your files from the backup.
- Check for Updates: After setup, it’s wise to check for any Windows updates to ensure you are running the latest version.
By following these steps, you can successfully factory reset your Asus TUF A17, helping to refresh your system and resolve potential issues.
