If you want to sell your old laptop or PC (or just wipe the slate clean on a malfunctioning device and start over) knowing how to factory reset Windows 10 is a useful skill. The good news is that it's a pretty straightforward process - in fact, you don't even need to log in.

You should always completely wipe your old system before getting rid of it (even if you're just planning to throw it away), regardless of whether you're using one of the best Windows laptops or an old clunker that struggles to run Windows 10. Performing a full factory reset will ensure that all your private information gets wiped so that nobody can access your data.

While Microsoft has some options built into their operating system that will let you factory reset Windows 10 without deleting all your files, if you don't plan on keeping your PC or laptop, we recommend you back up all of your files using one of the best external hard drives to ensure you don't lose any important files or data.

Once you've backed up everything you want to keep, follow the guide below to factory reset your Windows 10 device, including how to conduct this process even if you can't log in.

Steps for how to factory reset Windows 10

Tools and requirements

Step by step guide

Final thoughts

There you have it - performing a factory reset on a Windows 10 device is remarkably easy these days, even if you've been locked out because you forgot your password or if the laptop's previous owner didn't follow this guide before handing it over to you!

If you're looking to pick up a new device to replace your old Windows system, you can check out our best laptop deals page to see the current best discounts on all sorts of laptops.