How to Factory Reset a Windows Phone

Authored by: Support.com Tech Pro Team

1. Introduction

If your Microsoft Smartphone is not working properly and you've exhausted all other possible repair steps or you want to give it to someone else, you can reset it to factory defaults.

2. Factory Reset

Resetting the device to factory defaults will erase all your personal information and settings on it.

Method 1:

  1. From the Start screen, tap on Settings or open the apps list by tapping the rightward pointing arrow in the bottom right corner of the screen.
Start screen of Windows phone
  1. If you opened the apps list, then scroll up and down to find Settings and tap on it, or you can search for that option by tap on the magnifying glass in the top left corner of the screen and typing in its name in the search field.
Apps list on Windows phone
  1. Under System scroll up and down to find and tap on About.
Settings screen on Windows phone
  1. On the About screen tap on Reset your phone.
About screen on Windows phone
  1. You will get a warning that all data will be erased. Tap on Yes if you want to proceed.
Warning and reset confirmation query screen

  1. You will get a second warning asking if you want to erase all the data. Tap on Yes once again if you want to proceed.
Second warning and reset confirmation query screen

  1. The smartphone will restart and perform the factory reset. Wait for the process to complete. It can take between 5 to 20 minutes.

Method 2:

  1. This method involves using the smartphones side buttons. There are two different button layouts on Microsoft Smartphones as shown below.
Different button layouts pointed out on Windows phones
  1. Turn off the smartphone by pressing and holding the Power button until a message shows up on the screen that says Slide to power off. Go ahead and slide downwards.
  2. Once the smartphone is turned off, press and hold the Power button to turn it back on but quickly release as soon as it vibrates.
  3. Quickly press and hold the Volume Down button until a big exclamation mark shows up on the screen.
  4. Press and release the following buttons in sequence:
  5. Volume Up
  6. Volume Down
  7. Power
  8. Volume Down
  9. The smartphone will restart and perform the factory reset. Wait for the process to complete. It can take between 5 to 20 minutes.