Windows 10 refuses to let some users reset their machines - `but there’s a fast fix

Windows 10 refuses to let some users reset their machines - `but there’s a fast fix

Microsoft details workaround for Windows 10 ‘Reset this PC’ error

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Microsoft has published a fast workaround for a frustrating bug preventing some Windows 10 users from resetting their devices.

The ‘Reset this PC’ feature, located under the Recovery section in Settings, provides an easy way for Windows 10 users to return their machine to factory settings.

However, a bug has disabled the feature for select users running Windows 10 version 2004, who are instead being served the subsequent error message: “There was a drag when resetting your PC. No changes were made”.

Windows 10 'Reset this PC' fix

There are a variety of reasons someone might want to reset their PC to factory settings; it can help fix Windows 10 bugs, alleviate general slow down and prepare a tool that’s close to being inherited by another user.

When fully functional, the ‘Reset this PC’ feature allows Windows 10 users to get rid of all files from their device and reinstall the OS, or execute a partial restore while leaving files intact.

However, consistent with a Microsoft Support post, the Windows 10 2004 issue affecting “certain hardware configurations” is preventing users from performing either sort of restore.

Microsoft is yet to deploy a full fix for the difficulty but has begun an easy workaround that utilizes the Deployment Image Servicing Management (DISM) command to supply a short-term resolution.

Users that encounter the ‘Reset this PC’ error should follow these steps:

1. Search for prompt via the beginning menu
2. Right-click the appliance and choose Run as administrator
3. Type within the following comment, then press enter: "dism /online /cleanup-image /restorehealth"
4. Reboot the device and return to Reset this PC via Settings

When preparing to perform a restore, it’s important to make sure you hold an up-to-date backup - either within the cloud or on an external disk drive - so as to not lose any precious files.

It’s also worth noting that resetting your machine to factory settings also will reintroduce any bloatware that came pre-installed with the device when first purchased.

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