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Reset Device

Learn how to perform a soft, factory, or alternate master reset of your device.


INSTRUCTIONS & INFO

There are multiple ways to reset your device if you are experiencing issues. Power cycling your device is the first step.

In this tutorial, you will learn how to:

• Power cycle your device
• Restart your device
• Reset network settings
• Perform a factory data reset
• Perform an alternate master reset


Power cycle your device

Press and hold the Power/Lock button on the top of the device, then select and drag down from Slide to shut down your PC. To turn the device back on, press and hold the Power/Lock button on the top of the device until the screen lights up.

Note: Alternately, you can also power your device off by selecting the Start icon > Power icon > Shut down.

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Restart your device

If a power cycle does not resolve your issue, perform a device restart. Select the Start icon, then select the Power icon. Select Restart. 

Note: If you are unable to power your device off or if it becomes unresponsive, press and hold the Power/Lock button for about 10 seconds until it reboots.

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Reset network settings

1. If you are having connectivity issues, you can try resetting your network settings. From the home screen select the Start icon then select the Settings icon. 

Note: Resetting your network settings deletes previously associated Wi-Fi networks, security passcodes, Bluetooth devices and cellular network data settings.

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2. Select Network & Internet.

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3. Select the Status tab, then select Network reset.

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4. Select Reset now.

Note: Select Yes to confirm.

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Factory data reset

1. If a restart does not resolve your issue, you may need to perform a Factory data reset (Master reset). This will erase all data on your device and restore it to factory settings. To Factory data reset your device, from the Settings screen, select Update & Security. 

Note: A Microsoft Reset will completely wipe the device, but keep all Windows Updates after the Reset. Also, if you have previously disabled S Mode, it will keep S mode disabled. It will permanently erase all personal data, preferences, settings and content such as pictures, ringtones and apps that are saved to the device. It is recommended that you save (backup) important data before proceeding.

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2. Select the Recovery tab, then select Get started under Reset this PC.

Note: Alternately, you can also preform a Factory data reset but selecting Restart Now under Advanced Startup. Select Troubleshoot, then select Reset this PC and follow the prompts to reset your device. This reset method will completely wipe the device and remove all Windows updates. It will also enable S Mode.

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3. Select Remove everything.

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4. Select Next.

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5. Select Reset.

Note: The device will not reset while running on battery power. To reset your device, plug your device into a power source. 

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Alternate reset

1. If unable to perform the standard ‘Factory data reset’ using the above steps, try the Alternate method by first powering the device off. With your device powered off, press and hold down the Volume down and Power/Lock buttons at the same time for about 30 seconds. Release both buttons when you see Preparing Automatic Repair at the bottom of the screen.  

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2. Select Advanced options.

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3. Select Troubleshoot.

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4. Select Reset this PC.

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5. Select the desired option, then follow the prompts to reset your device.

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