I got a new desktop because this old one isn’t compatible with new technology. Like face recognition passkeys and Win11 but works ok other than that. I plan on giving it to someone who could use it.
If I clear it back to factory default, will it also clear everything off my laptop iPad and phone? they are all connected somehow. I don’t want that to happen.
Thank you in advance
I have read elsewhere that resetting Windows to factory default gives the option to retain personal files. I’d check elsewhere, but you can always copy your personal files (documents, pictures, spreadsheets, music, etc. to an external drive, flash drive or other backup device (before you do anything else). I don’t know hat happens with the connected devices.
This is what AI says.
When you reset a Windows device, the effects on connected devices depend on how the reset is performed and the type of connection.
Keep My Files
This option reinstalls Windows while preserving personal files.
Connected devices generally remain unaffected, but installed applications and settings will be removed.
Remove Everything
This option deletes all files, applications, and settings.
Connected devices will not lose their data, but any accounts linked to the Windows device may need to be reconfigured.
OneDrive and Cloud Services
If your Windows device is linked to cloud services like OneDrive, files stored in the cloud will not be deleted.
However, unlinking these services before resetting can provide extra security.
External Drives
External drives or secondary storage devices are typically not affected by the reset process.
It is advisable to disconnect these drives to ensure they remain untouched.
Backup Important Data
Unlink Accounts
By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your connected devices and data remain safe during the Windows reset process.
Thanks, do you know how to unlink my other devices with this PC I want wiped clean, I don’t know how they got linked. As for cloud I know things are stored there and keep getting a notice saying my cloud is full, but don’t know how to get to it. I have no files, except about 25 pictures, 5 saved mail and my favorite places. I think cloud was lying trying to get me to purchase more space. I do play poker for fun (no money) but don’t know why that would be stored to take up space.
I suspect your devices may all be connected to the same cloud storage, but can’t answer definitively because I don’t use cloud storage or Apple devices. If your cloud storage is via Windows, then it is Microsoft OneDrive and likely accessible through a Microsoft 365 account. I think Microsoft gives you limited free cloud storage in 11 (I am still on Win10). If it is via Google, then it is accessible through your Google or gmail account via Google Drive. I use Google Drive with some minor things on our Android phones.
There’s lots of variables, but one solution is to get all the stuff you want copied from your old PC to the new one and run them both for a few days, then remove the memory and disk drives from the old PC and it shouldn’t have any of your info on it.
A high school science/tech teacher will probably take the old one off your hands.
You might want to ask Lavarock on the old forum.
I won’t trust windoze for anything let alone protecting data on a device I give away. Neither will I hand off a device that retains any micro$oft. I nuke them by installing Linux and take the whole disk. It’s free and not hard.
If you want to be Hillary-sure use DBAN to wipe ie as she said, with a cloth.
Installing Linux will give it more lifetimes. I think my newest is about 8 years old.
Thanks everyone, I decided after watching several YouTube video’s and chatting with a Microsoft robot that all thought I should understand the technical words they use for this tech dummy, I’m not going to donate this PC. I’ll store it, or take a sledgehammer to it, before the trash, which is a shame.
Thank you again.
If you’re concerned about the info on the hard drive, most hard drives are not difficult to remove from the case. I took the HD out of my last computer and hit it with a sledge until the hard disc actually popped out. The case and rest of it may be recyclable.
I’ll have to use a sledgehammer for sure, I don’t know how to open it to take anything out of it. It’s like a 27 in iPad on legs with a touch screen The only thing I’m concerned about is I bank online and I’m paranoid of what criminals can do nowadays with the information stored, which would be everything from banking to SS number. Maybe I’m overly cautious but already feel better knowing I will destroy it.
I have always taken a sledge hammer to old hard drives that I replaced.
If you buy the new pc at Best Buy they will probably transfer the data for you for a fee.
I assume that other vendors will do the same.
You might consider that.
I just replaced a failed hard drive on my Windows 11 PC on which a keep my files in the cloud usuing MS OneDrive.
I did not loose any data on my pc and did not have any problems with the connected devices.
I already bought the new PC at best buy, and thought about calling the geek squad, but didn’t want to be out money for the win 10 PC I was going to give away. My problem is I can’t put this win 10 PC back to factory default because it’s synced and my other devices would be erased too.
This is what MS chat said to do, but still didn’t make sense to me, the tech dummy that I am.
This ensures that your personal information is completely removed from the device while keeping your synced files intact on other devices. For further guidance, visit this Microsoft support page.
I got through the settings -account- your info part but there was nothing there that said sign out.
You can do a rest to wipe the data.
Normally you boot up and hit an f2 then get into the menu to do it
If you can, try to get someone to help you, the disk drives have most of the information on them. If you can remove those and smash them with a big hammer, then you’re most of the way there.
For safety put an old rag over the disk drive before you smash it, a drill trough it once or twice will work too.
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