Restore Your Device Using Refresh and Reset in Windows 8

Introduction

Windows 8 Consumer Preview introduces two new system recovery features named Refresh and Reset. Refresh gives you a quick and easy way to start with a clean slate while also maintaining your apps, data, Windows settings, and user profile. There is a big difference between these two features.

Refreshing your PC reinstalls Windows and keeps your personal files, settings, and any apps that came with your PC and apps that you installed from Windows Store.
Resetting your PC reinstalls Windows but (except for the apps that came with your PC) deletes your files, settings, and apps.

Refresh your Device

Step 1

Whether you are on the Metro UI or desktop, move the mouse cursor to the right side until the search and settings menu bar (called Charms Bar) appears, then click on the Setting icon:

Step 2

After clicking on the Setting icon, click on More PC Settings.

Step 3

It will show you the General setting of your computer. Now select General and there Click on "Get started" under Refresh your PC without affecting your files.

Note

You may be asked to provide a DVD or USB if some system files are found missing.

Reset your Device

Click on "Get started" under Reset your PC and Start Over. Follow the instructions.

Note

You may be asked to provide a DVD or USB if some system files are found missing.

Some of the useful resources are:

Summary

In this article, we learned about Restore Your Device Using Refresh and Reset in Windows 8.