How to Format a Laptop Easily with Step by Step Guide

Dec 24, 2024

Author: ASUS India Reading time: 5 minutes

How to Format a Laptop Easily with Step by Step Guide

How to Format a Laptop Step by Step Guide

If you are still struggling with frequent laptop issues even after performing minor troubleshooting, you may have to format your laptop. This is because issues like persistent system crashing or freezing of the laptop during boot-up can be solved by formatting the laptop. Knowing how to format a laptop and get back your laptop’s peak performance is important for an easy working day.

Formatting not only fixes performance issues but also clears out corrupted files for a fresh start for your device. However, some of you may wonder how I can reset a laptop. This article will help you explore how to reset a laptop. Furthermore, we’ll also look into some essential recovery options, including features like Cloud Recovery using MyASUS that are specific to ASUS laptops.

Backing Up Your Data

Before you format your laptop, it’s essential to back up all your important files, applications, and settings, as the formatting process will erase all the data on your device. So ensure you use one of the following methods to back up your documents, photos, and software before proceeding with the format.

Methods for Data Backup

There are mainly three ways to perform data backup. They include:

Using External Storage Devices: For manually transferring large files, you can use external hard drives or USB sticks if you have a relatively small amount of data.
Cloud Storage: You can securely backup your files online using Google Drive, OneDrive or Dropbox.
System Backup via System Image: You can create a system image to take a full system backup.

Choosing the Right Formatting Method

Now that you have backed up your data, choosing the right formatting method is important since different types of formats solve various issues.

Different Types of Formatting

There are two methods of formatting:

Factory Reset: This process permanently removes all your files and resets your laptop (including your operating system and pre-installed software) to its original factory settings.
Clean Install: A clean install provides a fresh start by installing windows while erasing all partitions, files and settings. If your laptop is severely corrupted or you want to upgrade the operating system, a clean installation may be the right option. On the other hand, minor software issues can be resolved by performing a factory reset.
System Backup via System Image: You can create a system image to take a full system backup.

Additional Read: Are You Cleaning Your Laptop the Right Way?

Preparing Your Laptop for Formatting

Now that you have chosen a formatting method, preparing your laptop while taking the necessary precautions is important. Take the precautions below before formatting to avoid unnecessary issues.

Ensure that your system is plugged in to avoid power loss during the formatting process.
As an additional backup, have a recovery USB or external hard drive that contains the Windows installation files.
If you use software such as Microsoft Office or Adobe programs, ensure that you have the product keys.
Some laptops have the feature of a built-in recovery partition that helps users restore the system to its original state. In case it’s deleted, users can use other methods such as cloud recovery or recovery USB.
Note the critical settings such as Wifi passwords or custom configurations.

Additional Read: How to check the Wi-Fi password on your laptop or computer?

How to Format a Laptop

Let’s now find out how to reset the laptop to factory settings or go for a clean reinstall if you want to start afresh. Follow the steps mentioned below.

For Windows 11:

Step 1: Go to Settings > System > Recovery.
Step 2: Click on the ‘Reset this PC’ in the 'Recovery' tab.
Step 3: For a clean system, select the ‘Keep My Files’ option whereas for a full reset, select the "Remove Everything" option.
Step 4: Choose a Reset option and complete the process.

For Windows 10:

Step 1: Go to Settings > Update & Security > Recovery.
Step 2: Click on the ‘Get Started’ option under ‘Reset this PC’.
Step 3: Choose a reset option and complete the process.

Reinstalling Operating Systems, Drivers and Backed Data

After your laptop is formatted, reinstalling the operating systems and necessary drivers is important for proper functioning. To do so, follow these steps.

Step 1: You can download the installation tool for Windows 11 from Microsoft’s website. For ASUS laptops, you can restore the operating system using the Cloud Recovery within MyASUS.
Step 2: For downloading drivers, you can visit the ASUS support page or use MyASUS to download the latest driver for your laptop model.

Once the operating systems are installed, you can recover the backed data by copying the data from the external hard drives or retrieving it from the cloud.

Cloud Recovery Using MyASUS

Now that you know how to format your ASUS laptop, let’s explore how you can easily recover your data. You can use the Cloud Recovery feature within MyASUS to retrieve all your essential data and drivers. It not only reinstalls Windows along with the necessary ASUS drivers but also installs personalized settings like wallpapers and subscriptions that came free with the device. You can begin cloud recovery by visiting the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) and selecting the Cloud Recovery option in MyASUS.

Post Formatting Maintenance

Once your data is restored, it is important to maintain your laptop’s optimal performance. This can be done by installing all Windows updates and driver updates from MyASUS or the ASUS support website. Most ASUS laptops have pre-installed antivirus software that lasts for one year. Post-expiration, you must renew the license or install other antivirus software and cleanup tools to keep your system clean and safe. Additionally, in-built apps like the ASUS app can help with diagnostics and updation processes.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If you are facing booting issues, make sure that your operating system is installed correctly. To deal with the ‘missing drivers’ issue, you can revisit MyASUS or the ASUS website and download them. If the problems keep persisting, consider online blogs or seeking help from customer support.

Conclusion

Knowing how to use a laptop can be useful in increasing your laptop’s performance and tackling persistent issues. However, before going with any formatting method, make sure you back up all the data on the laptop, as it can be deleted. Formatting not only clears software bugs and viruses but also provides you with an opportunity to start fresh. In addition, recovery options like MyASUS Cloud Recovery that are also available in newer laptops like ASUS Zenbook Duo (UX8406) and ASUS Vivobook S 15 (S5507) Copilot+ PC can make the data recovery process hassle-free and allow you to enjoy improved speed on your laptop.

FAQs on How to Format a Laptop

1. Will formatting remove viruses or malware?

Yes. Performing a full format can remove most viruses as all the data is erased from the system.

2. How often should I format my laptop?

While it should not be done regularly, you can format your laptop if you are facing persistent issues and performance problems.

3. My laptop won’t boot after formatting, what should I do?

If your laptop is not booting, make sure that the OS is installed correctly. If still the issue is not resolved, visit the manufacturer’s service centre for assistance.