You clicked 'Reset this PC', but the screen froze or spun back to the error. Your laptop keeps on failing the factory reset, trapping you in the same buggy state you started with. This page explains why that loop happens and gives you the specific fix for your situation.
In short: A reset that fails repeatedly is usually caused by a corrupted recovery partition, a failing hard drive, or an outdated UEFI BIOS. The fastest fix is to use a bootable USB drive to force the reset from outside Windows. If that still fails, you must run manufacturer hardware diagnostics before attempting any physical repairs.
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Why Your Laptop Keeps On Failing the Factory Reset
A laptop reset should take 30 to 60 minutes. If it takes hours or fails and reverts, the system files on the drive are likely corrupted. The reset tool tries to copy these files, but they are broken, so the process loops.
This is the most common reason for a “reset keeps on failed” loop. If that sounds like your bench, read up on laptop not recognizing usb drives next.
A frozen percentage, like 60% or 80%, often points to a bad sector on the hard drive or a failing SSD. The computer loses its connection to the data it is writing and hangs. This is a clear sign of hardware decay.
Outdated BIOS firmware can also block the reset from reaching the UEFI boot menu. A quick check of your settings can confirm this before you buy new parts. Many manufacturers release updates specifically to fix broken recovery environments.
Common failure symptoms
- Stuck at a percentage: Points to a drive or memory failure. Check the percentage it freezes on.
- Black screen with a cursor: Indicates a corrupted Windows recovery image. The UI is missing assets.
- Blue Screen (BSOD): Shows a driver or hardware conflict. Read the stop code.
The Safest First Step: Boot From a USB Drive
If the built-in reset keeps failing, stop trying it inside Windows. You need to boot from a USB drive to perform the reset. This bypasses the broken internal drive completely.
Use the Windows Media Creation Tool on a different working computer. Save the installation files to a 16GB or larger USB flash drive. Ensure the drive is formatted correctly.
Boot your failing laptop from this USB. The reset now installs a fresh copy of Windows from the USB. This is the most reliable fix for a corrupted local recovery partition. You are no longer relying on the failing hard drive to finish the job.
Before you start, back up any critical data. A fresh install will wipe the drive. This step is critical if you are moving from a reset to a clean install. We go through no display but on step by step in its own article.
Safety first: Never insert a USB drive while the laptop is plugged in without grounding yourself to avoid static damage.
Helps you open the laptop later if you need to replace the failing hard drive after a software reset fails.
- Built for Laptop, Console, and PC Disassembly: Designed for opening bottom covers
- Plastic Where Safety Matters, Metal Where Force Is Needed: ESD-safe plastic spudgers
Fix a Corrupted UEFI and Boot Settings
Sometimes the reset fails because the computer’s firmware is out of date. A bad setting can prevent the laptop from finding the recovery partition. This is a quick and easy check.
Restart and enter your UEFI BIOS menu. Look for a ‘Restore Defaults’ option to clear any unusual changes. Then, look for a BIOS update. Updating to the latest version from the maker’s website can fix reset loops. Many updates specifically address broken secure boot chains.
Make sure Secure Boot and TPM settings match what your laptop originally shipped with. Resetting these to default is a quick check. If the laptop has a TPM, a corrupted module can also cause authentication failures during the reset process.
Check Your Laptop's Hardware Health
If software fixes fail, the hardware is the next suspect. A failing SSD or bad RAM will always interrupt a reset. This is where you need to be careful.
Most manufacturers include a hardware diagnostic tool. Restart your laptop and press the designated key (like F2 or F12) to run the ‘Hard Drive’ or ‘Memory’ test. Let the full test run, it can take hours. If the test passes, your drive is healthy. Before you buy anything, it is worth looking at points of failure for a no boot issue in laptops.
Listen to the fan. If the laptop gets too hot and shuts down during the reset, the cooling system is failing. A laptop that overheats will never finish a reset. This requires a physical cleaning or repaste to fix. Use a small spudger to safely clean the fan without damaging the blades.
When to Stop and Call for Professional Help
You should stop DIYing when you see two specific signs. First, if the manufacturer’s hard drive test fails. Second, if the laptop shuts down randomly while plugged into power. This is a major red flag.
A failing drive can spread corruption to other parts of the system. A sudden power loss during a reset can permanently damage the laptop’s mainboard. The risk is too high for a casual owner to continue guessing.
Get a professional to open the laptop and test the RAM and drive. This is faster and safer than guessing which part to buy. They can swap out the failing component quickly and get you back in business.
Safety first: Power off and unplug the laptop before you open it. Disconnect the battery if you can reach it.
Laptop Reset Fails: Common Questions
My laptop is stuck on ‘Prepping to reset’ for hours.
This means the drive has bad sectors and the reset process is waiting for a data block that will never read. Run a hard drive diagnostic to confirm this.
Can a bad USB cable cause the reset to fail?
Yes. A loose or faulty USB cable can cause the data transfer to drop. Try a different port and a different cable to rule this out.
I lost my data. Is that normal?
A factory reset deletes everything. If you did not back up, the data is gone. You can sometimes use a file recovery tool on a live USB, but success is rare. Always back up before attempting a reset.
How do I make a Windows USB without another PC?
You can’t easily do this without another computer to download the Windows installation files. You will need a second machine to create the bootable USB drive for the recovery process.
The bottom line
Most users can fix a failed reset by booting from a Windows USB drive and running the reset from there. If that still fails, you have a hardware problem and need to replace the failing SSD or RAM. Stop and get a professional if the laptop shuts down randomly during the reset.
- Built for Laptop, Console, and PC Disassembly: Designed for opening bottom covers
- Plastic Where Safety Matters, Metal Where Force Is Needed: ESD-safe plastic spudgers
Frequently asked questions
My laptop is stuck on 'Prepping to reset' for hours.
This means the drive has bad sectors and the reset process is waiting for a data block that will never read. Run a hard drive diagnostic to confirm this is the underlying issue.
Can a bad USB cable cause the reset to fail?
Yes. A loose or faulty USB cable can cause the data transfer to drop. Try a different port and a different cable to rule this out completely.
I lost my data. Is that normal?
A factory reset deletes everything. If you did not back up, the data is gone. You can sometimes use a file recovery tool on a live USB, but success is rare and not guaranteed.