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There was a Problem Resetting Your PC: 8 Ways to Fix it
Running the SFC scan is the fastest solution
9 min. read
Updated onMarch 20, 2024
updated onMarch 20, 2024
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Windows 10 allows users toreset their systemsand bring the OS to its default state. Doing so can eliminate various bugs that may prevent their computers from working correctly.
However, there are instances when resetting your Windows 10 or 11 computer turns into an impossible task due to the error message:There Was A Problem Resetting Your PC. No Changes Were Made.
This error message on your PC can prevent you from restoring Windows 10 to its original state. So, in this article, we’ll show you how to fix this error.
Why does Reset failed no changes were made message appear on Windows 10?
If theReset this PC option is not working on Windows 10,the recovery image may be damaged. If that’s the case, you might have to create installation media and use it instead.
When this issue happens, you’ll getstuck in the Windows 10 factory resetprocess, so your only option is to wait for it to complete or interrupt it.
This can be a big problem, and speaking of Windows issues, here are some similar problems that users reported:
Other variations that our solutions will help you resolve includethere was a problem resetting your pcwith cloud download, automatic repair, on blue screen, or without PC password.
In many cases, corrupted files prevent the reset, and you will be stuck with a faulty OS if this is not fixed. Therefore, we recommend you try repairing corrupted files and run a full computer scan to remove any malware that may trigger this problem.
You may relaunch the reset when this is done; hopefully, it works.
Let us now introduce you to our complete list of repair ideas for this PC problem.
Why can’t I reset my PC to factory settings?
1. Perform a system file check
According to users, If you seeThere was a problem resetting your PCwithout password, it can often occur due to corrupted files, but you can fix this problem by performing a simple SFC scan.
If the SFC scan doesn’t solve the issue, or if you can’t run SFC, you might have to use the DISM scan.
Third-party system maintenance toolsshould also be used as a good measure. The process is faster and ensures that no damaged or corrupted files remain on your computer.
2. Use a boot-up CD or USB stick
3. Use a system restore point
After the system restoration, the issue should be resolved entirely.
If no restore points are available, go to the Control Panel, search for Recovery, select Recovery, go to Configure System Restore and then select Configure and Turn on system protection to enable this option.
4. Disable ragentc
After running these commands, try to reset your PC again.
According to users, you might be able to fixThere was a problem resetting your PCmessage simply by temporarily disabling reagentc.
5. Perform SFC scan outside of Windows
SFC scan will now start, so be patient and let it finish. Once the scan is completed, check if the problem persists.
According to users, sometimes you might have to perform the SFC scan outside of Windows 10 to fixThere was a problem resetting your PCmessage.
6. Run DISM scan outside of Windows
In some cases, you can fix this problem by running the DISM scan outside of Windows environment. To do that, first you need to create Windows 10 installation media.
You can do so with ease usingMedia Creation Tool. Once you create an installation media, connect it to your PC and follow these steps:
If everything is in order, the DISM scan should now start and repair your files.
Once the scan completes, check if the problem persists. Remember that this is an advanced solution, so be extra cautious and follow the instructions carefully.
7. Refresh Windows from Windows Defender
Follow the instructions on the screen to refresh your PC. Remember that you’ll remove most files from the system drive by restoring your PC, so be sure to back them up.
8. Perform a clean install
If you keep gettingThere was a problem resetting your PCerror message, your only solution might be to perform aclean install. To do that, you must create an installation media with Media Creation Tool.
After that, boot your PC from the installation media and select your system drive.
Follow the instructions to complete the installation. Once the installation completes, you’ll have a clean installation of Windows 10, and the problem should be resolved.
If you need toback up your files, look for theWindows.olddirectory and restore the desired files.
How can I fix There was a problem resetting your PC on Windows 11?
You can adopt any of the solutions listed above.
You should, however, note that the interface on windows 11 may slightly differ from Windows 10. However, since on both OS versions, this problem is triggered for the same reasons, they share common solutions.
Also, make sure you use the command prompt to run the above command on your Windows 11 PC rather than the new Windows terminal.
How long should resetting this PC take?
An ordinary PC reset might take anything from 30 minutes to four hours. However, older computers might take longer to reset because of outdated components incompatible with current software.
There you go. If there was a problem resetting your PC, you should have successfully fixed it. We recommend you start with a simple SFC scan and only move on to other solutions if that does not work for you.
We hope one of these solutions helped you to complete the reset process. Also, these would work if you come acrossThere was a problem resetting your PCfrom USB.
If you’ve encountered other workarounds, list the troubleshooting steps in the comment section below.
More about the topics:System Errors
Madalina Dinita
Networking & Security Specialist
Madalina has been a Windows fan ever since she got her hands on her first Windows XP computer.
She is interested in all things technology, especially emerging technologies – AI and DNA computing in particular.
Prior to joining the WindowsReport team, she worked in the corporate world for a number of years.
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Madalina Dinita
Networking & Security Specialist
Madalina is a Windows fan since forever, especially interested in AI, emerging technologies, privacy, and security.