How Do I Reset My Acer Laptop? Complete Guide for 2026

If you’ve been dealing with a slow or unresponsive Acer laptop, resetting it could be the solution you need. Whether it’s dealing with system errors, poor performance, or even malware, knowing how to reset your Acer laptop properly can get it back in shape. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the different reset methods, from basic in-system resets to full factory restores. We’ll also touch on recovery options, power resets, and tips to make the process as smooth as possible.

Why Should You Reset Your Acer Laptop?

There are a few common reasons you might need to reset your Acer laptop. These include:

• Sluggish performance: Over time, your laptop can slow down due to too many apps running or outdated system files.
• Frequent crashes: If your system is crashing regularly, it might need a fresh start.
• Malware issues: Sometimes, resetting your laptop can help remove any malicious software that’s slowing it down or compromising its security.

When you encounter these problems, a reset might be the quickest way to restore your laptop to full functionality. There are two main options:

1. In-system reset: This keeps your files but removes apps and settings. It’s a good middle ground if you want to avoid a complete wipe.
2. Factory restore: This option erases everything on your laptop, returning it to its original factory settings. It’s the best choice for major issues, but be sure to back up your data first.

Sometimes, troubleshooting might solve the problem without needing a reset. If your system is just sluggish, try running diagnostics or scanning for malware before deciding to reset.

How to Reset Your Acer Laptop (Step-by-Step Guide)

No matter your situation, there’s a reset method for you. Here are the steps to follow for the most common reset options:

Method 1: Resetting From Windows Settings (Best for Most Issues)

This method is perfect if your laptop is still working and you can access the settings.

1. Step 1: Open Settings > System > Recovery.
2. Step 2: Click on Reset this PC.
3. Step 3: Choose Keep my files (to save your personal files) or Remove everything (for a complete factory reset).
4. Step 4: Choose between Cloud download (which will download the latest version of Windows) or Local reinstall (which uses your current system files).
5. Step 5: Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the reset.

Tip: If Windows doesn’t load properly, force a restart by turning the laptop off and back on. This can trigger recovery options.

Method 2: From the Login Screen (If You Can't Log In)

If you can’t log in to your laptop, you can still reset it from the login screen:

1. Step 1: On the login screen, click the Power icon at the bottom-right corner.
2. Step 2: Hold the Shift key and click Restart.
3. Step 3: Select Troubleshoot > Reset this PC.
4. Step 4: Choose Keep my files or Remove everything, then follow the prompts.

Method 3: Resetting Using the Recovery Environment (When Windows Won’t Start)

If your laptop isn’t booting into Windows at all, you can still access recovery options:

1. Step 1: Turn off your laptop by holding the power button.
2. Step 2: As soon as the laptop shuts down, press F9 or Alt + F10 to enter the recovery environment.
3. Step 3: Select Troubleshoot > Reset this PC.
4. Step 4: Choose whether to Keep my files or Remove everything, and follow the prompts.

Tip: If your laptop doesn’t respond to these key presses, make sure you’re pressing them right after the laptop turns on.

Method 4: Power Reset (For Basic Power Problems)

Sometimes, power-related issues can cause your laptop to freeze or not turn on. A power reset can help:

1. Step 1: Unplug your laptop and remove the battery (if possible).
2. Step 2: Hold the power button down for 30 seconds to discharge any remaining power.
3. Step 3: Reinsert the battery, plug in the charger, and turn the laptop back on.
4. Step 4: Power up your laptop as usual.

Tip: Use a power reset when your laptop isn’t turning on or is frozen. If this doesn’t solve the problem, consider trying one of the other reset methods.

What to Do Before Resetting Your Acer Laptop?

Before resetting your Acer laptop, it’s crucial to take a few steps to ensure you don’t lose any important data:

• Backup your data: A reset, especially a factory restore, will erase all your personal files, apps, and settings. Be sure to back up any important documents, photos, or videos to an external drive or cloud storage before you begin.
• Prepare to reinstall software: After a factory reset, you’ll need to reinstall your programs, drivers, and apps. Make sure you have the installation files or licenses available.
• Consider troubleshooting first: Before going straight to a reset, try running diagnostics or checking for malware. If you’re seeing display symptoms like a black line on computer screen, it may be a driver or hardware issue—so it’s worth testing an external monitor or updating display drivers before resetting.

Troubleshooting Common Reset Issues

While resetting your Acer laptop can be effective, there are a few issues you might run into during the process. Here’s how to handle them:

Problem 1: Laptop gets stuck during reset

If your laptop freezes during the reset process, try forcing a restart. If that doesn’t help, you may need to perform a hard shutdown and then try again.

Problem 2: Reset options aren’t available

If the reset options aren’t showing up, try accessing the recovery environment by pressing F9 or Alt + F10 during startup. You could also create a bootable USB drive to reinstall Windows if needed.

Problem 3: Laptop won’t restart after reset

If your laptop doesn’t restart after a reset, try doing a power reset (follow Method 4). If this doesn’t work, it may be time to seek professional help.

Solutions: If you can’t resolve the issue yourself, it’s best to contact Acer support or visit a professional technician to get the issue diagnosed.

Conclusion

Resetting your Acer laptop can be a lifesaver when it’s dealing with performance issues, errors, or malware. In this guide, we’ve gone over several methods to reset your Acer laptop, from using Windows settings to accessing the recovery environment. Just make sure you back up your data before you start, and always choose the right reset method based on your needs. If problems persist, don’t hesitate to seek out professional assistance.