How to use cloud download to reset computer on Windows 10 May 2020 Update

How-to
By Mauro Huculak
last updated

You can now reset your PC by downloading a fresh copy of Windows 10, and in this guide, we walk you through the steps to complete this task.

Reset this PC with cloud download option
Reset this PC with cloud download option (Image credit: Windows Central)

Although the Windows 10 May 2020 Update won't reinvent the way we use computers, it ships with a bunch of incremental changes and features, such as the new cloud download option available for the "Reset this PC" recovery experience.

If you're not familiar with it, "Reset this PC" is a feature of the recovery experience that allows you to rollback your device to the factory settings to resolve performance, startup, memory usage, and virtually any software related problems.

The process is done using a locally-available image, but there's a caveat. If this image gets damaged, the reset won't complete successfully, and you'll need to use an alternate method to reinstall Windows 10.

Full review: May 2020 Update brings welcome improvements to everyday essentials

To overcome potential issues resetting a device, the May 2020 Update for Windows 10 introduces a new option for the recovery feature to download the installation files from the Microsoft servers, instead of using the local image.

In this Windows 10 guide, we walk you through the steps to use the Reset this PC feature to restore your computer to a working condition using a fresh image and the cloud download option available with the May 2020 Update.

How to use cloud download and keep files with Reset this PC

To reset your computer while keeping your files using the cloud download option, use these steps:

  1. Open Settings.
  2. Click on Update & Security.
  3. Click on Recovery.
  4. Under the "Reset this PC" section, click the Get started button.

Source: Windows Central (Image credit: Source: Windows Central)
  1. Click the Keep my files option.

Source: Windows Central (Image credit: Source: Windows Central)
  1. Click the Cloud download option.

Source: Windows Central (Image credit: Source: Windows Central)
  1. Click the Next button.
  2. Click the Reset button.

Source: Windows Central (Image credit: Source: Windows Central)

Once you complete these steps, the Reset this PC feature will download a fresh image from Microsoft, and it'll reset your device, preserving your files and settings.

How to use cloud download and erase files with Reset this PC

To reset your computer removing everything on your device using the cloud download option, use these steps:

  1. Open Settings.
  2. Click on Update & Security.
  3. Click on Recovery.
  4. Under the "Reset this PC" section, click the Get started button.

Source: Windows Central (Image credit: Source: Windows Central)
  1. Click the Remove everything option.

Source: Windows Central (Image credit: Source: Windows Central)
  1. Click the Cloud download option.

Source: Windows Central (Image credit: Source: Windows Central)
  1. Click the Change settings option.

Source: Windows Central (Image credit: Source: Windows Central)
  1. Turn off the Clean data toggle switch to remove the files quickly. Or turn on the Clean data switch toggle to remove files and erase the hard drive (recommended when you're trying to get rid of the device).

Source: Windows Central (Image credit: Source: Windows Central)
  1. Click the Confirm button.
  2. Click the Next button.
  3. Click the Reset button.

Source: Windows Central (Image credit: Source: Windows Central)

After you complete the steps, the Reset this PC feature will download a fresh image from the cloud, erase the hard drive, and install a copy of Windows 10.

If you're keeping the device, then once the reset using cloud download completes, you'll need to restore files from backup and reinstall all your applications.

While this option makes it possible to start fresh with a copy of Windows 10, it's not meant to upgrade to a new version. When you use the cloud download option, the recovery feature will download the same version and edition currently installed on your device. If a new version of Windows 10 is available, you'll need to use the Windows Update or other supported methods, such as the Media Creation Tool or Update Assistant.

Mauro Huculak
Mauro Huculak

Mauro Huculak is technical writer for WindowsCentral.com. His primary focus is to write comprehensive how-tos to help users get the most out of Windows 10 and its many related technologies. He has an IT background with professional certifications from Microsoft, Cisco, and CompTIA, and he's a recognized member of the Microsoft MVP community.