You can easily reset your Acer notebook using the pre-installed tool. You can find the exact procedure in this practical tip.
Completely reset your Acer notebook – how to perform a reset
The “Acer Recovery Management” program automatically resets your Acer notebook. All you have to do is select the right options and then restart your computer.
- Open the Start menu and enter “Recover” in the search field.
- Start the “Acer Recovery Management” program.
- Select the “Restore factory settings” option.
- Confirm with “Next.”
- In the next step, you must select the option “Completely erase hard drive”.
- Click on “Reset” to start the process. The computer will then restart. Wait until the process is complete.
Different methods for resetting an Acer notebook
The most common methods are: Resetting via Windows settings, using the Acer Recovery Management software, and starting via the special key combination Alt + F10 to access the recovery partition. These methods are mostly suitable for different Windows versions (7, 8, 10, 11), although Acer eRecovery Management can be used for older Windows versions.
- Resetting via Windows settings (Windows 10/11): Open the Windows Start menu and go to “Settings.” Navigate to Update & Security ☻ Recovery. Under “Reset this PC,” click Get started. Choose whether you want to keep your personal files or remove everything. Follow the instructions to reset.
- Reset using the Alt + F10 key combination (recovery partition): Turn off the notebook. When restarting, press and hold the Alt + F10 keys as soon as the Acer logo appears. A menu will appear, select Troubleshoot ☻ Reset this PC. You can select “Remove everything” to reset the notebook to factory settings. Start the reset and wait until it is complete.
- Restoration with recovery partitions: Acer notebooks often have their own recovery partition. This partition can be accessed using a key combination (e.g., Alt + F10), which allows you to reinstall the factory settings. Alternatively, some devices allow you to use a recovery USB or DVD, if available.
- System image recovery (if previously created): If you have previously created a system image using a backup tool, you can reset the laptop using the image. This will restore your system to the exact state it was in when the backup was made.
How to prepare for the reset
Before resetting a computer or smartphone, it is essential to make a complete backup of all important data to avoid data loss. This includes documents, images, emails, programs including license keys, and personal settings. Important preparations include the following:
- Back up your data: Use external hard drives, USB sticks, or cloud storage to create a copy of your files. Tools such as MiniTool ShadowMaker, EaseUS Todo Backup, or Acronis can help you back up entire system images. It is advisable to follow the 3-2-1 backup rule: You should have at least three copies of your data on two different media, and one copy should ideally be stored in a different location.
- Write down passwords and login details: Save or write down all important login details, especially those for accounts used on the device. Password managers such as LastPass or 1Password can help you keep track of everything.
- Back up your BitLocker recovery key: If your hard drive is encrypted, be sure to back up the recovery key so that you can access your data after the reset.
- List of installed software and licenses: Make a list of all installed programs, including license numbers. This will make it easier to reinstall and activate them after the reset.
- Back up drivers: If possible, also back up the drivers for important hardware components to ensure smooth setup later.
- Prepare installation media: In case you need to reinstall the operating system, you should prepare a bootable medium, for example on a USB stick.
- Remove the memory card (for smartphones) and pay special attention to the internal memory, if available.
- These preparatory steps protect against data loss and make it easier to restore the system after the reset.
Common problems during reset
Various problems may occur when resetting your Acer notebook. Below is an overview of common problems and solutions for resolving them.
- The notebook cannot be completely reset / process stops: Possible causes include faulty system files or damage to the recovery partition. Solution: First, restart the system and try the reset again via Windows settings or Acer Recovery Management.
- If errors continue to occur, start the system in safe mode or use the recovery environment by pressing Alt+F10 during bootup. If the process is still interrupted, check the system files with the commands and in the command prompt.sfc /scannowDISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth.
- The notebook no longer starts or gets stuck during the startup process: Possible causes include hardware or software errors, power problems, or BIOS misconfiguration. Solution: Perform a power reset: Disconnect the device from the power supply and battery, then press the reset hole with a paper clip for 4 seconds (if available).
- Then press the on/off switch for 25–30 seconds to discharge any residual power. Then reconnect the device and start it up. Also check the power supply and BIOS settings (you can usually access the BIOS by pressing “F2” at startup).
- Problem: “Reset this PC” does not work: Possible cause: Corrupted system files or orphaned user accounts. Solution: Check the system integrity with the tools mentioned above (SFC/DISM). If the error persists, use an external recovery disk (USB stick with Windows setup) as an alternative to the integrated reset.
- Problems with the recovery partition or recovery key (Alt+F10 does not work): Possible cause: Recovery partition deleted or damaged. Solution: Check the existence of the partition in Explorer or in Disk Management. If necessary, the only option is to reinstall the operating system using the Microsoft Media Creation Tool or a recovery disk provided by Acer.
- Risk of data loss: Resetting to factory settings will delete all personal data. Back up your important files to an external storage device or in the cloud beforehand.
- Notebook does not turn on (black screen despite reset): Remove all connected peripheral devices, check the battery and power supply. Try the power reset described above; if the problem persists, contact Acer Support.
- Forgotten password/no access: Resetting is also possible without a password using the key combination Alt+F10 during bootup or via a recovery media.