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Which recovery option should be used in Windows 8.

Windows has always suffered with slow running over time, mainly due to bloated software being installed, unnecessary programs running at start-up, malware etc. The best solution for such things has always been a clean install of windows or a restore to factory.
Whereas manufacturers created their own recovery solution in earlier versions of Windows (some still do in Windows 8), Microsoft has created 2 new options in Windows 8 to make this process much easier. Windows 8 has ‘Refresh’ and ‘Reset’ both giving a clean install of Windows, but with slightly different results.
If you’re having problems due to malware or virus issues, or you just want to start over possibly to give the computer away, then the ‘Reset’ option is the one to use. This option will remove everything by formatting the Windows drive and then installing a fresh copy of Windows 8. You’ll get a choice with this option, ‘Just remove my files’ or ‘Clean the drive fully’. Both options restore the system but it’s almost impossible to recover files if ‘Clean the drive fully’ is chosen, so this is a good option if you are selling the computer on.
If you’re having problems in Windows, software crashes, programs not installing or uninstalling correctly, then a ‘Refresh’ is the best option. The Refresh does the same as the Reset but all the personal data and start screen apps are moved to a safe location so they aren’t lost. Then after Windows has been reinstalled all the data and apps are restored. Unfortunately all the desktop programs would be lost but a list of previously installed programs is left on the desktop. This is a great facility and will help loads, especially if you can’t afford to lose any data.
Click here to jump to instructions for 'Refresh'.
Note: Click on any picture below to see a larger image.
Start off on the 'Start Screen', type 'reset'.
Under the Search select 'Settings'.
Click on 'Remove everything and reinstall Windows'.
A new window will open showing what is going to happen.

Click 'Next' to begin.
If there is no recovery partition Windows will ask for the installation media.

If it's a disc put it in the drive, if it's a USB stick plug it in.
Next, 2 options will be presented. If the computer is going to be passed onto someone else, choose 'Clean the drive fully' otherwise select 'Just remove my files'.
Finally Windows will have everything it needs to begin, click on 'Reset' to start the Restore.
It may take some time for this process to complete.
If Windows was installed from an Upgrade disc a message asking for the Product key will now be needed.

Enter it into the required box and click 'Next'.
Finally when the recovery is completed you will be presented with the Windows User License Agreement.

From here on it's a new system ready to be setup for use.
That's it the system has now been 'Reset' to Windows defaults or a factory reset.
Click here to jump to instructions for 'Reset'.
Note: Click on any picture below to see a larger image.
Start on the 'Start Screen', type 'refresh'.
Under the Search select 'Settings'.
Click on 'Refresh your PC'.
A new window will open showing what is going to happen.

Click 'Next' to begin.
If there is no recovery partition Windows will ask for the installation media.

If it's a disc put it in the drive, if it's a USB stick plug it in.
Finally Windows will have everything it needs to begin, click on 'Refresh' to start the process.
It may take some time for this process to complete.
When the refresh is nearing completion, you'll see a message from Windows letting you know it's getting things ready.
Finally when the refresh is completed you will be back at the 'Start screen'.

From here on it's a clean system with all your data present as before.
You'll find that all desktop programs installed since Windows 8's initial setup will be removed. But you'll find a link on the desktop 'Removed Applications', this web styled report will show all the removed programs.
Here's an example list of the Removed Applications report.
That's it for the system clean, 'Refreshed' or 'reset', Windows made easy.