Windows 10 stuck on resetting this pc. HELP.

I tried to reset my computer in the settings of windows 10 and i selected the keep all my files option. But its been stuck on Resetting this PC 48% for over 40 minutes now.

If I were to force power it off would i loose my os or can i boot into my windows system before i hit that button?

If that option doesnt work and i have to install windows again what do i do about a product key?

Replies (5) 

Please do not rush. 40 minutes is not too long, wait a bit.

When this would be really too long then you can use force shut down option.

After this would be better to check your files.

1. Create installation media
-> https://www.microsoft.com/en-gb/software-downlo.
-> https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/detail.
2. Boot from it. Press any key to enter the installer when it prompts «Press any key to boot from CD or DVD».
3. Click Restore your computer using a system image you created earlier, then click Next.
4. Select Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > Command Prompt.
5. In the Command Prompt window, type notepad and press «Enter». Then click open, and then select All files in the box that next to Files of type at the bottom.
6. Click the «Computer» option, and then copy and paste the files you want to a safe place, for example, a USB drive or removable hard drive.

Later using installation media you can to reset is one more time or use clean installation.

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Hi Nicholas. I’m Greg, an installation specialist, 9 year Windows MVP and Independent Advisor, here to help you.

This becomes a critical problem now due to lack of file backup (which is reckless) so I would wait out overnight to see if it does complete.

If you interrupt a Reset then it can scramble everything. But if it won’t complete by morning then you’ll probably have to force it off using power button.

In the meantime find another PC to create bootable Windows 10 Media which you can boot to browse in to try to find your files and copy them out to the same flash stick, another one, or an external USB hard drive. See this tutorial for how to do this from booted media, including several alternatives: http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/wiki.

Then you can follow these illustrated steps in this link which compile the best possible Clean Install of Windows which will stay that way as long as you stick with the tools and methods given, has zero reported problems, and is better than any amount of money could buy: http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/wiki.

If you have your files copied out and confirmed by checking, then you can wipe the drive to get the cleanest install possible. If not and the C partition is still intact, you can do a rescue install by following the steps until you get to the drive selection screen to choose where to install Windows, just choose C and DO NOT FORMAT OR DELETE, just choose it and click Next. This will archive your files in a C:\windows.old folder to copy out after install.

You will get and keep the best possible install to the exact extent you stick with the steps, tools and methods in the linked tutorial. It’s a better install than any amount of money could buy and a great learning experience that will make you the master of your PC because you will learn everything that works best and how to apply it with your own hands.

BACK UP STEPS to avoid catastropher in future:

Your files should always be backed up because a hard drive can die at any time without notice. Some suggestions to help ease into this habit:

You can sync your Desktop, Documents and Pictures folder in Onedrive using Folder protection, or just drag valuable files into OneDrive folder, offering 5gb free with additional space for cheap: https://www.tenforums.com/tutorials/116029-turn.

Google Drive has a new Backup that allows you to choose User folders (Documents, Pictures, etc.) to sync up to 15g for free to their cloud in real time so it always has the latest version. https://www.google.com/intl/en-GB_ALL/drive/dow.

Or you can manually drag or copy them to another hard drive, USB external or flash drive. Here’s how to drag, copy or move large groups of files: https://www.pcworld.com/article/2086566/the-man.

Besides your files you should back up a System Image to use in place of reinstall in 20 minutes. The best free alternative is Macrium: http://www.howtogeek.com/howto/7363/macrium-ref. You can even use the Macrium program to mount and extract files from this image so it can serve as both image and file backup too.

I hope this helps. Feel free to ask back any questions and let us know how it goes. I will keep working with you until it’s resolved.

________________________________________________________
Standard Disclaimer: There are links to non-Microsoft websites. The pages appear to be providing accurate, safe information. Watch out for ads on the sites that may advertise products frequently classified as a PUP (Potentially Unwanted Products). Thoroughly research any product advertised on the sites before you decide to download and install it.

Windows MVP 2010-20

Over 100,000 helped in forums in 10 years
I do not quit for those who are polite and cooperative.
I will walk you through any steps and will not let you fail.

Windows that stick out

This library helps creating window applications where the windows can both stick to screen borders and to each other.

The code originates from the Codeproject article Sticky Windows — How to make your (top-level) forms to stick one to the other or to the screen by Corneliu Tusnea. He never published a NuGet package, so I asked for his permission to both create a repository at GiutHub and publish it as a NuGet package.

Build status and NuGet packages

Stable	Pre-release
AppVeyor
StickyWindows
StickyWindows.Wpf

Actually there are two libraries published: one is for WinForms applications, and the other one for WPF applications. The latter bases on the WinForms package though. but this shouldn’t be an issue as that the WinForms library is part of the .NET framework and as such is always available.

For WinForms application, use the StickyWindow package.

In the constructor of your form add this line:

If you want to deviate from the default settings, StickyWindow provides following boolean properties (which are all true by default:

• StickOnMove
  Allows the form to try to stick when the form is moved.
• StickOnResize
  Allows the form to try to stick when the form is resized.
• StickToOther
  Allows the form to try to stick to other stick-able forms.
• StickToScreen
  Allows the form to try to stick to the screen margins.

For WinForms application, use the StickyWindow.WPF package.

You have two options to make your windows «sticky»:

Subscribe to your window’s Loaded event and call the extension method CreateStickyWindow in the handler:

Use the StickyWindowBehavior in your XAML code (which I think is more elegant than option 1):

Both options support the same properties as the WinForms implementation.

Windows key stuck down (not physically)

I’ve had this problem for a long while. Randomly, out of nowhere Windows thinks my windows key is being held down (Pushing R opens the Run window) It usually happens around 30 minutes prior to starting up the PC. I can usually fix it by tapping the windows key a few times. I know it’s not a physical issue because after tapping the windows key multiple times (fixing it) Makes the computer go wild. The C, V, H, and Slash keys are unusable except in Windows Explorer. Discord will have to load for 5-10 seconds every time I click something in it, and a lot of other things. Holding the windows key shouldn’t do that.

I can tell you the programs I have installed if required.

I have uninstalled all of my keyboard drivers and reinstalled,

I’ve used a different keyboard,

Still no solution.

Many other people have had this problem, but none of anyone’s suggestions worked.

Processor: Intel(R) Core(TM) i5-4690K CPU @ 3.50Ghz
RAM: 16gb
System type: 64-bit Operating System, x64- Based processor
Pen Support: yes
Graphics Card: AMD Radeon (TM) R9 380 Series
Storage: 1 Terabyte

Operating System: Windows 10

This is in «Hardware and Drivers» because there was no help section.

Replies (10) 

We’d like to gather additional information for us to determine the appropriate solution to your concern. Please answer the following:

• Have you made any recent changes prior to this issue?
• What is the make and model of your device?
• Have you tried to check if sticky keys is enabled in Ease of Access Center? See image:

We look forward to your response.

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Thanks for the quick reply!

1. No, I have not made any changes around that point. I use my computer mainly for video editing, gfx, and gaming.

2. My computer is custom-built, no stickers on the back of the tower, on the front, or on the side.

What I found through system information though:

• Model WDC WD10EFRX-68FYTN0

3. Yes, I have tried turning everything off in sticky keys before.

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To further isolate your concern with the Windows key, we’d like to ask if you only experience the issue when playing games or it also happens when you perform basic task like typing in a notepad.

We’ll wait for the additional information.

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tapping the windows key multiple times

In fact a more reliable procedure is to start OSK.exe, see that the Win- key is down on it and then click on that, toggling it off.

You will probably see the same issue with the Alt- key; however, a difference there is that you probably have two of those and only need to toggle the one that is «stuck» (say the right one) with the other one that isn’t (the left).

In any case, you could try to think if there is a particular keystroke sequence that you are doing which causes this condition and then try modifying the way that you do it. It’s probably not pressing and releasing Win- in order to get to the Start Menu but in case it is be aware that you could alternatively press Ctrl-Esc for exactly the same effect without touching the Win- key.

FWIW I have to do this kind of thing with all the modifier keys at one time or another when I am using Mouse Without Borders and forget that those keys are first being handled on the machine that owns the keyboard. ; )

Best Windows 10 PC Sticks 2021

Best Windows 10 PC Sticks Windows Central 2021

The best Windows 10 PC sticks are an instant computer. You need to add a screen. While they certainly aren’t as powerful as the best Windows laptops, they are extremely portable and useful when you need a little bit of computing power on the go. We’ve put together a list of the best Windows 10 PC sticks available — and even included some budget options — so you can take your computer with you wherever you go.

Expandable Storage : PC Stick Intel Atom Z8350 Windows 10 Pro Mini Computer

The Terryza W5 Pro comes with a quad-core Intel Atom Z8350 processor, 8GB of DDR3 RAM, and 120GB of eMMC storage. It will stream all your favorite shows and movies and let you browse the web just fine. The microSD card slot allows you to expand storage capacity — up to 128GB — making it easy to store any necessary files and apps. Plus, it has two USB-A ports. Wi-Fi 5 and Bluetooth 4.2 also allow for easy connection of wireless accessories.

Bluetooth 5.0 And USB-C : AWOW Mini PC Stick

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Wi-Fi Antenna Included : Azulle Access4 Pro

Pre-loaded with Windows 10 Pro, the Azulle Access4 Pro comes with 64GB of onboard storage and a microSD card slot that can use up to a 128GB card. Its dual-core Intel processor is enough to stream movies and get your email done, especially with 4GB of RAM. It has an Ethernet port, but it also has an attached antenna for better Wi-Fi 5 connectivity. Other ports include 3.5mm audio, USB-C, USB-A, microSD, and a Kensington lock slot.

Excellent Performance : MeLE Mini PC Stick

The fanless PC stick packs in a quad-core Intel Celeron J4125 CPU, 8GB of LPDDR4 RAM, and 128GB of eMMC storage. A Gigabit Ethernet port is included, as well as an antenna for better Wi-Fi 5 reception. Bluetooth 4.2 is also there for wireless accessories. It supports Wake on LAN, PXE, and RTC Wake, plus its microSD storage can be expanded up to 1TB. Other ports include 3.5mm audio, USB-A, and a Kensington lock slot.

A pint-sized PC

Any of the options listed above will land you a portable Windows 10 PC for even less money than the best cheap laptops. Having a small, pocket-sized PC that runs Windows 10 is a fantastic tool for anyone who finds themselves traveling a lot for work or pleasure.

If you’re wondering exactly where to start, the Terryza W5 Pro is a well-rounded option that balances well performance and price. It boasts a quad-core Intel Atom CPU, 8GB of RAM, and 120GB of eMMC storage with the ability to expand by 128GB through a microSD card reader. Connect with two USB-A ports, Wi-Fi 5, and Bluetooth 4.2. If you’re looking for a general-purpose option, this is it.

If you’re looking for a PC stick that has potential as a media hub, the AWOW Mini PC with Intel Celeron N4000 is probably your best bet. With expandable storage (up to 512GB), 4GB of RAM, Bluetooth 5.0 compatibility, and both USB-C and USB 3.0 ports, it’s easy to make this stick into a portable media hub.

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Cale Hunt

Cale Hunt is a staff writer at Windows Central. He focuses mainly on PC, laptop, and accessory coverage, as well as the emerging world of VR. He is an avid PC gamer and multi-platform user, and spends most of his time either tinkering with or writing about tech.