Understanding the "Reset PC" Feature in Windows

When you reset a Windows PC and choose "Keep my files", it does not keep everything. It means:

• Your personal files in your user profile folders (like Desktop, Documents, Pictures, Music, Videos, and Downloads) will be kept.
• Apps and programs you installed yourself will be removed.
• Windows settings will be reset to defaults.
• Windows itself will be reinstalled fresh.

What it does not do:

• It does not preserve apps, drivers, or system customizations.
• It only keeps files inside your user profile on the system drive (usually C:) — it does not automatically back up data from other drives (D:, E:, etc.).
• It won’t keep files in other users’ accounts.

So, for your examples:

• Desktop → Yes, if it’s part of your user profile on C:.
• C: drive → Only your user folders are kept; other folders (like Program Files, Windows, or root-level folders you created) will be wiped.
• D: drive → Usually untouched, but don’t rely on it — it’s safest to back up first.
• This PC → No, it does not mean all locations are preserved — just your own profile folders.

If you want everything saved, you need to do a full backup before the reset.

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hth

Marcin

Keep my files - your files remain unaffected irrespective of their location during the Reset process.