If you’re like most people, you probably have a Windows 8 PC that’s been running for a while without being refreshed or reset. But if you don’t want to go through the hassle of buying a new PC and refreshing it, there are ways to do it yourself. Here are three methods:

  1. Reset your computer by using the Windows 8 Reset Utility. This utility can be found in the Start Menu under Programs and Features. After clicking on it, you’ll be taken to a screen where you can choose how to reset your computer. You can either reset everything (including your password), or just select the option to reset your computer’s settings and data. After clicking on the Reset button, your computer will start restoring its settings and data from its hard drive. This process may take some time, so be patient!
  2. Refresh your computer by using System Restore . System Restore is a program that was built into Windows 8 that allows you to restore your computer’s settings and data back to when they were last used. To use System Restore, first open up Control Panel and click on Programs and Features . Then click on System Restore . After clicking on the button, you’ll be taken to a screen where you can choose how to restore your computer. You can either restore everything (including your password), or just select the option to restore your computer’s settings and data. After clicking on the Reset button, your computer will start restoring its settings and data from its hard drive if it was last used before July 15th, 2014 - which is usually when Windows 8 was released!
  3. Use an external hard drive as a scratch disk for Windows 8 . If all of these methods don’t work for you or if you’d like more help refreshing or resetting your PC, then please consult with an experienced technician!

We have already shown you how you can use the new refresh and reset features in Windows 8 instead of formatting your PC, the problem is that you are required to insert your Windows DVD every time you want to use the features. Here’s how to do it without the DVD.

Refresh or Reset Your Windows 8 PC Without the DVD

The first thing you need to do is create a new folder on the root of your primary drive and call it “Windows8Files”

Now insert your DVD into your PC, or mount the ISO File and navigate to:

Copy the install.wim file off your DVD into the Windows8Files folder we just created.

Next we need to launch and administrative command prompt, so move your mouse to the bottom left of your screen and right-click then select Command Prompt (admin) from the context menu.

Now we need to run the following command:

Now you can refresh or reset you PC as normal, except it wont ask you to insert your DVD.