Users Guide
NOTE: The feature to reset your computer using the Reset and update option is supported only on certain systems. For
the list of systems where this feature is supported, see the Dell SupportAssist OS Recovery Support Matrix at https://
www.dell.com/serviceabilitytools.
Steps
1. Connect the SupportAssist OS Recovery USB key to the computer where you want to reset and update the operating
system.
2. Turn on or restart your computer.
3. Press F12 to access the one time boot menu.
NOTE: If you wait too long and the operating system logo is displayed, wait until you see the Windows desktop, restart
your computer, and try again.
The available boot options are displayed.
4. Use the arrow keys to go to the Boot menu.
5. Select the USB drive on which you created the SupportAssist OS Recovery USB key.
The computer boots to the USB drive, and the SupportAssist OS Recovery home page is displayed.
6. On the SupportAssist OS Recovery home page, click START RESET on the RESET tile.
System reset options are displayed.
NOTE:
● If SupportAssist OS Recovery detects the factory installed operating system, both the Reset to factory state and
the Reset and update options are enabled.
● If SupportAssist OS Recovery is unable to detect the factory installed operating system, only the Reset and update
option is enabled.
7. Select Reset and update, and then click NEXT.
The option to back up your files is displayed.
● If you want to back up your files, select Yes, back up my files, click NEXT, select the folders that you want to back up,
and then click NEXT.
The backup is created on the local hard drive of your computer and you can access your data after the reset and update
process is complete.
NOTE:
If you want to back up files from multiple drives for example C:\, D:\, and so on, you will need an external
storage device. Follow the instructions in the Back up files on page 13 section to back up the required files.
● If you have already created a backup of your files or you do not want to back up your files, select No, do not back up
my files and click NEXT.
8. Read the warning message that is displayed, and click YES, CONTINUE.
9. On the Confirm your reset page, perform the following:
a. Optionally, from the Select reason list, select a reason for resetting your system.
b. Select the I understand that the reset will delete all of my system data and personal files check box, and then
click NEXT.
The reset and update process begins and may take several minutes to complete. After the process is complete, the
Recovery process guide is displayed and you are prompted to unplug the USB drive and restart your computer.
10. Remove the USB drive from computer, and then click RESTART.
Your computer restarts.
Next steps
When you restart the computer after resetting and updating, the computer reboots to complete your software installation.
SupportAssist OS Recovery installs necessary applications and drivers. It also installs the SupportAssist Recovery Assistant to
help you restore data after the operating system reset.
After SupportAssist OS Recovery installs the necessary applications, the computer reboots, and the Cortana screen is displayed.
You can then finish the normal setup procedure. After you finish the system setup, the SupportAssist Recovery Assistant is
launched which helps you install all the required system updates and restore your data. For more information, see SupportAssist
Recovery Assistant on page 20.
Resetting and updating your computer
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