Restoring Windows 10

[Deleted User]

I have messed up my computer by playing with settings
If I use Windows 10 restore (resetting ?) - via a downloaded image from MS

Do I lose all of my non-MS programs - such as Libreoffice, Panda and Epson drivers ?

ann_droid

Hi
There is ""AN OVER THE TOP"" option that should put all your old stuff into Windows.old folder.
https://www.microsoft.com/en-gb/software-download/windows10

https://www.howtogeek.com/197559/how-to-install-windows-10-on-your-pc/

When you reach the “Which type of installation do you want?” screen, click “Custom” to perform a clean installation and remove everything on your PC. 

(If you’ve changed your mind and want to upgrade your existing installation, you can click “Upgrade”.)

On the next screen, select the hard drive you want to install Windows on and erase it. 

If you have multiple partitions on that drive, you may want to erase those as well.

If in doubt please ask.

[Deleted User]

ann_droid said:

Hi
There is ""AN OVER THE TOP"" option that should put all your old stuff into Windows.old folder.
https://www.microsoft.com/en-gb/software-download/windows10

https://www.howtogeek.com/197559/how-to-install-windows-10-on-your-pc/

When you reach the “Which type of installation do you want?” screen, click “Custom” to perform a clean installation and remove everything on your PC. 

(If you’ve changed your mind and want to upgrade your existing installation, you can click “Upgrade”.)

On the next screen, select the hard drive you want to install Windows on and erase it. 

If you have multiple partitions on that drive, you may want to erase those as well.

If in doubt please ask.

I would swear that in the past - I have used the this and it has only backed up and re-installed MS products ?

Alternatvely - is there some way to default the security and privacy settings - which I changed - but am unable to return to previous because I had no idea what I was doing

Sealate

• Go to SETTINGS - UPDATE and SECURITY - RECOVERY - RESET this PC.  Windows will reinstall and you have the option of keeping all your files.

HereToday

What do you feel that you have messed up exactly? It is somewhat unclear.

https://www.windowscentral.com/how-use-system-restore-windows-10

If you want to control Microsoft Telemetry in one fell swoop, use WPD: https://wpd.app
Unzip, go into the folder and run the application and then scroll down and choose to Disable All.

[Deleted User]

HereToday said:

What do you feel that you have messed up exactly? It is somewhat unclear.

https://www.windowscentral.com/how-use-system-restore-windows-10

If you want to control Microsoft Telemetry in one fell swoop, use WPD: https://wpd.app
Unzip, go into the folder and run the application and then scroll down and choose to Disable All.

I was playing with permissions / security and have somehow stopped myself from being able to edit any desktop items and even to add anything to my desktop !

I was hoping that there was a simple "return all to default" in settings - but there is not !

inspectorperez

"Go to Settings > Update and Security, click in Windows Defender on left tab and then click in Open Windows Defender Security Center

In new window, click in Protection from Virus and Threats > Virus and Threats Settings and TURN OFF Access to Controlled Folders."

The above is an extract from the Microsoft Community forum which you might just like to try before you do anything too drastic.

The feature does allow you to make exceptions to what is and what is not blocked.

Don't forget to turn it back on.

I'm not a computer expert by the way, and just passing on what I found to be a helpful tip if my computer wouldn't do something I wanted it to.