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You can restore a supported Samsung laptop from Samsung Recovery when Windows starts, or use the F4 recovery shortcut when Windows will not boot. A factory reset can erase files and installed apps, so back up anything important before you begin. If you only need to undo a recent software change, System Restore may be a less disruptive option.
Before you reset: back up your files
Samsung warns that recovery can delete saved data and user-installed apps. Copy important files to an external storage device or another safe backup destination before starting. The exact effect depends on the recovery route and, where applicable, the backup or restore point selected.
Samsung also advises checking that the C: drive has enough usable space before using its recovery process. Do not interrupt a reset once it is underway; the time required depends on the PC.
Choose the right recovery option
These routes do different things. Choose based on whether Windows starts, whether Samsung Recovery is available on your model, whether you need to retain personal files, and whether you have a usable restore point or backup.
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| Option | When it may fit | What it does |
|---|---|---|
| Samsung Recovery factory reset | You want to return a supported Samsung PC to its factory state. | Restores the PC using Samsung Recovery. Treat it as destructive and back up first. |
| Windows Recovery: Keep my files | You want to reset Windows while retaining personal files. | Removes apps and settings while keeping personal files, according to Samsung. Back up files anyway. |
| Windows Recovery: Remove everything | You intend a more complete Windows reset and accept data loss. | Removes apps, data and settings, according to Samsung. |
| System Restore | A recent app, driver or update may have caused a problem. | Returns system changes to a selected restore point; Samsung says personal files are not changed, while apps and updates added after that point are removed. |
| Restore a Samsung Recovery backup | You previously created a backup with Samsung Recovery. | Restores a saved backup through the app’s backup and restore management. Connect the external drive if that is where the backup is stored. |
Reset from Samsung Recovery when Windows starts
- Back up important files to an external storage device or another safe location.
- Open Start and launch Samsung Recovery.
- Select Computer factory reset, then choose Start factory reset.
- Confirm the prompt and follow the on-screen instructions until the reset finishes. The exact labels and screens can vary by app version or region.
- Allow the laptop to restart, then complete Windows setup.
If Samsung Recovery is missing, check whether it is supported for your exact model. Samsung US says the app can be installed from Microsoft Store if needed, but it is not available on every Galaxy Book and may not be preinstalled; installation should not be assumed to work on every model.
Reset when Windows will not start
- Turn on the laptop and press F4 repeatedly before the Samsung logo appears.
- In Samsung Recovery, select Computer Factory Reset, then Start Factory Reset.
- Confirm the reset and follow the on-screen instructions. When it completes, restart if prompted and finish setup.
This shortcut works only on devices where Samsung Recovery is available. If F4 does not open it, confirm the exact model and its supported recovery options instead of repeating the shortcut indefinitely. Samsung’s UK guide says Recovery is unsupported on models with disk capacity of 64 GB or less; other Samsung guidance also describes model and version variation.
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Use Windows Recovery or System Restore instead
Samsung Recovery and Windows Recovery are separate routes. For Windows’ reset choices, open Settings and look for Recovery under System in Windows 11 or Update & Security in Windows 10, then select the reset option shown. Menu wording can vary with Windows version. Choose Keep my files or Remove everything according to the table above, and review the confirmation screens before proceeding.
For a recent software problem rather than a full reset, search Windows for Create a restore point and open System Restore to choose an available restore point. To recover a Samsung Recovery backup instead, open Samsung Recovery and use its backup and restore management to select the saved backup.
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Why Samsung Recovery may be missing
- Availability and preinstallation vary by model; Samsung cautions that not every Galaxy Book includes the app.
- Samsung UK’s Windows 10 and 11 instructions state that Recovery is unsupported on models with disk capacity of 64 GB or less. Samsung Brazil separately says the app may not be supplied on models with less than 64 GB. These are support qualifications, not a claim about every Samsung laptop.
- Recovery features can vary by version, and an unsupported Windows installation may affect access to Recovery.
If Recovery is absent or F4 does not work, use support information for your exact model to confirm the supported route. Samsung’s official instructions are available in Samsung US support, Samsung UK support, Samsung Brazil support and Samsung France support.
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