New installation / Installation / System recovery / Recovery / Reset to factory settings
• Windows is pre-installed:
Manufacturers now refrain from including DVD or CD data carriers with both new and refurbished IT equipment. Your new device comes with a fully pre-installed Windows operating system. The licence key for Microsoft Windows is stored digitally in the device. Manual entry is no longer necessary. The Windows system is ready for immediate use.
The item you have ordered has a valid Windows licence code stored securely in the device (BIOS, UEFI, Windows system). It is not possible for the user to read the Windows key. However, this is not necessary, as this device does not ask the user for a key. The Windows system, including the driver system, is delivered pre-installed. The user only needs to switch it on and can then use the device.
• Reset the device:
If the device no longer starts up, i.e. the screen remains black, please follow these instructions first:
1. Connect the device to the mains via the power supply unit or charger and check that all plugs are firmly connected. On many devices, a charging indicator will then be visible on the device in orange or green. If you are using a multiple socket, it must be switched on.
2. Only if it is a PC and if you have a switch/button on the back of the PC on the power supply unit, press it or make sure that it is switched on.
3. Only if it is a laptop or tablet, wait until the battery is fully charged after several hours.
4. Then press and hold the power button for 10 seconds and release it, wait 5 seconds, and then press the power button briefly for 1 second.
• Refresh Windows:
According to Microsoft, all software-related problems can be resolved using the Windows repair functions / Windows Refresh. All options for refreshing, troubleshooting and reinstalling are available directly in the Windows system. This means that the Windows Refresh function can be used to reset the Windows system to a working state. We are happy to provide you with a link to Microsoft's instructions on how to do this:
-Windows 10, Please click here.
-Windows 11, Please click here.
To reinstall Windows alternatively, please proceed as follows:
1. Back up your data, if still possible
2. Switch off the device completely
3. Switch on the device and press the F8 key immediately after switching on (press again every 2-3 seconds)
4. In the following menu, use the arrow keys to select "Repair your computer"
5. Select the appropriate keyboard layout (usually English)
6. Confirm the dialogue with your password (if a password has been assigned).
7. Select the option "Reinstall Windows".
• Reinstall Windows using installation media:
If none of the above options work, you can create installation media to reinstall Windows:
-Windows 10, Please click here.
-Windows 11, Please click here.
Click on "Download tool now".
You will find detailed instructions on this page under "Using this tool to create installation media".
Before installing with the installation media, please disconnect the device from the network/Wi-Fi/Internet. Only reconnect the device to the Internet after installation.
The respective manufacturer offers all the software and drivers required for a new installation for convenient download. In the case of a new installation, Windows for this device is already activated by Microsoft.