How to do a factory reset of Windows 8.1?

[ScoobyDoo27]

So I installed Windows 8 whenever it came out and then updated to 8.1 last fall. Since then my computer has become bogged down and running really bad. It's time just start fresh but when I go in to the PC settings to restore it, it says I don't have the necessary files and that I need to insert a disc. Since I installed 8.1 from the store I have no disc to restore it from.

I saw some tutorials on activating 8.1 from 8 but I don't even know if I'm following the right ones or not. I'm not sure what I'm doing. This was much easier to do in Windows 7. But anyways, I would really appreciate any help on overcoming this so I can restore my computer.

 

[theog]

Have you made the OEM manufacturer's Recovery Disks?

   Information

We always assume you have made your Recovery Disks using the OEM manufacturer's Recovery Media Creator app the first day you had your new PC.
& made the Startup Repair CD. (Windows 8 only)
http://www.eightforums.com/tutorials/5132-recovery-drive-create-usb-flash-drive-windows-8-a.html
http://www.eightforums.com/tutorials/2855-system-repair-disc-create-windows-8-a.html (Windows 8 only)
​

I would recommend you making the OEM manufacturer's Recovery DVD's or USB drive.
or
You can order the Microsoft official OEM Recovery disks from the OEM manufacturer's website.

 

[ScoobyDoo27]

The recovery discs are different than the discs I used to install windows then?

If they are then I will put the recovery on a flash drive. After that I can reinstall windows from that recovery file?

 

[theog]

Take a look at those posts for more info.

http://www.eightforums.com/tutorials/18309-windows-8-windows-8-1-iso-download-create.html

How to download Windows 8.1 ISO with a Windows 8 key.
http://www.eightforums.com/installation-setup/33164-how-download-windows-8-1-iso.html

http://www.eightforums.com/installa...retail-windows-8-1-windows-8-product-key.html

 

[genet]

If you have an OEM PC that came with Windows 8 preinstalled and updated to Windows 8.1, then when you refresh/reset Windows, it will reinstall Windows 8 (not Windows 8.1) from hard disk recovery partition or from recovery USB flash drive.

If you don't have an OEM PC that came with Windows 8 preinstalled and updated Windows 8 to Windows 8.1, then when you refresh/reset Windows, it will reinstall Windows 8.1, if you have Windows 8.1 USB/DVD installation media.