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Are Microsoft’s Reset and Refresh the only solutions to restore Windows 8?

by Carla S. Marketing Manager
It’s uncommon to get major issues in Windows (not since launch of Windows 7 at least) but when the time comes, and we do get critical errors, users need to either format or reinstall the Windows OS to bring it back to a functional state. 
Now, with the introduction of built-in recovery features like Reset and Refresh in Windows 8, users can easily rollback their computers  to a clean, freshly installed state without having to format them. These recovery functionalities are useful in various circumstances; but can these be taken as the ultimate solutions for optimal Windows 8 recovery? Let’s find out.

Reset and Refresh functionalities in Windows 8

There are no direct push buttons like ‘Reset PC’ or ‘Refresh PC’ anywhere in Windows 8. Users will rather find two different options under the Windows 8 settings. One is “Refresh your PC without affecting your files”, and the other is “Remove everything and reinstall Windows”.

 - How the Refresh Feature Functions: When selected, the Refresh option restores Windows 8 OS to its default configuration without removing personal files and settings created by users. In addition, users don’t need to create a backup of their necessary files to restore those manually. This Windows 8 recovery functionality would automatically keep their personal files and settings intact. Apps, which are embedded in the PC and those downloaded from the Windows store, will be reinstalled. However, apps downloaded from DVDs or websites will be deleted. A list of deleted apps will appear on the desktop screen so that users can reinstall them per their requirement.

 - How the Reset Feature functions: If a user opts for the Reset option in Windows 8, the PC settings will be restored back to the defaults. However, resetting the system wipes away the personal apps, saved settings and 23moifiles, providing users with fresh Windows installation. Only the apps that are pre-installed in Windows 8 PC , will be reinstalled after the process is complete.

Limitations of Reset and Refresh recovery features in Windows 8
Windows 8 Reset and Refresh features are convenient for users, keen on making their systems recover immediately rather than investing time on looking for the root cause. At the same time, not many users are aware of a better alternative to achieve this. 

Running the Refresh option would automatically delete all system updates. This essentially means that users need to spend additional time in installing the same. Once the process is completed, users need to take the long Windows 8 tutorial program, and rebuild all local user profiles and it’s a time intensive job too. It takes almost 30 minutes to refresh any Windows 8 system to its default state. This is quite inconvenient for users, who need to get back to work without delay.

Similar problems occur with the Windows 8 Reset option. Choosing to just remove the files takes 30 minutes on an average, while cleaning the full drive consumes almost 3 hours. Users then need to spend more time to go through the Windows 8 personalization wizard to create the Windows configuration from scratch. This may include providing a name to the PC, choosing colors, and setting up user-specific profiles. On the other hand, these in-built features in Windows 8 cannot complete the recovery process on their own. The recovery options cannot function properly if certain system files are missing. Therefore, users are required to insert the recovery media before the recovery process begins, which come typically on thumb drive or DVD disc.

Undoubtedly, Reset and Refresh features in Windows 8 are way more effective restore functionalities than those available in the previous Windows operating systems. However, these have certain limitations, which prompt Windows 8 users to look for quicker and more effective system restore solutions.

Deep Freeze Reboot to Restore: A Windows 8 Compatible System Recovery Solution by Faronics

Deep Freeze is one of the key products of Faronics Corporation that leverages the patented Reboot to Restore technology for complete system recovery. It enables Windows users to setup and control system configurations and restore systems to a predefined state with each reboot. It simplifies the task of Windows system maintenance for end-users significantly. This not only boosts productivity but also reduces dependence on IT.

Deep Freeze runs on the latest Windows OS versions and is easy to deploy. The Faronics solution also effectively addresses the limitations posed by Reset and Refresh options of Windows 8. While both Reset and Refresh options require considerable time to run, Deep Freeze needs a simple reboot to roll back the system to its original pristine state. Unlike Reset and Refresh, Deep Freeze allows Windows 8 users to specify a desired configuration state they want their system to return to which minimizes downtime in case of crashes/malfunctions. This offers great flexibility to users, while enhancing speed and efficiency. Users also don’t need to go through the cumbersome process of uninstalling and reinstalling system updates on Deep freeze-managed computers. All they need to do is to install the updates and ‘freeze’ the newly-updated system configuration. 

With a robust, centrally managed console and user-friendly features, Deep Freeze ensures that the workstations present in a Windows 8 environment operate seamlessly. Systems are taken back to an original, defragmented state on each reboot. In addition, Deep Freeze reverts the unwanted and malicious changes with a restart, resulting in zero disruptions during peak productivity hours. This easy-yet-powerful Reboot to Restore solution thus enables Windows 8 users to optimize and simplify their system experience with just a push of the restart button.


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About Carla S. Advanced   Marketing Manager

41 connections, 2 recommendations, 110 honor points.
Joined APSense since, October 26th, 2017, From Dallas, United States.

Created on Dec 22nd 2017 04:04. Viewed 698 times.

Comments

SITPL SG Advanced  SEO Executive
Hi,
I really like your article.
Jan 3rd 2018 04:41   
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