Fixing 'There was a Problem When Resetting Your PC' in Windows 10

If you’ve stumbled upon the perplexing message, “There was a problem when resetting your PC. No changes were made,” while attempting to reset your Windows 10 system, you're not alone. This frustrating issue has plagued many users, particularly those operating on specific hardware configurations with Windows 10 build 2004. But fear not! We are here to guide you step-by-step through mitigating this error and hopefully getting your PC back on track.

Understanding the Problem​

The Windows reset feature is a fantastic tool designed to restore your system to its original state without the need for external media. However, under certain circumstances—especially in compatibility cases or due to system file corruption—the reset process can fail, leading to the unsettling message mentioned above. This can arise from a myriad of causes, including:

• Corrupted system files
• Incorrect configurations within the operating system
• Compatibility issues with specific hardware components

When this error occurs, it can feel as though you’re facing a digital brick wall, but there are ways to dismantle that wall.

Immediate Workaround​

Launching the Command Prompt​

To tackle this issue effectively, follow these steps for running a command that might restore the health of your system files:

1. Open an Elevated Command Prompt:
   • Press the Start button.
   • Type Command Prompt or cmd into the search bar.
   • Right-click on Command Prompt in the list and select Run as administrator. If prompted, enter your administrator password or approve the action.
2. Execute the Following Command:
   • In the Command Prompt window, type:
     

     bash dism /online /cleanup-image /restorehealth

   • Press Enter. This command will use the DISM (Deployment Imaging Service and Management Tool) utility to repair Windows images and may fix any underlying issues preventing the reset process from completing.
3. Restart Your Computer:
   • Once the command has finished running, reboot your system.
4. Attempt the Reset Again:
   • After your system starts up again, try resetting your PC once more through Settings > Update & Security > Recovery > Reset this PC.

Further Steps If the Problem Persists​

If the reset process still refuses to budge past that dreaded error message, here are a few additional steps to consider:

1. Use Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE)​

If the reset fails repeatedly, you may need to boot into the Windows Recovery Environment. This mode provides advanced options to repair your system. To access WinRE:

• Restart your computer and hold down the Shift key while clicking on the Restart button.
• From the options available, choose Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Repair or System Restore, depending on your needs.

2. Execute a System File Check (SFC)​

Running the SFC utility can identify and repair corrupted system files. To do this, open the elevated Command Prompt (as shown above) and enter:

 sfc /scannow

Then press Enter. Allow the process to complete and any repairs to take effect.

3. Consider a Fresh Installation​

If all else fails and the reset feature continues to malfunction, it may be time to perform a clean installation of Windows 10. This approach will erase all data on the primary drive, so ensure you back everything up beforehand.

1. Create a bootable USB drive using the Windows Media Creation Tool.
2. Boot from the USB and follow the on-screen prompts to install a fresh copy of Windows.

Conclusion​

Encountering the “There was a problem when resetting your PC. No changes were made.” error can be frustrating, but with the right steps, resolution is possible. Whether it's running repair commands, diving into the recovery environment, or opting for a fresh install, understanding the tools at your disposal will set you on the path to success.

Key Reminders:​

• Always back up your data before making significant changes to your system.
• Keep your Windows system updated to minimize compatibility issues.
• Utilize community resources for support and guidance.

Don’t let tech troubles hold you down—stay informed and empowered within the Windows ecosystem! If you have any additional questions or need further assistance, feel free to engage with fellow members on WindowsForum.com, and let’s unravel these tech mysteries together!

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Source: Microsoft Support "There was a problem when resetting your PC. No changes were made." error after attempting to Reset this PC - Microsoft Support