Refresh, Reset, Restore, Reinstall - What Do They Mean?

With Windows 7 and all earlier versions, there were only two options to fix Windows if it started acting up:  you could restore your system back to a previous point in time or you could start fresh by reinstalling Windows.  However, Windows 8 copies off of features contained in mobile operating systems by introducing two new options:  a refresh and a reset.  Since these options are likely to live well beyond Windows 8, here is an explanation of what each of them mean.

Restore - The System Restore feature takes periodic snapshots of your Windows installation.  This allows you to restore your system to a previous state without affecting your data.  (However, always make sure your data is backed up before attempting a System Restore just in case something goes wrong.)  This is a useful feature to change system configuration issues or programs that have caused system instability.  System Restore can sometimes get rid of a malware infection.

Refresh - Before Windows 8, if a System Restore failed, your only other option was the last resort:  a complete reinstallation of Windows.  However, Windows 8 brings the ability to refresh or reset your device.  A refresh rewrites your Windows files without affecting your data.  This is similar to the reinstallation of Windows, except that it will not affect your data.  If you have malware that persists beyond cleanup methods and a system restore, a refresh is a great option.  (As with the restore, always make a backup of your data.)

Reset - If a system refresh is not getting the job done either, then the problem might be hiding out in your data folders.  In this case, you either need to find the appropriate setting or delete your data files and start fresh.  A reset is a built-in method to wipe everything on your computer and give it a fresh start.  A reset is also a good idea to help clean everything before you sell a device.

Reinstall - A reinstallation of Windows should be unnecessary in most cases on Windows 8 and later computers.  A reinstall will use a DVD or a restore partition to perform what is essentially a refresh on your system.  If your system is having trouble starting or your refresh and reset features are not working, a reinstall will clear out any problems.