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Reset my handheld device

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Resetting your device will return it to the same state it was in the first time you turned it on. All your personal content, including text messages and apps you've downloaded, will be erased, and the device will be restored to its factory settings.

If you decide to reset your device, you can back up apps, text messages, photos, and more to your Microsoft account in the cloud beforehand. To learn more about how this works, see Back up my stuff.

Warning

Be careful. Resetting your device will erase all content stored on your device, including apps, text messages, call history, music, photos, and more.

To reset your handheld device

  1. In the App list, tap Settingsphone start icon settings.

  2. Tap About, and then tap Reset your phone.

  3. You'll receive two warnings. If you're absolutely sure you want to restore your device to its factory settings, tap Yes, and then tap Yes again.

    It might take a little while for the process to complete.

Note

If you lose your device, it's possible to reset it remotely. To learn how, see Find a lost handheld device.

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