Cant Reset PC thinks its running Windows to Go

Cant Reset PC. Unable to perform a factory reset of Windows PC because it thinks it is running Windows to Go? When this happens, you will not be able to reset your computer the same way you would a typical installation.

If you’re unable to perform a factory reset on your Windows PC because it claims to be running Windows To Go, you’re not alone. This issue can occur even on systems that aren’t actually configured to run Windows To Go. When this happens, you’re unable to reset your computer the usual way. In this guide, we’ll explain what Windows To Go is, why this issue occurs, and how to fix it by modifying a registry setting.

What is Windows To Go?

Windows To Go is a feature introduced in Windows 8 Enterprise and supported in some versions of Windows 10. It allows you to run a full version of Windows directly from a USB drive or other external storage device. This portable operating system is ideal for users who need a consistent environment across multiple PCs or want to carry their work environment with them.

However, this feature was deprecated starting with Windows 10, version 1903, and it’s no longer actively supported by Microsoft.

Why Does My PC Think It's Running Windows To Go?

Even if your PC isn’t configured to run Windows To Go, it may mistakenly identify itself as such. This confusion often arises due to:

  • An external USB drive with Windows installed being connected during an update or restart.
  • Corrupted or incomplete updates altering system settings.
  • Registry misconfigurations caused by third-party tools or unexpected shutdowns.

When the system incorrectly identifies itself as running Windows To Go, it disables the option to perform a factory reset through the usual recovery process. Fortunately, there’s a simple fix using the Windows Registry Editor.

Warning:

Editing the Windows Registry can cause serious issues if done incorrectly. Follow the steps carefully and proceed at your own risk. Creating a backup of your registry before making any changes is strongly recommended.

Fix: Remove the "Portable Operating System" Registry Value

To resolve the "This PC can't be reset because it is running Windows To Go" error, you need to remove the PortableOperatingSystem registry value. This will reset the system’s identification and allow you to proceed with a factory reset. Follow these steps:

Steps to Fix the Issue

Fixing this PC can't be reset because it is running Windows to Go.

  1. Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog box.
  2. Type regedit and press Enter. Click Yes if prompted by User Account Control (UAC).
  3. In the Registry Editor, navigate to the following location:HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control
  4. Look for a value named PortableOperatingSystem in the right-hand pane.
  5. Right-click on PortableOperatingSystem and select Delete.
    Cant reset PC - Remove Windows to Go
  6. Close the Registry Editor and restart your computer.
  7. Once restarted, attempt the factory reset again:
    Settings > System > Recovery > Reset PC
    Reset Windows

Additional Troubleshooting Tips

If the issue persists after removing the registry key, try these additional steps:

  • Check for External Drives: Ensure no external drives or devices with operating systems are connected during the reset process.
  • Run System File Checker: Open Command Prompt as Administrator and run sfc /scannow to repair corrupted system files.
  • Perform a Clean Install: If all else fails, use a bootable USB drive with the Windows installation media to perform a clean installation of Windows.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Windows To Go?
Windows To Go is a feature that allows users to run a full version of Windows from a USB drive or external storage device. It was primarily available in Windows 8 and some versions of Windows 10 Enterprise but is now deprecated.
Why does my PC think it’s running Windows To Go?
This issue can occur due to a registry misconfiguration, often caused by an external USB drive with Windows installed being connected during updates or restarts. The system mistakenly identifies itself as running a portable version of Windows.
How can I fix the "This PC can't be reset because it is running Windows To Go" error?
To fix the issue, you need to delete the PortableOperatingSystem registry value. Navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control in the Registry Editor and delete the entry named PortableOperatingSystem. Restart your PC and try resetting again.
Is editing the Windows Registry safe?
Editing the registry can cause serious issues if done incorrectly. Always back up the registry before making any changes and follow instructions carefully.
What if deleting the registry value doesn’t work?
If the issue persists, check for external drives, run the System File Checker tool (sfc /scannow), or perform a clean installation of Windows using a bootable USB drive with installation media.
Will this method work on all versions of Windows?
This solution is applicable to Windows 8 and Windows 10 systems. If you’re using an older or unsupported version of Windows, the process may vary.
Can I reinstall Windows without fixing this error?
Yes, you can create a bootable USB drive with Windows installation media and perform a clean installation of Windows. However, this will erase all data on your system drive, so ensure you back up important files first.
How can I prevent this issue from happening again?
Avoid connecting USB drives with operating systems during system updates or reboots. If you frequently use external bootable devices, ensure they are disconnected before performing updates.

Final Thoughts

Encountering the "This PC can’t be reset because it is running Windows To Go" error can be frustrating, especially when your system isn’t actually running Windows To Go. Thankfully, the solution is straightforward: deleting the PortableOperatingSystem registry value usually resolves the issue. Just remember to proceed with caution when editing the registry.

If this guide helped you, let us know in the comments! For more complex issues, consider seeking assistance from a qualified technician or consulting the official Microsoft support forums.