Windows 10: Reset My PC (Keeping My Files) Security Concern?

I had locked myself out of my Windows 10 laptop because I lost my Bitlocker recovery key....
No biggie, as I reinstalled the OS within an hour. So that was a non-issue.

However, one thing that came up to mind is, that on the Bitlocker Recovery Environment, and under the Advanced options for Recovery (when selecting Skip This Drive), an option to Reset This PC Keeping My Files appears.

So, what if an attacker steals the laptop and then goes into this Reset PC Keeping my Files, even though the system asks for a BitLocker recovery key would the attacker still see my personal files if the Reset This PC (Keeping My Files) option is selected?

:)

 

Reset this PC keeping my files

Hi Ann. I'm Greg, a volunteer installation specialist and 8 year WIndows MVP here to help you.

I would power off, wait 30 minutes and then power back on to see if it continues or rolls back. If not then there's been a catastrophic failure which we will help you overcome in such a way you end up with a much better install.

Create the bootable Windows 10 installation media to do the vastly superior Clean Install in this link which compiles the best possible install of Windows which will stay that way as long as you stick with the tools and method, and has zero reported problems
from those who do so:
http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/wiki...

If you have files that need rescuiing this can also be done first from the booted media following this step:

http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/wiki...

If you have a separate data partition, then your files should be safe as long as you only select the C partition to reinstall, although this doesn't get it as clean as deleting all partitions down to Unallocated Space. If you don't format C but just select
it and click Next, your files will even be archived in a C:\windows.old folder to retrieve after install.

If you want you can also try first running the Reset from the booted Media which is a more stable method and may complete this time:

https://www.tenforums.com/tutorials/2294-advanc...

I hope this helps. Feel free to ask back any questions and let us know how it goes. I will keep working with you until it's resolved.

 

Reset this PC keeping my files

Go to a working computer, download, create a bootable copy, then perform a clean install.

Step 1: How to download official Windows 10 ISO files

http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/wiki...

Step 2: How to: Perform a clean install of Windows 10

http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/insider/wiki...

If there are files on the drive you want to recover, see - How to: Perform a Custom install of Windows 10

http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/insider/wiki...

 

I think that is a second option available under the 1st one, to remove everything if you intend to sell the Notebook, warning you that it may take longer.

 

I would not rely on Windows, when talking about security.
You can simply change any user's password at will.
Windows Password Protection is like: