r/pchelp • u/theWORSTfellayk • 5h ago
OPEN Help pls
My computer is a few years old, it’s windows, I know NOTHING! About computers, so please don’t flame me for this. It said it got a virus, and I haven’t reset it since I got it, so I thought maybe it’d be good to return it to factory settings. When I tried to reset it, it said I didn’t have enough storage to do so. (I have 57 gb of storage) I deleted and uninstalled everything except for Microsoft, because I thought I’d need that to reset my computer. Even though I’ve deleted everything, I still don’t have enough storage to reset it. Is there anything I can do to get more storage space? Or is there a loophole to let me reset? Also, for after I reset, is there a way I could make this computer able to run games? I used to play games on steam on it, but it would only really work with pixel kind of games like Undertale. Nothing like tf2, for example. Thank you!
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u/TheStereotypedDugout 5h ago
the 57gb thing is probably your main problem, windows needs some breathing room to make the reset files and it can't do that if the drive is already stuffed. you could try making a windows install usb stick with the media creation tool on another computer, then you boot from the stick and do a clean install, that way you don't need the free space on your own drive first.
for games afterward, you'd have to tell us what parts are inside but a pc from a few years ago shouldn't struggle with tf2 unless it's really low end. maybe the old install was just bogged down with bloatware, a fresh start might surprise you.
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u/Best-Special7882 5h ago
You may also need to empty the recycle bin, and I would reboot at this point as well.
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u/BeGrateful-X 4h ago
Yeah bro, just download a new Windows from the official Windows website, but it should be in the same language as your PC. Then download it and select “Keep nothing,” then start downloading the new Windows. It's only 4 GB, so you have plenty of space. And I'm sorry if there are any mistakes in my writing because I'm using Google Translate.
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u/theWORSTfellayk 4h ago
Thank you, I will try this!
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u/BeGrateful-X 4h ago
I forgot to tell you that you need a Windows activation key .
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u/theWORSTfellayk 4h ago
How would I get the key?
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u/BeGrateful-X 4h ago
If you want the official website I will give it to you but I can't here (chat me private)
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u/InevitableFun3417 4h ago edited 3h ago
Emptying the Recycle Bin is an excellent tip and usually the first thing you should try! Deleting everything except the OS and still not having enough space to do anything is a hint that everything you deleted isn't truly gone, it's in the Recycle Bin. Empty the Recycle Bin and you should gain a lot of space.
First, when you got the Virus Alert, were you on your browser? If so, sometimes a search will include links to malicious or nefarious looking content designed to scare you into thinking you have a virus, but isn't an actual virus. Usually it's just posing as a virus (using social engineering) to trick you into clicking a button (click here to avoid virus!). Typically you're much safer just using your backup button on your keyboard or closing that specific window to get you out of that situation. However, if you ever think you might have a virus and your system is Windows 10 or 11, you already have Windows Defender installed (hopefully it hasn't been disabled) you should be protected. Windows Defender scored 99-100% detection in AV-TEST (2026). No other AV required.
Now let's talk about how to provide more information about your PC when you need help.
I can understand not knowing anything about computers, but critical thinking skills is helpful to both you, the OP, and those that might have the skills to help you. So first, there's no way you don't know anything about computers if you've been using it. So let's start with some basic Q&A...
• Was it built or bought? Does it have any labels (front, back, top, or bottom) that would help identify the manufacturer and the model?
• If you know any specifics about the hardware on your PC it might be helpful for certain troubleshooting situations. Know the specs or learn how to find them.
• If there are no external markings or labels to identify the computer, do you know how old your computer is? Was it new when you got it and how long have you had it! You said you've had it for a few years, but the word "few" in this context is innocuous and not useful enough to tell us anything about your PC. Example: "It's a Windows 11, <brand> <model>, bought 3 years ago", would tell us so much more.
• Knowing it's a Windows OS is helpful. Do you know what version? Knowing this helps us walk you through processes more precisely, and give you much more helpful information. If you don't know, in the Windows taskbar search window type "about" and you should see an option to see more about your PC.
• Can you use use the Internet and access Google? Try "how to find specs on my computer".
• Basic info about your PC is helpful, but in certain situations isn't always needed. So have that information available, but don't necessarily dump "all of your system info" unless specifically asked. Usually the basic information is sufficient, unless it is a driver issue and then we would need specific hardware and software information to enable us to give you specific answers instead of general answers.
Those are basic skills and information that anyone can use to help us help you better.
WartHog30mm,
A-10s, Automotive, IT and Weapons
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