How to reset Ubuntu to factory settings (4 approaches)

Introduction

Whether you’re planning to clear your personal data before selling your computer or simply want to refresh your Ubuntu installation to its original state, knowing how to reset Ubuntu to factory settings can be a useful skill. This tutorial will guide you through various methods to achieve a clean slate with your Ubuntu system.

Why Reset Ubuntu to Factory Settings?

Resetting Ubuntu to its factory settings can resolve performance issues, clear out viruses or malware, and provide a fresh start for the user. Often after extended use, systems can become cluttered with unused packages, configurations, and files, which may cause unnecessary complications.

Before proceeding, ensure that you have saved all necessary data. Resetting to factory settings will erase all your personal data and configurations.

Method 1: Using the Resetter Tool

Resetter is an application that automates the reset process and allows you to restore Ubuntu to its original state. Follow these steps to use Resetter:

1. Download and install Resetter from its official repository:

sudo add-apt-repository ppa:resetter/stable
sudo apt update
sudo apt install resetter

2. Launch Resetter from your applications menu or by typing sudo resetter in the terminal.

3. Follow the on-screen instructions. There are two main modes – Automatic Reset and Custom Reset. The automatic option will reset everything to factory defaults, while custom allows you to choose which elements to reset.

4. Reboot your system after the process is complete.

Sample Output: Reset in progress… completed successfully. Please reboot your system.

Method 2: Reinstall Ubuntu

If Resetter doesn’t suit your needs or you prefer a more traditional approach, reinstalling Ubuntu from a live USB or DVD is a straightforward method of resetting your system.

1. Create a live Ubuntu USB drive or DVD by downloading the Ubuntu ISO file from the official Ubuntu website and using a tool like dd or Startup Disk Creator to create the bootable media.
2. Boot from the live USB/DVD.
3. Choose the option to install Ubuntu. During the setup process, opt to erase the disk and install Ubuntu, which will give you a clean install.
4. Proceed with the installation by following the on-screen instructions.
5. Once the installation is complete, reboot into your fresh Ubuntu installation.

Method 3: Use the Distro’s Built-in Refresh Feature

Some releases of Ubuntu come with a refresh or factory reset feature built-in. Here’s how you can trigger it:

1. Navigate to Settings -> System -> Reset to Defaults.
2. Follow the prompts to reset your system, this will typically remove all installed applications and personal data.
3. Once the process is complete, restart your system.

This method is swift, easy, and accessible from the Ubuntu desktop environment, making it ideal for users who prefer not to work with the terminal.

Method 4: Using Terminal Commands

For the advanced user, it is possible to manually reset Ubuntu using a series of terminal commands.

1. Reinstall all installed packages to their original state:

sudo apt-get install --reinstall ~n

2. Remove all third-party repositories and their packages:

sudo rm /etc/apt/sources.list.d/*
sudo apt update
sudo apt dist-upgrade
sudo apt autoremove

3. Clean up the home directory by removing user-specific configurations and data.

Note: Proceed with caution when using terminal commands to manually reset your system. Be aware of the data and configurations you’re modifying or deleting.

Conclusion

In this tutorial, we’ve explored multiple methods to reset Ubuntu to its factory settings, each with its level of complexity and control. Depending on your needs and expertise, you can choose from a straightforward application like Resetter, using Ubuntu’s built-in refresh feature, performing a complete system reinstallation, or delving into command-line options for a more manual approach. Remember to back up essential data before initiating any reset to avoid unintentional data loss.