Windows

Microsoft provides information about reinstalling Windows in their support documentation here: Reset your PC

In Windows 11, these options are found in the Settings app, in the System section, under the Recovery group.

In Windows 10, these options were found in the Settings app, in the Update & Security section, under the Recovery group.

Android

Google provides some information about preparing an Android device for a factory reset in their support documentation here: Reset your Android device to factory settings

There are a wide variety of Android versions with these options in different places, but there is usually a button to reset a device somewhere in its Settings app. For more detailed information, look for factory reset instructions on device's manufacturer's support site: Get help from your device manufacturer & mobile carrier

macOS

Apple provides information about reinstalling macOS in their support documentation here: How to reinstall macOS

These options are found in the macOS Utilities recovery boot, which is reached by holding the Power button during startup (or by holding Command + R during startup for older Intel-based devices).

iOS/iPadOS

Using a Computer

1. Connect your device to a computer.
2. Use Finder to complete the reset process.

Restore your iPhone, iPad, or iPod to factory settings using a computer.

Using Device Settings

1. Open Settings.
2. Tap General.
3. Select Transfer or Reset.
4. Choose Erase All Content and Settings.

Apple provides more information about doing this in their support documentation here: How to factory reset your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch.

Having trouble?

By policy, the Help Desk can not offer assistance with the operating system problems on non-University devices.

Many 3rd-party IT businesses are also able to assist with problems of this nature. The University does not officially endorse any in particular, but the Help Desk maintains a referral list here: Help Desk, Tech Support Referral Resources.