How to Back Up a Medion Laptop Before a Factory Reset (Without Losing Data)

Before you reset MEDION laptop settings or reinstall Windows, copy your personal files to an external drive and create a second copy with Windows Backup and OneDrive or another drive.

Check Desktop, Documents, Downloads, Pictures, Videos, email archives, browser data, game saves and application folders. Open several files directly from the backup to confirm that they work.

Save your BitLocker recovery key, record essential applications and licences, then safely eject and disconnect the external drive before starting the reset.

A factory reset can solve persistent Windows problems, but it may remove applications, settings and personal files. Even when you choose Keep my files, treat it as a recovery option rather than a substitute for a verified backup.

What does a factory reset remove from a MEDION laptop?

Windows offers two main Reset this PC options:

• Keep my files reinstalls Windows and is intended to preserve personal files, but it removes installed applications and resets Windows settings.
• Remove everything removes personal files, applications and settings.

Back up important data and save the BitLocker recovery key before choosing either option.

The Cloud download and Local reinstall settings do not decide whether files are retained. They decide where Windows obtains its installation files.

When selling or recycling the laptop, review the Clean data setting. It makes deleted files harder to recover, but it is a consumer feature rather than a certified data-sanitisation process.

Some MEDION models include manufacturer-specific recovery tools or startup-button combinations. Use the MEDION support portal to identify the device by its MSN number and obtain the correct manual.

The basic backup process is similar across older models and the latest MEDION laptops, although recovery menus, partitions and bundled software can differ.

Do you need to reset the laptop?

Before beginning MEDION laptop recovery, consider whether a less destructive repair could solve the problem.

On supported Windows 11 systems, open:

Settings > System > Recovery > Fix problems using Windows Update > Reinstall now

This reinstalls the current version of Windows while retaining personal files, installed applications and settings. Back up important files before using it.

You can also try:

• Windows Update
• Startup Repair
• System Restore
• Safe Mode
• Removing a recently installed driver or application
• The affected application’s repair function

If these options do not solve the problem, continue with the backup and reset process.

Prepare before backing up

Keep the MEDION laptop connected to its mains charger, close open applications and check that the backup destination has enough space.

Some useful laptop accessories for this task include an external drive, the mains adaptor and any required USB adaptor. Keep a second drive for irreplaceable data.

Do not keep the only backup on another partition of the laptop’s internal SSD. Before copying, compare the folder size under Properties with the external drive’s free space, confirm your Microsoft account details and locate your BitLocker recovery key.

Windows laptops for work may be managed by an employer, school or another organisation. Do not reset a managed device without approval because encryption keys, security policies, backups and software licences may be controlled by the IT team.

What should you back up?

A complete MEDION laptop data backup should cover more than Documents and Pictures.

Do not copy shortcuts and assume that they are original files. Right-click a shortcut, open Properties, or follow it to find the actual file.

Avoid restoring the entire AppData folder over a clean Windows installation. It may contain damaged settings, caches and version-specific files. Back up only the application data you understand and follow the software provider’s instructions.

Which backup method is best?

For most people, the safest arrangement is:

• A complete manual copy on an external drive.
• A second verified copy in a cloud account or on another drive.

This is the most reliable way to back up laptop files before a reset because it reduces the risk of a missed folder, failed drive or incomplete cloud synchronisation.

A Recovery Drive is not a personal-file backup.

Method 1: backup MEDION laptop files to an external drive

An external drive is the clearest backup method because you can inspect copied folders and open files directly.

For smaller collections, portable USB storage may be suitable; high-capacity external hard drives are usually more practical for large photo, video, gaming or work archives.

1. Connect and identify the drive

Connect the external drive and open: File Explorer > This PC

Note the drive letter and available space. Create a clearly named folder, such as: MEDION-Backup-2026-07-20

Use Copy, not Move. Copying leaves the original files on the laptop until you are ready to reset it.

2. Copy standard personal folders

For every relevant Windows account, copy:

• Desktop
• Documents
• Downloads
• Pictures
• Videos
• Music
• Favourites
• Saved Games, where present

Check other user profiles under: C:\Users\AccountName

3. Find data stored elsewhere

Check the root of C:, any D: partition, work or study folders, media projects, coding repositories, virtual machines, games and application-specific project locations. In File Explorer, search for file types such as *.docx, *.xlsx, *.pdf, *.jpg and *.mp4.

Do not assume that another internal partition will remain untouched. Manufacturer recovery tools may handle internal drives differently.

4. Export application-specific information

Close applications before copying databases or project files.

Check and export:

• Browser bookmarks
• Outlook archives
• Accounting databases
• Password-manager recovery details
• Creative-software presets
• Virtual-machine files
• Game saves and mods
• Specialist application projects

For Microsoft Outlook, check whether important mail is stored in an online mailbox or a local PST archive. A local archive may exist only on the laptop.

5. Verify and disconnect the drive

Wait until copying has finished. Open the backup folder and confirm that recent files are present.

Test several files directly from the external drive, then use: System tray > Safely Remove Hardware and Eject Media

Disconnect the drive before starting the reset.

Method 2: create a Windows 11 backup with OneDrive

A Windows 11 backup is useful when the laptop starts normally and you use a personal Microsoft account.

Windows Backup uses OneDrive for selected folders and can remember supported settings, Wi-Fi details, passwords, accessibility options, accounts, personalisation and installed-application information.

Create the backup

• Open Start.
• Search for Windows Backup.
• Open the application.
• Sign in with the Microsoft account you will use after the reset.
• Expand Folders.
• Enable the folders you want to protect, including Desktop, Documents, Pictures, Videos and Music.
• Expand the settings categories and enable the items you want Windows to remember.
• Select Back up.

Leave the laptop connected to the internet until the backup completes.

A free Microsoft account has limited OneDrive storage. If your files exceed the available capacity, use an external drive or reduce the selected folders.

What Windows Backup may not save

Windows Backup is not a full clone. It can miss files outside selected OneDrive folders, local email archives, unsupported databases, game modifications and excluded project folders. Desktop applications may need to be downloaded and installed again.

Verify OneDrive

Open the OneDrive icon in the notification area and resolve any paused synchronisation, sign-in, storage-limit, file-name or upload warnings.

Then sign in to OneDrive in a browser, preferably on another device, and open several recent files.

Before copying OneDrive folders to an external drive, make sure online-only files have downloaded. Right-click the required folder and choose: Always keep on this device

A cloud placeholder is not a complete local copy.

Method 3: use File History

File History creates regular backups of Windows libraries and can retain previous versions of files.

To enable it:

1. Connect the external drive.
2. Open Control Panel.
3. Select System and Security.
4. Select Save backup copies of your files with File History.
5. Choose the correct drive.
6. Select Turn on.
7. Allow the first backup to finish.
8. Test restoring a non-critical file.

File History is not a system image. Keep a separate application list, encryption key and external copy of files outside its protected locations.

Save information that files cannot replace

Before you factory reset MEDION laptop, save the information needed to unlock, reactivate and rebuild Windows.

BitLocker recovery key

The BitLocker recovery key is a 48-digit number used when Windows cannot automatically unlock an encrypted drive.

It may be stored in:

• A Microsoft account
• A work or school account
• A printed copy
• A USB file
• An organisation’s IT system

Confirm that the key ID matches the laptop and store it somewhere accessible without using the MEDION device.

Accounts, applications and model details

Confirm the account used for Windows, OneDrive, Microsoft 365 and Microsoft Store purchases, and make sure you can receive verification codes.

Open Settings > Apps > Installed apps and record essential applications, legitimate licence keys, subscription logins and any deactivation requirements.

Record the MEDION model name, MSN number, serial number and Windows edition. Use the MEDION support portal after the reset if Windows Update does not provide every required driver.

Verify the backup before resetting

A backup is not complete merely because the progress bar reached 100%.

Before resetting:

• Open a recent document, spreadsheet, PDF, photo and video directly from the external drive.
• Check that large files have realistic sizes and are not zero bytes.
• Compare the Properties size and file count of important source and destination folders.
• Confirm that the newest edits appear under Date modified.
• Sign in to OneDrive from another browser or device and open recent files.
• Restore one non-critical item through File History.
• Check every relevant user profile under C:\Users.
• Confirm that the BitLocker key, account details and application list are available without the laptop.
• Safely eject and disconnect the backup drive.

For family photos, legal documents or essential business data, keep a second verified copy in another physical location.

How to back up a MEDION laptop that will not start

Do not begin a factory reset as the first response to a boot failure. Secure valuable files before using Reset this PC or performing a clean installation.

Open Windows Recovery Environment

Windows Recovery Environment, or Windows RE, may open automatically after repeated failed starts.

It includes Startup Repair, System Restore, Reset this PC, Command Prompt, Startup Settings and Uninstall Updates.

You may also open it through: Shift + Restart > Troubleshoot > Advanced options

Try Startup Repair first. System Restore may reverse certain system changes without deleting personal files, although it is not a backup.

Try Safe Mode

From Windows RE, open: Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings > Restart

Choose Safe Mode or Safe Mode with Networking. If Windows starts, copy important files to an external drive immediately.

Use recovery media carefully

A Recovery Drive or Windows installation USB can provide access to repair tools.

Choose: Repair your computer

Do not select installation, formatting or reset options until the data has been secured.

Watch for encryption or drive failure

An external SSD enclosure or technician may be able to access a removable drive from another computer. BitLocker-encrypted storage still requires the recovery key.

Stop reset attempts if the storage device is not detected, disconnects repeatedly, reports hardware or file-system errors, or causes frequent freezes.

An SSD has no moving parts and should not make clicking or grinding noises. Those sounds can indicate a failing mechanical hard drive. When valuable data is at risk, stop using the laptop and seek professional assistance.

Reset the MEDION laptop after verification

Once every important file has been checked, you can begin the reset.

Windows 11

Open:

Settings > System > Recovery > Reset PC

Choose:

• Keep my files or Remove everything
• Cloud download or Local reinstall

Windows 10

Open:

Settings > Update & Security > Recovery > Reset this PC > Get started

Read the final summary carefully and check which drives will be affected.

Before selecting Reset, connect the mains charger, disconnect the backup and unrelated USB storage, review what will be removed, check which internal drives are affected and keep the BitLocker key nearby. Do not force the laptop to shut down.

If the model uses a dedicated MEDION factory-recovery process, follow the manual for the exact MSN number. Manufacturer recovery may restore bundled applications, drivers and the original partition structure.

How to restore Medion laptop files after the reset

After Windows setup, install updates through Settings > Windows Update, check Device Manager for missing drivers and use the MEDION support portal where required. Sign in to the same Microsoft and OneDrive accounts, reinstall trusted applications, copy personal files into the appropriate folders and open several restored files before deleting any backup.

Keep the external backup unchanged until you have used the rebuilt laptop for several days and confirmed that documents, photos, email archives, projects, passwords and application data are available.

Common mistakes that cause data loss

Avoid these errors:

• Relying only on Keep my files
• Copying only Documents
• Forgetting Desktop, Downloads or other user accounts
• Assuming cloud icons mean files have uploaded
• Saving the only backup to the internal SSD
• Forgetting email archives or specialist application data
• Leaving the backup drive connected during the reset
• Skipping file-opening and restore tests
• Restoring the entire old AppData folder
• Using MEDION factory recovery without checking model-specific instructions

Backup, test, and verify

The safest way to reset MEDION laptop is to create a backup that you have tested.

Copy important folders and application data to physically separate storage, add a second copy, and save the BitLocker recovery key, account details, application list and MEDION model information.

Open files from the backup and test at least one restoration before resetting. Keep the original backup until the rebuilt laptop and all essential files have worked normally for several days.

Just so you know...

Can I reset a MEDION laptop without losing my files?

You can choose Keep my files, which is intended to preserve personal files while removing installed applications and resetting settings. Create and verify a separate backup first because a reset can fail or miss files stored outside standard locations.

What is the easiest way to back up a MEDION laptop?

Copy Desktop, Documents, Downloads, Pictures, Videos and other important folders to an external drive. Add Windows Backup and OneDrive as a second copy, then open several files before resetting.

Does Windows Backup save everything?

No. It protects selected folders through OneDrive and remembers supported settings and application information. It does not create a complete copy of every desktop application, local archive, database or custom folder.

How do I back up a MEDION laptop that will not start?

Open Windows RE and try Startup Repair or Safe Mode before resetting. Use repair media cautiously. If the drive is encrypted, you may need the BitLocker recovery key. If the drive appears to be failing, stop using it and seek professional assistance.

How do I know that the backup is complete?

Open recent files directly from the external drive, compare important folder sizes and dates, inspect every relevant user profile, confirm that OneDrive files open online and test one File History restoration. Disconnect the verified backup before starting the reset.