Users sometimes ask how they can reset their system -- this is called factory reset. ^[1] Two major methods exist.

Re-install method: Delete Whonix ™ -- or just delete VMs intended for factory reset -- and re-install the most recent (stable) version of Whonix ™. This is a "cleaner" and more comprehensive method which will return the system to near vendor defaults. However, this option is less convenient as important user data must first be migrated (if applicable). ^[2] See also Upgrade vs Image Re-Installation.
Reset settings method: This will reset settings to vendor defaults as much as possible. This method is imperfect and cannot undo all user modifications or solve all issues.

Footnotes[edit]

↑ In the Whonix ™ case it is not really a factory reset because at the time of writing the platform is software-only and not hardware-related. Therefore, strictly speaking no factory defaults exist. However, vendor settings reset is harder for users to understand and factory reset has a nicer ring to it.
↑ In case of Whonix-Gateway ™: Tor Entry Guards.