Windows 8 includes a reset function that restores the operating system to a clean state and scrubs data applications from the disk. Windows 8 can also refresh itself, restoring the system to its original state while saving data and applications. The option is meant for fixing operating system problems that may arise without risking data already stored on the machine. It does not replace “multi-pass scrubbing operations” that might be required for regulatory compliance, Microsoft’s Steven Sinofsky says. Refresh also restores applications based on Microsoft’s Metro design language, but not traditional third-party applications.”]