[Windows Central Question]

Will the apps installed on my memory card and its data remain safe if I remove it during formatting and reinsert after it is done?

[Robbed Time]

So remove the card before choosing "reset my phone". Pictures, videos, music are all preserved. Apps actually aren't preserved and when starting up after factory reset and inserting the sd card, it will tell you that apps exist on the card from a different phone and asking you if you want to free up the space - say yes. However all your apps will automatically get downloaded afterwards. The whole experience is quite painless, but does take a while.

[Robbed Time]

Oh and most app settings and data are also restored but depends on the app. Not all apps support this.