To factory reset your HP laptop running Windows 10 or Windows 11, follow these steps:
Preparation before Reset
- Back up your important files to an external drive or cloud storage to avoid data loss.
- Sign out of online accounts and deactivate any licensed software if necessary.
- Disconnect all peripherals and ensure your laptop is plugged into a power source
Factory Reset via Windows Settings (Windows 10 and 11)
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Open the Start menu.
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For Windows 10: Go to Settings > Update & Security > Recovery.
For Windows 11: Go to Settings > System > Recovery. -
Click Reset this PC (or Get Started under Reset this PC).
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Choose one of the following options:
- Keep my files : Resets apps and settings but keeps your personal files.
- Remove everything : Deletes all files, apps, and settings, restoring the laptop to factory defaults.
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Choose how to reinstall Windows:
- Cloud download : Downloads a fresh copy from Microsoft (recommended for major issues).
- Local reinstall : Uses files on your device (faster for minor issues).
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Confirm your choices and click Reset to begin the process.
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The reset may take several hours and your laptop will restart multiple times
Factory Reset Using HP Recovery Manager (If Windows is not accessible)
- Turn off your HP laptop.
- Turn it on and immediately press F11 repeatedly as soon as the HP logo appears to launch the HP Recovery Manager.
- Select Troubleshoot > Recovery Manager > System Recovery.
- Choose Restore to Factory Defaults and follow the on-screen instructions.
- The process will erase your data and restore the laptop to its original factory state
Notes:
- The "Remove everything" option will delete all your personal data, so ensure backups are made.
- Keep your laptop plugged in during the entire reset process to avoid interruptions.
- If your laptop is password-protected, you may need to enter your login credentials during the reset
This method works for most HP laptops running Windows 10 or 11 and provides a clean start by restoring factory settings.
