To factory reset a laptop, typically running Windows 10 or Windows 11, follow these general steps:
- Back up all important files and data, as the reset will erase everything on the laptop.
- Open the Start menu and go to Settings.
- For Windows 10, navigate to Update & Security > Recovery. For Windows 11, go to System > Recovery.
- Find the option called "Reset this PC" and click on it or select "Get Started."
- Choose whether to keep your files or remove everything.
- Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the factory reset process.
If the laptop cannot start normally, you can access the Windows Recovery Environment by holding the Shift key while clicking Restart, then select Troubleshoot > Reset this PC and proceed with the reset options. Some laptops may also have recovery partitions accessible via function keys during startup (e.g., F11 for HP laptops) for factory reset. This process reinstalls Windows and restores the device to its original factory state, deleting all personal data and settings.
