When it’s time to factory reset a computer, you’ve probably exhausted all your other reboot and repair options. After all, performing on a full-on factory reset isn’t exactly fun, but sometimes it’s the only thing that will get eventhe best laptopor desktop back in working order.
Difficulty
What You Need
An HP laptop with Windows 11 or 10
If you’re the proud owner of an HP laptop that that requires a factory reset, you’ll be pleased to learn that the restart process isn’t too complicated. Still though, there are some important parts of the process you won’t want to miss, so we’ve assembled this step-by-step guide to help you along the way.
However, if you’re planning to gift or sell your HP laptop, take a few minutes tocheck the laptop’s battery health. This may affect your decision, or even the laptop’s resell price.
Before proceeding, ensure any data you wish to keep has been backed up.
How to factory reset an HP laptop on Windows 11 or 10
Step 1:Open theSettingswindow on your Windows 11 or 10 laptop by pressingWindows Key+I.
Step 2:Select theUpdate and securityoption, and then selectRecovery.
Step 3:For a clean reset of the HP laptop where it goes back to its factory settings, selectGet startedsituated below theReset this PCsection.
Step 4:The next step involves choosing whether you want the files contained within your system to remain on the device after the reset is performed. SelectKeep my filesto go ahead with this particular option. you may also chooseChange settingsafter clicking this option to not restore apps and settings that came with the PC.
Alternatively, you’re able to also select theRemove everythingoption, which will completely return the system to its factory setting, meaning it will more or less be a new, fresh HP laptop with no files, programs you’ve downloaded, etc., remaining on your machine.
TheRemove files and clean the driveoption will make the device like new, while theJust remove my filessetting won’t perform a clean sweep of the hard drive.
Either way, when clicking theNextbutton for whichever method you’ve chosen, you’ll be instructed to plug your PC into a power outlet to proceed. Once the factory reset is completed, the screen will display a window to set up the HP laptop once again.
(We should probably point out that you could skip all of this and simplyinstall a new SSD in your laptop, before reinstalling Windows, so everything is as good as new.)
How to factory reset an HP laptop without a password
Step 1:Reboot the HP laptop by making sure it’s completely shut down and then turn it on again.
Step 2:Select theF11button immediately after the system has booted to accessTroubleshooting. Please note that you may need to use other F keys such asF9orF10if F11 doesn’t work for you.
Step 3:SelectTroubleshootand then choose theReset this PCoption. Simply follow the steps outlined from the previous section to complete the factory reset process.
Can you factory reset an HP laptop running Windows 7 or 8?
If your HP laptop is running Windows 7 or 8, you’ll still be able to perform a factory reset of the machine. For Windows 7, the steps to do so are slightly different than modern Windows OS types.
For Dell notebooks running Windows 8, your factory reset options are identical to the steps you’d follow for a Windows 11 or 10 reset.
Factory resetting your Windows 7 Dell laptop (when it boots correctly)
Step 1:Start up the laptop, then head to the Control Panel.
Step 2:ClickSystem Security>System>System protection>System restore.
Step 3:You’ll have the choice of resetting to your most recent restore point (RecommendedRestore), or a restore point of your choosing (Choose a different restore point).
Step 4:ClickNext>Finish. Then, clickYesto begin the restoration.
Factory resetting your Windows 7 Dell laptop (when it doesn’t boot)
Step 1:Begin by restarting your computer. During the actual restart, press theF8key once per second until your Dell displays the Advanced Boot Options screen.
Step 2:Using your keyboard’s arrow keys, highlightRepair Your Computerand clickEnter.
Step 3:Choose your language settings, then clickNext.
Step 4:Log in as the administrator, then clickOK. Then, clickSystem Restore>Next.
Step 5:Choose whether or not you’d like to restore from the most recent restore point (the default), or click theShow more restore pointsbox and search for a different point.
Step 6:ClickYesto begin the restoration. When the restore is finished, clickRestart.
Need to reset Windows on another type of computer? See our guide onhow to factory reset the different versions of Windowsregardless of your system manufacturer.
