This article explains how to factory reset an HP laptop. If you are experiencing a large number of malfunctions using the laptop, sometimes the best solution may be to reset the operating system to factory settings. The only drawback of this solution is that all information on the computer hard drive will be erased. For this reason, it's best to back up any personal or important files on your laptop before starting.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Use Windows Settings
Step 1. Back up any data you want to keep
It involves making a copy of all the documents, images, videos and any other file types on the laptop disk that you want to keep. You can back up using an external hard drive, portable USB memory drive with large storage capacity, or optical media. Alternatively, you can use a clouding service such as Dropbox or Google Drive. Any data that you will not include in the backup will be deleted during the restore phase.
Read this article for more details on how to backup data on a Windows 10 system
Step 2. Access the "Start" menu by clicking on the icon
It features the Windows logo and is located in the lower left corner of the desktop. Alternatively, press the ⊞ Win key on your keyboard.
Step 3. Launch the Settings app by clicking on the icon
It features a gear icon and is located at the bottom left of the "Start" menu.
Step 4. Click on "Update & Security"
It is the last option in the window that appeared and is characterized by an icon consisting of two curved arrows.
Step 5. Click on the Restore tab
It is present on the left sidebar of the page and is characterized by an icon depicting a clock enclosed within a circular arrow.
Step 6. Click the Get Started button
It is located within the "Reset your PC" section, visible at the top of the window.
Step 7. Click on the Remove All option
It is the second item displayed in the pop-up window that appears. The computer recovery process will begin. This step may take some time to complete, during which the computer will be restarted several times. Make sure your computer is plugged in and the battery is charged.
You can also choose the other recovery option, which is "Keep my files". In this case the Windows operating system will be reinstalled, but without formatting the hard drive of the computer. This procedure may solve current problems, but it is certainly not 100%
Method 2 of 2: Use the Advanced Start Menu
Step 1. Back up any data you want to keep
It involves making a copy of all the documents, images, videos and any other file types on the laptop disk that you want to keep. You can back up using an external hard drive, portable USB memory drive with large storage capacity, or optical media. Alternatively, you can use a clouding service such as Dropbox or Google Drive. Any data that you will not include in the backup will be deleted during the restore phase.
Read this article for more information on how to back up data on a Windows 10 system
Step 2. Restart or turn on the laptop
If your computer is already on, shut it down using the appropriate button or the Windows "Start" menu. When the system is completely shut down, turn it on again. If the laptop is already turned off, start it as you normally do.
Step 3. Immediately press the F11 function key repeatedly
Do this before the HP logo appears on the screen during the boot process; this will display the advanced boot menu. If the indicated menu does not appear on the screen, repeat the step by restarting the computer and trying again. You may have to try multiple times before you are successful.
Step 4. Click on the Advanced Options item
It is visible within the "Automatic Repair" section.
Step 5. Click on the Troubleshoot option
It is the second item displayed in the center of the menu and is characterized by an icon depicting a screwdriver and a hammer.
Step 6. Click on Reset your PC
It is the second option displayed in the center of the left side of the screen. It is characterized by a circular icon resting on a horizontal bar.
Step 7. Click on Remove All
It is the second option at the bottom of the window. Preparing the computer for recovery will take a few minutes.
You can also choose the other recovery option, which is "Keep my files". In this case, the Windows operating system will be reinstalled, but without formatting the hard drive of the computer. This procedure may solve current problems, but it is certainly not 100%
Step 8. Click on the All Drives option
This will format all hard drives or partitions on your computer and then reinstall the Windows operating system.
Step 9. Click the Restore button
The process of restoring your HP laptop will then begin. This step will take some time to complete, during which the system will be restarted several times.
