To factory reset an HP laptop running Windows 10 or Windows 11, follow these general steps:
- Back up any important files as the reset will erase personal data.
- Ensure the laptop is plugged into a power source during the process.
- For Windows 10:
- Click the Start button.
- Go to Settings > Update & Security > Recovery.
- Click "Get Started" under "Reset this PC."
- Choose either "Keep my files" to retain personal files or "Remove everything" to fully reset.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the reset.
- For Windows 11:
- Open the Start menu.
- Go to Settings > System > Recovery.
- Click "Reset this PC."
- Choose the preferred option between keeping files or removing everything.
- Follow the prompts to reset the laptop.
If the laptop won't start normally, you can initiate a factory reset through the recovery environment by pressing F11 during startup, then selecting Troubleshoot > Reset this PC and following the instructions. Be sure to back up important files before starting, as resetting will delete files if you choose to remove everything. The entire process can take from 15 minutes to a few hours depending on the options selected and system speed.
