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How to reset HP laptop

Reset your HP laptop with one of these methods

Updated: Apr 21, 2023 10:35 am
How to reset HP laptop

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This article will take you through the steps required to know how to reset HP laptop.

Factory resetting your HP laptop could be a quick and effective solution if you’re experiencing persistent system problems. Or, you can safely remove personal data by restoring the laptop to its factory settings if you recently purchased a new computer and wish to recycle your old laptop.

How to factory reset HP laptop

Follow the given steps to reset your HP laptop:

Step

1

Open Windows settings

Press Windows key + I for the Settings app to launch. Or search for settings in Windows search bar in the bottom left.

Step

2

Update & Security

Choose Update & Security at the bottom of the list of options.

Step

3

Recovery

Select Recovery from the menu on the left.

windows settings update and security recovery

Step

4

Reset this PC

Look for “Reset this PC” under Recovery from the right panel.

Then select the “Get Started” option.

Windows 11 Reset This PC a

Step

5

Choose an option

You will see a pop-up saying “Choose an option”.

You can choose “Keep my files” or “Remove everything”, depending on whether you want to perform a full factory reset or wish to keep your personal files.

reset this pc keep my files remove everything

Step

6

Complete reset process

Choose how you’d like to reinstall Windows, making sure you have chosen to download and reinstall Windows.

Double check the settings to see that they are how you wish, then click ‘Reset’

The operating system will then be installed again, and your machine will restart.

How to reset HP laptop with Windows Recovery Environment

Another way to reset your laptop is through the Windows recovery environment:

  1. Uninstall all external hardware from the HP laptop, including external drives and printers.
  2. Repeatedly press the F11 key as soon as your computer turns on.
  3. When you see the Select an option window, let go of the key.
  4. After choosing Troubleshoot, press Reset this PC.
  5. Choose between a local reinstall and a cloud download. 
  6. Select Delete everything or Retain my files.
  7. After that, reset the HP laptop to factory settings by following the on-screen directions.

How to hard reset HP laptop

  1. Ensure that every peripheral device, including the USB drive, printer, and power supply is unplugged or taken out of the frame.
  2. Shut off your HP computer.
  3. Look for the battery area cover as you turn the device over.
  4. To remove the cover, unscrew the screws using the screwdriver.
  5. Gently remove the battery.
  6. Press and hold the Power button to discharge any remaining electrical charge for about 15 seconds.
  7. Correctly insert the battery, replace the cover, and screw back the screws on.
  8. Click the Power button. 
  9. If a startup option appears, choose Start Windows Normally and press Enter.
  10. After a successful start, re-connect each peripheral device to the HP laptop one at a time.

How to factory reset HP laptop without password

Here are the steps to factory reset your HP laptop without a password:

  1. Make sure the HP laptop is turned off, then restart it by pressing the power button.
  2. As soon as the computer starts up, press the F11 key to enter Troubleshooting. Please be aware that if F11 doesn’t work, you might need to try F9 or F10.
  3. After choosing Troubleshoot, select Reset this PC. To perform a factory reset, just adhere to the instructions from the previous section.

How to reset HP laptop FAQs

How to prevent a factory reset by keeping your Windows drivers up to date?

You should keep your laptop’s drivers updated to avoid having to reset your HP laptop to fix a significant issue. The good thing is that Windows updates most of your laptop’s drivers automatically. Nonetheless, there can be situations when updating drivers manually is necessary.

You can accomplish that by using the Device Manager. To get started, launch it from the Start button and then look in the list of devices for the device that requires updating. To update the driver, select it with the right click.

How to update drivers on Windows 10?

Open Device Manager and right-click the software you want to update your drivers for in Windows 10. Update all the drivers that need to be updated manually.

How to reset HP laptop : Final word

We’ve reached the end of explaining all the ways you can reset your HP laptop! Now that we’ve shown you how to reset HP laptop, you can go ahead and enjoy a fresh installation. Don’t forget to check out our other laptop guides and laptop how-tos across the website.


As a Junior Staff Writer, Jack is involved in writing and maintaining a bunch of hardware guides & reviews. With an interest in PC gaming, he now focuses on writing about monitors, headsets, and more.

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