【Step-by-Step Guide】How to Reset an HP Laptop to Factory Settings

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If you've decided to sell your laptop, or if it's having problems, you may want to factory reset your HP laptop. In the former case, resetting will remove all data from the laptop, ensuring that the buyer can't access your files. If your device is having issues, a reset should usually fix them.

There are many reasons you might need to reset your HP laptop to its factory settings. You might be having issues with a particular function, want to improve the performance of your laptop, or simply wish to start personalizing your device anew. Whatever the case, resetting your device should help in some way.

1. Restoring an HP Laptop to Factory Settings (Windows 10/11) To reset your HP laptop to its factory settings on Windows 10 or 11, follow these steps: 1. Click the "Start" button in the bottom left corner of the screen, or press the Windows key on your keyboard. 2. In the search bar, type "recovery," then choose "Recovery Options" or navigate to "Settings" followed by the "Recovery" section. 3. On the "Recovery" settings page, you'll see the "Reset this PC" option. Click on it. 4. Next, you have two options: "Keep my files" and "Remove everything." If you want to completely erase personal data and settings, choose "Remove everything"; if you only want to undo recent changes and keep your files, select "Keep my files." 5. After making your choice, a warning will appear, confirming your decision. Read it, then click "Initialize" or "Reset" button. 6. The system will begin preparing for the reset process, which may take some time. It will then automatically restart and commence the recovery process. This can take a while, so please be patient. 7. Once the recovery is complete, your HP laptop will be restored to its factory state. You can then set up the new operating system as prompted. Please note that before proceeding, make sure to back up any important files, as the "Remove everything" option will permanently delete personal data.

One advantage of using a modern Windows operating system like Windows 10 or Windows 11 on your HP laptop is the presence of an easy-to-use reset option. Both these operating systems come with built-in features that allow you to reset your laptop's settings and all data quickly and efficiently.

Before resetting your laptop, make sure to back up your files and programs, as a full reset will remove all saved files. You can use tools like Todo Backup to backup your files. This tool offers options for both instant backup and recovery.

When you're done, use Windows 10 or 11's Reset options to restore all settings and files to their defaults. Here are the steps we list for Windows 10, but the process is similar on Windows 11.

Step 1: Press the Windows key and I at the same time to open the Settings app on your laptop. Alternatively, you can search for and open Settings from the Start menu.

Step 2. Select “Update & Security” in the Settings window.

Update security settings

Step 3: In the left sidebar, select “Recovery.” Then, under the “Reset this PC” header on the right, click “Get started.”

Step 4: You have two options for resetting your PC. If you want to do a clean reset and delete everything, choose “Remove everything.” Otherwise, select “Keep my files.”

Step 5: The Reset Wizard will ask how you'd like to reinstall Windows on your laptop. You can choose the “Cloud download” option to download and install the Windows operating system from the cloud, or you can select “Local reinstallation.”

Select Cloud Download or Local Reinstall.

Follow the on-screen instructions to reset the HP laptop. After the device resets, load the recovered data and configure settings as needed.

Related Reading: How to Backup HP Laptop on Windows 11/10/8/7

2. Reset HP Laptop Using Windows Recovery Feature (for Windows 8/7)

If your HP laptop runs Windows 7 or 8, you can still access the reset options, but the steps are slightly different from Windows 10 and 11. You can reset your computer using the Advanced Startup Options or a bootable disc for Windows 7 or 8, depending on whether or not you have one.

"Use the Advanced Startup Options"

The “Advanced Startup Options” menu is a menu on Windows 7 and 8 laptops that opens before the operating system loads. From this menu, you can choose an option to start your laptop in Safe Mode, boot the operating system with the last known good configuration, or repair your laptop. You can use the last option to reset your device.

Step 1: Turn off your HP laptop.

Step 2: Restart the HP notebook and press the F8 key repeatedly.

Step Three: On the Advanced Boot Options screen, select Repair Your Computer.

Step 4. Follow the on-screen instructions to reset your device to factory settings.

Use a bootable Windows 7 or 8 disc

If you have a bootable Windows 7 or 8 installation disc, you can use it to reset your HP laptop. Follow the steps below to use the disc.

Step one: Insert the bootable CD into your laptop, turn it on, and boot from the CD.

Step 2: Choose your language, time and keyboard from the open menu, and then click “Next.”

Step 3: Select the “Repair your computer” option to start resetting your laptop.

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Step 4. The wizard will walk you through the process of restoring your HP laptop to its original factory settings.

Conclusion

Doing a factory reset on your HP laptop lets you sell it without worrying about your data getting into the wrong hands. It also fixes issues with your laptop, like problems with apps or the system. We really suggest you back up your hard drive, files, and documents before starting the reset, so you don't lose any important stuff.