Top 3 Ways to Factory Reset HP Laptop

By Last Updated: January 9, 2024

After using it for some time, your HP laptop starts having technical glitches or performance issues. To make your HP computer perform well, you need to reset it to its factory setting. Or you want to sell it to buy a new laptop of another brand. Factory reset will help you erase all your data to bring it to its original settings.

Your HP laptop or desktop will have some important files and data that you want to keep. You should save all your valuable data to another external hard drive by taking the same from your HP computer. To factory reset your HP personal computer, you can choose an ideal option – Windows Settings, Hard Reset, and Windows Recovery Environment.  

Factory Reset HP Laptop with Windows Settings 

  • To open the Settings app, simply press the Windows key and I at a time
  • Navigate your way down to the bottom part of the screen, where you will find the Update & Security option

  • On the left-hand sidebar, locate and select the Recovery feature
  • In the right pane, under the Recovery section, look for the Reset this PC option
  • Give a gentle click to the Get started button right under the Reset this PC option

  • Windows will then gradually reboot, taking you to the Choose an option window
  • Select the ideal one from the available two choices: For option one – Keep my files -> Click Next -> Then, select Reset. For the option two – Remove everything -> Opt for Only the drive where Windows is installed or All drives -> Make a choice between Just remove my files and Remove files and clean the drive -> Finally, click on Reset

  • Now, be patient and wait for the process to wrap up

Factory Reset HP Laptop with Hard Reset 

  • Disconnect or unplug your peripheral devices, such as the external display, USB drive, printer, and the power supply
  • Power off your HP laptop
  • Flip it over and locate the battery compartment cover
  • Using a screwdriver, remove the screws securing the cover in place
  • Gently extract the battery from its slot
  • Press and hold the Power button for a minimum of 15 seconds to completely discharge any remaining electrical charge
  • Carefully reinsert the battery in the correct orientation, then place the cover back in position and secure it by tightening the screws
  • Press the Power button to start the HP laptop reboot
  • If a startup menu appears, select Start Windows Normally and press Enter
  • After a successful startup, begin reconnecting your peripheral devices to your HP laptop one by one

Factory Reset HP Laptop with Windows Recovery Environment

  • Before you move to resetting your HP laptop to its factory settings, please disconnect all external devices such as USB drives and printers
  • Begin the reset process by powering on your computer and pressing the F11 key rapidly and repeatedly. Continue pressing until you observe the Choose an option window
  • In the Choose an option menu, select the Troubleshoot option. After that, click on Reset this PC. Here, you’ll have the choice to either perform a Cloud download or a Local reinstall. This step is optional
  • After selecting your desired download method, you can further decide whether to Keep my files or Remove everything from your HP laptop. Make your choice based on your particular needs and preferences
  • Finally, follow the instructions appearing on the screen to successfully factory reset your HP laptop