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How to Factory reset HP Laptop

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If you have encountered an HP system failure or several performance issues for that matter, you need to know how to factory reset HP Laptop to get it back up and running again. 

Doing so will automatically get rid of so many performance errors. All without needing to contact tech support. Factory resetting your HP Laptop removes any possible malware, enhances performance, and makes it feel like a new one for the next user. 

We will discuss all possible ways step-by-step to restore a HP Laptop to factory settings, either by removing your personal information or by retaining it.

Firstly you need to be aware of your Windows version. Factory Reset Windows 11 & 10 allows comparatively much easier resetting. Other versions require system backups and additional steps.

HP Laptop factory reset without password

We shall discuss 4 ways to approach this:

  1. Via Windows Settings
  2. Via Windows Recovery Environment
  3. Via Hard Reset
  4. Via HP Recovery Tool / Manager

How to Factory Reset HP Laptop via Windows Settings (if Windows boots up normally)

Here is how to reset a HP laptop using simple steps:

  1. Press ‘Windows + I” to open up Settings.
  2. Scroll down and click on “Updates & Security”
  3. Click on the “Recovery” option from the left side panel
  4. Find and select the “Reset this PC” section under Recovery from the right sidebar
  5. Click on “Get Started”
  6. You will be presented with a “Choose an Option” window
  7. Now to retain your files, Keep my Files > Next > Reset
  8. You will be asked to answer the on-screen questions as to whether you would like to download Windows from the cloud or install it locally.
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How to Factory Reset HP Laptop via Windows Settings
How to Factory Reset HP Laptop via Windows Settings to reset PC

Just give it some time to complete your HP factory reset.

How to Factory Reset an HP Laptop using Windows Recovery environment (if Windows doesn’t boot up normally)

Here is how to reset HP Laptop using Windows Recovery Environment:

    1. First, get rid of all peripheral devices like USB, printers, or speakers.
    2. Turn your laptop ON, and repeatedly press your F11 key.
    3. When you see a “Choose an Option” window, stop pressing the F11 key.
    4. Go to “Troubleshoot” > Reset this PC
    5. Yet again, you will be asked to install your Windows locally or from Cloud
    6. Choose either “Keep my Files” or “Remove Everything”
    7. From here on, just answer and follow the on-screen instructions to reset your laptop to factory settings.
    8. Hit “Reset”
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How to Factory Reset an HP Laptop using Windows Recovery environment
How to Factory Reset an HP Laptop using Windows Recovery environment with cloud install
This Factory Reset HP process too might take a while. So try not to cut it off and let it run its course.

How to Factory Reset a HP Laptop Using HP Recovery Manager

All the laptops before 2018 have pre-installed HP Recovery Manager or HP Recovery Tool. If you have such an earlier system then using this method might also be a great option. Especially for Windows 7 & 8.

  1. Press Windows, search, and open up “HP Recovery Manager”.

     

Now on this window, you have both section 1 & section 2 options under the “Help” section

  • Windows System Reset is for retaining your laptop files while replacing your Windows.
  • Windows Recovery Environment is for either keeping or removing all your files and starting over with a fresh Windows installation
How to Factory Reset a HP Laptop Using HP Recovery Manager
From here on out, you need to follow the instructions mentioned in the earlier part of the blog to reset your HP laptop.

How to Hard Reset HP Laptop

Here is how to hard reset on HP Laptop:

  1. Make sure to remove all external devices like speakers, drives, and chargers.
  2. Shut down your HP Laptop
  3. Turn it over and remove your battery by undoing the screws
  4. Take it out and place it gently
  5. Press and Hold the power button for 15 seconds to get rid of any leftover electrical charge
  6. Place your battery back correctly by tightening the screws.
  7. Restart HP Laptop by pressing the power button.
  8. A startup menu appears, choose “Start Windows Normally”.
  9. Press “Enter”
  10. You can reconnect your devices after a successful startup.
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How to Hard Reset HP Laptop
From here on out, you need to follow the instructions mentioned in the earlier part of the blog to reset your HP laptop.

Tips for resetting your HP Laptop

  • Clear CMOS: Clearing your CMOS and reset BIOS on HP Laptop to eradicate any hardware-related issues.
  • HP Cloud Recovery Tool: Try exploring this tool for advanced recovery options, if you have the latest HP system.
  • Backup Drivers: For optimal performance, try reinstalling and restoring your drivers after the reset process.
  • Try Data Recover Software (optional): Aside from Win Recovery (WinRE), HP Recovery Manager, and cloud, you can also opt for third-party recovery software for Laptop data recovery after a reset.
  • Create a Recovery Drive: In case HP Factory default restore like “Keep my files” and “Cloud recovery” do not work. Be sure to transfer and store all possible personal data into a USB or a Hard drive beforehand, which can be later inserted to access recovery media and restore all your files in place.
  • User Accounts: Resetting your HP Laptop will remove any existing user accounts and passwords. You may have to set up your account again.

FAQs

What to do if I forgot password windows 10?

In case you forgot your Windows 10 password, here is how to unlock HP Laptop forgot password without disk:

(When using a Microsoft account)

The First Method is to click the ‘Reset password’ option from the sign-in screen. Follow the on-screen instructions to resolve forgot password on HP Laptop issue.

(Without using a Microsoft Account)

When you enter the wrong password, a link appears that suggests you should reset your password. Click on it and answer the security questions to proceed with HP Laptop forgot password process.

I could not find the Recovery Environment (WinRE)?

The reason that you could not find the recovery environment Windows 10 is because your WinRE is disabled or a broken installation disk.

Here is how you can enable Windows recovery environment:

  • Go to your Windows search and type CMD
  • Right-click on it and select “Run as administrator”
  • When the window appears, type reagentc/info and hit Enter
  • If it shows as disabled, type reagentc/enable.

How to unlock HP Laptop forgot password without disk?

There are 4 ways to approach user password reset Windows 10 without disk:

  • HP Recovery Manager (explained above)
  • Factory Reset (explained above)
  • Use Command Prompt

Restart Laptop > Press F8.
Click Safe Mode > Enter
Type net username and new password 

  • Password Reset Tool

Ophrasack and iSeePassword are best options

What is Recovery Partition?

Recovery Partition Windows can come in handy in case of a factory reset. It is a reserved space on your HDD, that has a copy of your system and all of its default configurations. You can access this partition in case of system failure,

Here is how to access your Recovery partition:

Go to “Updates & Security” > “Recovery” > Open System Restore

What is NTFS recovery?

NFTS data recovery is a software for recovering files from corrupted NFTS hard drives. It accesses files of all formats.

NTFS file recovery is thorough and can scan Doc files, PPTX files, charts, archived data, images, videos, audio from your Hard disk, SSD, and other external storage devices.

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