HP laptops are great machines for work, study, and play. They boot up fast, run smoothly, and help you tackle all sorts of tasks.
But every once in a while, even the most reliable laptops can have issues. Maybe it’s running slower? Or just not doing things as well as it used to? Or perhaps you’re thinking of selling or donating it, and you want to wipe everything clean. That’s when a factory reset becomes the perfect solution. It’s like giving your laptop a fresh start.
We’ll take you through everything you need to know about factory resetting your HP laptop, step-by-step. Ready? Then let us show you how quick and easy it is…
What is a factory reset?
A factory reset, sometimes called a "system restore" or "hard reset," is the process of returning your HP laptop to its original state. Just like it was when it first came out of the box.
This means all your personal files, apps, and settings will be wiped clean, and the operating system will be reinstalled. It's a reboot for your laptop, clearing out unwanted clutter and fixing any issues that might have built up over time. A factory reset might be able to sort out things like sluggish performance, software glitches, and even viruses or malware that have crept into your system.
Remember - this process erases all the data stored on your laptop. So, before you hit the reset button, it’s important to back up your files first.
Backup your important files
Here are some common options for backing up your files:
External hard drive or USB drive. One of the easiest ways to back up files is by using an external hard drive or USB flash drive. Simply plug in your storage device, then drag and drop your files into it.
Cloud storage services. Use cloud storage services like Google Drive, OneDrive, or Dropbox to backup your files. This method is especially handy if you want to access your files on different devices after the reset.
Backup software. You can use software like Windows Backup to create an entire backup of your system. This lets you easily restore all your files and apps after the factory reset.
Now that your files are safely backed up, you're ready for the factory reset.
Factory reset using Windows settings
For most HP laptops running Windows 10 or 11, doing a factory reset through the built-in settings is the easiest method - as follows:
Go to Settings. Click on the Start menu (the Windows icon in the bottom-left corner), and then click on the Settings icon (the gear-shaped symbol).
Navigate to Recovery. Select Update & Security and then click on Recovery from the left-hand menu.
Start the reset. Under the "Reset this PC" section, click on Get started and choose Remove everything. This option deletes everything—personal files, apps, and settings—returning the laptop to its factory state.
Confirm and reset. Follow the prompts to confirm your decision, and then your laptop will start the resetting process. This might take some time, depending on how your laptop’s performing.
Set up your laptop again. Once the reset is complete, your laptop will restart and prompt you to go through the initial setup process, just like when you first got the laptop. Follow the on-screen instructions to get everything back up and running. Obviously if you’re planning on selling your laptop, you can skip this stage!
Reset using Recovery Manager
HP laptops also come with a built-in tool called HP Recovery Manager. This is an easy way to reset your laptop if Windows isn’t working properly.
Steps for password-protected laptops
If your HP laptop is password-protected, you might be asked to enter your login credentials during the reset process. Here’s how to do this:
Turn off your HP laptop. And then turn it back on.
Press F11 repeatedly. Do this as soon as the HP logo appears during startup. This will launch the HP Recovery Manager.
Choose System Recovery. Select Troubleshoot, then Recovery Manager, and finally click on System Recovery.
Reset your laptop. Choose Restore to Factory Defaults to begin the reset process.
Complete the process. Follow the on-screen instructions, and your laptop will reset to its factory condition.
Steps for laptops without a password
If you’ve forgotten the password to your HP laptop, don’t lose hope! You can still perform a factory reset using HP Recovery Manager:
Shut down your laptop. Then turn it back on. Press F11 during startup to access the Recovery Manager.
Select Troubleshoot. From the recovery options, choose Troubleshoot and then Advanced Options.
Choose Reset Option. Select Factory Reset or Restore to Factory Defaults. The exact wording depends on your model.
Follow the on-screen instructions. The laptop will begin the reset process, and it’ll be back to its factory condition soon!
Hard reset for hardware troubleshooting
Sometimes, your laptop issues might be related to hardware. If so, a hard reset (or power reset) can help clear out errors:
Shut down your HP laptop completely.
Disconnect all external devices such as USB drives, printers, or monitors.
If your laptop has a removable battery, take it out to make sure the laptop is completely powered off.
Press and hold the power button for about 15 seconds. This gets rid of residual power from your laptop’s internal components.
Reinsert the battery (if you removed it), plug in the charger, and power the laptop back on.
Factory reset from BIOS settings
You can also reset your HP laptop from the BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) settings. Think of this method as a last resort. If you're unable to boot into Windows or use other recovery tools, it just might work:
Power off your laptop. And then, power it back on.
Enter BIOS. As soon as the HP logo appears, press the F10 key to enter the BIOS settings.
Navigate to the Recovery tab. Use the arrow keys to navigate to the Recovery tab in the BIOS menu.
Select Reset. Choose the option to Restore Defaults or Reset to Factory Defaults.
Confirm your reset. Follow the on-screen prompts to confirm the reset, and your laptop will return to its original factory state.
Need more help?
If you’re having a problem with your laptop, you don’t have to try and solve it yourself. Currys 25/7 tech support team solves over 80% of computer issues instantly, and you can call them for advice at any time. They can help with almost any piece of tech including laptops, tablets, printers and scanners.
If you’re thinking about buying a new laptop, we’ve got the latest Ai-powered models from HP. Check out HP Omnibook X 14”: your Ai powerhouse, HP Pavilion x360: a first-class student laptop, and HP Envy 16 x360: made for entertainment.
