How to Reset an HP Laptop

This How.com.vn teaches you how to do a factory reset on your HP laptop. If your HP laptop is experiencing a lot of issues, sometimes a factory reset can be a quick way to fix your computer. The only problem with this solution is that you will lose all the data on your computer. It is recommended that you backup any files you want to keep before you begin.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Using Windows Settings

1
Backup any data you want to keep. This includes all the documents, pictures, music, videos, and whatever else you want to keep. You can backup your data using an external hard drive, a large USB drive or optical disk. You can also use online file storage such as Dropbox or Google Drive. Anything you don't backup will be lost during the reset process.
- Follow Back Up Your Files in Windows 10 for more information.
It's the button with the Windows logo in the bottom-left corner in the taskbar.
It's the icon that looks like a gear in the left-most column of the Start menu.
It's the last option below the icon with two revolving arrows.
It's in the column to the left, next to an icon that looks like a clock inside an arrow.
It's below the top option that says "Reset this PC".
7
Click Remove everything. It's the second bar on the bottom. This will begin the process of resetting your computer. This process may take a while and your computer will restart several times during the process. Make sure your computer is plugged in and has plenty of battery life.
- You can also click "Keep my files." This option will reinstall Windows without removing your files. This may fix some of your computer problems, but might not be as effective.
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Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Using Advanced Startup

1
Backup any data you want to keep. This includes all the documents, pictures, music, videos, and whatever else you want to keep. You can backup your data using an external hard drive, a large USB drive or optical disk. You can also use online file storage such as Dropbox or Google Drive. Anything you don't backup will be lost during the reset process.
- Follow Back Up Your Files in Windows 10 for more information.
If your laptop is currently on, shut it down using the power button, or the Windows start button. Once it shuts down, power it back on. If your laptop is already shut down, power it on.
Before you see the HP logo during the start up process, press F11 repeatedly. This will take you to the advanced startup option. If the computer doesn't startup in advanced startup mode, restart it and try again. It may take a few tries.
It's in the screen that says "Automatic Repair".
It's the second option in the middle, next to the icon with some tools.
It's the second option in the middle, on the left. It's next to an icon with a circular arrow above a white bar.
7
Click Remove Everything. It's the second option on the bottom. It will take a few minutes to get everything ready.
- You can also click "Keep my files." This option will reinstall Windows without removing your files. This may fix some of your computer problems, but might not be as effective.
This option will remove everything on your HP laptop and reinstall Windows.
9
Click Reset. This will begin the process of resetting your HP laptop. This may take a while, and your PC will restart several times throughout the process.
- Make sure your laptop is plugged in. It's also a good idea to make sure you have at least 50% battery life.
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Expert Q&A

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When should you do a factory reset on a laptop?
Luigi Oppido
Computer & Tech Specialist
Luigi Oppido is the Owner and Operator of Pleasure Point Computers in Santa Cruz, California. Luigi has over 25 years of experience in general computer repair, data recovery, virus removal, and upgrades. He is also the host of the Computer Man Show! broadcasted on KSQD covering central California for over two years.
Luigi Oppido
Computer & Tech Specialist
Expert Answer
The most common time you would want to do a factory reset is if you're giving the computer away or selling it. The reset will remove most of your data from the machine, so when the next person gets it, they'll have to go through the initial setup again with their own username, Wi-Fi information, and so on.
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Question
Does resetting my HP laptop remove the existing Windows account?
ResolvedSpirit
Community Answer
Yes. Resetting formats the laptop to the state it was in before anybody did things to it. You will be free to change settings and download what you want after you reset.
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Question
Does resetting my laptop have any effect on my graphic card?
Community Answer
No, it does not.
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