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You won’t have to reset your laptop to its factory settings often. However, if you’re experiencing technical problems, you must know how to reset your HP laptop. 

For example, I realized my PC started slowing down a few months ago. 

I was also experiencing high system usage, even though I wasn’t using any programs that used that many resources. 

After exhausting my options, I had to learn how to completely reset my HP laptop. 

In this guide, I’ll show you how to factory reset an HP laptop and explain why you should do so. 

Let’s begin. 

What Is a Factory Reset?

A factory reset is a process that allows you to restore a device, like your HP laptop, to its original configuration and settings as if it had just been taken from the factory.

All the information, programs, and settings added or changed since the device was initially configured are deleted.

This can be helpful if your laptop has software issues or if you want to remove any personal information before selling or giving it as a gift.

When you learn how to factory reset an HP laptop, it completely erases the laptop’s hard disk.

So, ensure you have a backup copy of any crucial files before doing a factory reset.

Why Do You Need to Factory Reset Your HP Laptop?

As a Windows user, I only reinstall my operating system when absolutely necessary.

You should do the same because you’ll lose all installed programs and apps, including your preferred settings.

Here are the reasons most users learn how to restore an HP laptop to factory settings:

  1. Performance issues: My computer became slow over time because of large and corrupt files, problematic settings, and broken applications. That caused me to learn how to factory reset my HP computer. If you experience performance issues, you can reset your PC to restore the operating system’s initial performance. 
  2. Software and hardware issues: Reinstalling the operating system can resolve conflicts between applications, system faults, and hardware driver issues by wiping out user-installed programs and preferences and replacing system files.
  3. Malware and viruses: If my computer is plagued with malware or viruses that persist after I run antivirus software, I can improve security by wiping the drive and resetting the system. 
  4. Fix update issues: Sometimes, compatibility or instability issues can occur after installing system updates. A factory reset can reverse these updates and fix any resulting issues.

Tips before Resetting a Laptop

I often recommend users create a system backup before resetting their HP laptops, regardless of the operating system. 

Even if you plan to sell, donate, or recycle your PC, you may need to reload or transfer your data to a new device. 

You can schedule regular backups to avoid losing essential data if your system gets corrupted. 

PRO TIP
Even though you can back up your data to an external hard drive, consider backing up your data to cloud storage in case something happens to your hard drive. 

Also read: Quick Fix: How to Easily Factory Reset Your Dell Laptop

How to Factory Reset Your HP Laptop

If you want to know how to reset your HP laptop, follow the various methods below:

If you can log into Windows, use the various methods below. It’s a straightforward process. However, if you can’t log into Windows, check the next section to perform an HP factory reset from the boot. 

Method 1: Use the “Reset this PC” option

Here’s how to use the Reset this PC option to reset your HP laptop:

  • Type Reset this PC in your Windows search bar and open it. 
Reset This PC
  • Choose Reset PC. 
System Recovery Reset This PC
  • If you don’t want to lose your data, choose Keep my files. If not, choose Remove everything. 
Choose an option
For most users, the Reset this PC option should be enough to fix problems and restore your computer to its original state. When you choose the Advanced startup option, you’ll have to reboot your laptop from a USB drive or a disk. You should only use the Go back to an earlier build option if you have a specific cause. 

Related: How to Factory Reset a Windows 10 & 11 Computer 

Method 2: Use Recovery Mode to reset the HP laptop

Here’s how to factory reset your HP laptop using Recovery Mode:

  • Turn off your computer if it’s turned on. 
  • If you have external devices connected to your laptop, like USB drivers and printers, remove them. 
  • Switch on your PC and press the F11 key quickly and repeatedly.
  • Stop pressing the key when you see the Choose an option window.
  • Select Troubleshoot, and then click Reset this PC.
Troubleshoot Reset This PC
  • Select your preferred option: Cloud download or Local reinstall.

Reset This PC cloud download or local reinstall

  • Choose your preferred option: Remove everything or Keep my files.
  • Follow the on-screen instructions to reset the HP laptop to factory settings.

That’s how to factory reset an HP laptop without turning it on. If this method doesn’t work, proceed to the next method. 

You can also learn how to reset your HP laptop with a keyboard by pressing Ctrl + Alt + Delete keys. A menu window will appear on your screen. Click the restart button. When your PC restarts, press F11 repeatedly and follow the prompts discussed in the method above to reset your device. 

Related: [PRO FIX] There Was a Problem Resetting Your PC Error/

Method 3: Use the Microsoft Media Creation Tool

You can use the Microsoft Media Creation Tool to create a replica of your data by using an ISO file, typically an ISO image. You can then easily restore the laptop using DVDs and CDs.

Follow the steps below to learn how to use the MS Media Creation Tool to reinstall the OS and save files:

  • Go to the Microsoft official site and download the Media Creation Tool.
  • Double-click on the file to run it. 
This PC Bootcamp
  • Accept the license terms and select Upgrade this PC now.
  • Click Next to proceed and wait until the latest files and updates are installed. 
  • Decide what you want to keep, click Next, and then Install to reinstall your OS. 
  • When your HP laptop reboots, its configurations and settings will be saved. 

How to Factory Reset Your HP Laptop without Password

Performing an HP laptop factory reset without a password is particularly handy, especially if you forget your password. Follow the steps below:

  • The first step is to shut down your laptop. 
  • Switch on your PC and press the F11 key.
  • A Choose an option window will appear; choose the Troubleshoot option.
Choose an option Troubleshoot
  • Then, select Reset this PC.
Troubleshoot Reset this PC Windows
  • A new window will appear, allowing you to select an option. 
Reset This PC cloud download or local reinstall
  • Click Reset to start the resetting process. 
I recommend choosing the Remove everything option to delete your password. 
  • Your laptop will reboot, and you can access your device without a password.
PRO TIP
I recommend  backing up your device periodically and creating a new, easier-to-remember password for an additional layer of security. This way, your data is protected, and you can quickly access your device if you forget your password again.

Tips after Resetting a Laptop

After restoring your HP laptop to factory settings, the next step is to ensure you have the most recent drivers for your operating system.

I recommend a reliable program like Auslogics Driver Updater. With it, you can update your drivers automatically with a single click!

The best part is that you do not have to be tech-savvy. 

Just install the software and run it, and the program will check your PC for missing and outdated drivers and update them to the latest manufacturer-recommended versions. It also creates a backup of your drivers in case you need to roll back the update. 

In other words, Auslogics Driver Updater is always compatible with your system, regardless of the model! 

Related: Auslogics Driver Updater: New Drivers in One Click! 

How to Factory Reset an HP Laptop: Explained

Knowing how to factory reset an HP laptop is crucial for resolving potential technical problems, including malware infections, software bugs, and performance lags.

For the best results, ensure you have the most recent drivers installed after returning your laptop to its factory settings.

You have two options for updating your drivers: manually or automatically, with a reliable program like Auslogics Driver Updater. 

Before a factory reset, I recommend backing up your data and creating a strong new password. 

If you think this article is helpful, please share it with your friends. You can also share your experience or offer any other advice in a comment.

FAQ

If you want to know how to reset your HP laptop with a keyboard, press and hold the following keys simultaneously: Ctrl, Alt, and Delete. This will bring up a menu from which you can choose Restart to initiate the restart process. An alternate method is to hold down the power button until your laptop turns off, then press it once more to start it again.
No. You can’t cancel once you start the factory reset. That’s why I recommend you ensure you’re ready to restore the laptop to factory settings before proceeding. Also, ensure you have a backup of any crucial files or data.
No. Factory resetting your HP laptop won’t fix hardware problems. Hardware issues like a malfunctioning keyboard, a faulty display, or issues with the motherboard need to be troubleshooted and repaired separately. A factory reset removes all changes and customizations made to your laptop’s software since it was initially configured, returning it to its initial state.
No. You don’t need a product key after a factory reset on your HP laptop. Since the laptop’s BIOS or firmware usually contains the operating system’s product key, it’ll be activated automatically during setup following the reset. However, after the reset, you might have to enter your product keys again if you installed any additional software that requires them.