Proven tutorial how to factory reset an HP laptop

Andrew Moore
Updated: March 3, 2023

Factory resetting an HP laptop is a great way to restore its performance and original settings. It wipes out all the data, applications, and configuration changes made since you first got your laptop, giving it a fresh start. This can be useful if your computer is running slow or if you want to sell or give away the laptop. Here’s how to do it.

Table of Contents

  1. Preparation Before Starting a Factory Reset on an HP Laptop
  2. Step-by-Step Guide on How to Perform a Factory Reset
  1. In Conclusion

Preparation Before Starting a Factory Reset on an HP Laptop

To prepare for a factory reset on an HP laptop, it is important to back up any files and settings that will be needed for later use. This can be done by copying the files to an external hard drive or other storage device. Once this has been completed, all user accounts should be removed from the laptop in order to ensure a complete reset of the system. 

Any programs or applications that are not essential should be uninstalled as they may interfere with the reset process. After these steps have been taken, the laptop can then be prepared for a factory reset. It is important to follow these steps carefully to avoid potential data loss and disruptions during the reset process. 

Once all of the necessary preparation has been completed, it is time to start the factory reset on the HP laptop. The exact instructions will vary depending on the specific model of laptop, but generally, it is necessary to enter the system’s BIOS menu by pressing a particular key while booting up. Once in the BIOS menu, the factory reset option can then be selected and followed through with any additional steps required for a successful reset. Upon completion of these last steps, the HP laptop should now be restored to its original settings, exactly as it was when it left the factory. 

By following these steps carefully and keeping regular backups of essential data, it should be possible to successfully perform a factory reset on an HP laptop with minimal disruption or loss of information. Taking the time to properly prepare for such a task beforehand is key to ensuring its success.

Step-by-Step Guide on How to Perform a Factory Reset

Here are the full tutorial:

Step 1. Backup any important files

Before resetting your laptop, be sure to back up any data and applications you don’t want to lose. This includes photos, music, documents, programs or anything else that is valuable to you.

Step 2. Create a recovery media

HP laptops offer an option for creating a recovery media. This will give you a backup of the laptop’s original software and drivers in case something goes wrong during the reset.

Step 3. Start the reset process

On your laptop, open System Settings and select Reset or Factory Reset. This will open up a window where you can choose to keep or remove your personal files. Select “Remove Everything” and click “Next“.

Step 4. Wait for the reset to finish

Once you have selected to remove all your data, the reset process will begin. It might take several minutes or hours depending on how much information was stored on your laptop. Once it is complete, your laptop should be returned to its original factory state.

Step 5. Restart your laptop

After the reset is complete, restart your laptop to ensure that all changes were successful. Your computer will now be running in its original state with no files or applications installed. You can then reinstall any necessary programs and transfer back any important backed up files.

In Conclusion

At the end of this tutorial, you should have successfully factory reset your HP laptop. After following these instructions, all settings and data stored on the computer will be restored back to its original settings. This process can help improve performance or clear out any errors that may have been present on the device. 

To ensure maximum security, it is recommended that you create a backup of your data before initiating the factory reset procedure. This will help prevent any data loss from occurring during or after the process. Additionally, ensure that all necessary drivers and updates are installed on the computer to properly configure its settings for optimal performance. 

Factory resetting an HP laptop can be an effective way to restore its performance and ensure that it is running optimally. By following the instructions laid out in this tutorial, you can safely reset your laptop and restore it to its factory settings with confidence.