What to do before resetting an HP laptop
A factory reset reinstalls Windows and can remove apps, settings and personal files. A few checks before you start can prevent avoidable data loss and make it easier to set up the laptop again.
Back up your important files
Copy documents, photos, videos, downloads, browser bookmarks and any locally stored work to cloud storage or an external drive.
Check your account access
Make sure you know your Microsoft account details and any passwords or licences needed for apps you plan to reinstall.
Connect to power
Keep the HP laptop connected to its charger during the reset. Disconnect unnecessary accessories that are not needed for the process.
Resetting a work, school or managed HP laptop? Speak to the organisation's IT team first. A reset can remove local apps, settings and files, and the device may need to remain enrolled in its management system.
How to factory reset an HP laptop through Windows
The exact menu names depend on whether your HP laptop runs Windows 11 or Windows 10. The reset choices are similar on both versions.
Windows 11
Open Start > Settings > System > Recovery, then select Reset PC under Recovery options.
Windows 10
Open Start > Settings > Update & Security > Recovery, then select Get started under Reset this PC.
-
Open the recovery settings
Use the Windows 11 or Windows 10 route above. If the Settings app is working, this is the simplest way to reach the reset controls on your HP laptop.
-
Select Reset PC or Get started
Windows will show the reset options before it begins. Read each screen carefully and check that the choice matches what you want to happen to your files.
-
Choose whether to keep or remove files
Keep my files
Reinstalls Windows while keeping personal files in place. Installed apps and many settings are removed.
Remove everything
Removes personal files, apps and settings. Choose this when preparing the HP laptop for another person.
-
Choose the Windows reinstall method
Cloud download
Downloads a fresh copy of Windows. It needs an internet connection and can be useful if local Windows files are damaged or missing.
Local reinstall
Uses Windows files already stored on the HP laptop. It can suit a slower internet connection, but local files may not contain the newest updates.
-
Review the summary and start the reset
Check which files, apps and settings will be removed. When you are ready, confirm the reset and leave the HP laptop connected to power.
-
Wait for Windows to finish
The screen may go black and the laptop may restart more than once. Do not manually restart or switch off the HP laptop while the reset is running, as this can cause it to fail.
Which HP laptop reset option should you choose
The right choice depends on whether you are troubleshooting your own HP laptop or preparing it for a new owner.
Keeping the laptop
Choose Keep my files when you want Windows to start again while retaining personal files. You will still need to reinstall apps and review settings.
Passing it to someone else
Choose Remove everything when selling, donating or handing over the HP laptop. Review the additional drive-cleaning choice if Windows offers it.
Protecting sensitive information
Windows consumer data-cleaning features can make removed files harder to recover, but Microsoft says they are not designed to meet government or industry data-erasure standards.
Do not confuse a reset with a hardware repair A reset changes Windows and local software. It does not repair a damaged screen, battery, keyboard, storage drive or other physical component.
How to reset an HP laptop if Windows will not start
If you cannot reach the Settings app, Windows Recovery Environment can provide another route to Reset this PC. Use it when the laptop can reach the recovery screens but will not start Windows normally.
-
Open Windows Recovery Environment
If you can reach the sign-in screen or Start menu, hold Shift while selecting Restart. Windows can also enter recovery after repeated failed starts.
-
Open the reset tool
From the recovery screen, select Troubleshoot > Reset this PC. If the HP laptop is encrypted, Windows may ask for the BitLocker recovery key.
-
Choose the reset options
Choose Keep my files or Remove everything, then select cloud download or local reinstall and follow the on-screen instructions.
If recovery still fails Check the support information for your exact HP model before creating recovery media or using an advanced recovery tool. Model support and recovery requirements can vary.
What to do after resetting an HP laptop
When the reset finishes, Windows will take you through setup again. Use this short check before returning to everyday work, study or entertainment.
Complete Windows setup
Connect to the internet, sign in with the account you want to use and create a secure sign-in method.
Install updates
Run Windows Update and restart when asked. Check HP Support for model-specific drivers if a feature does not work correctly.
Restore your files
Copy backed-up files back to the laptop and reinstall only the apps you need. Check that your documents and photos open correctly.
Handing it over?
After choosing Remove everything, stop at the first Windows setup screen. The next owner can complete setup with their own account.
Windows 10 support ended on 14 October 2025. Resetting an HP laptop does not change its Windows version, so check whether the model supports Windows 11 before relying on it for ongoing use.
HP laptop reset questions, answered
Does factory resetting remove everything from an HP laptop?
It depends on the option you choose. Keep my files preserves personal files but removes apps and resets settings. Remove everything removes personal files, apps and settings.
Will resetting an HP laptop remove Windows?
No. Reset this PC reinstalls Windows. You choose whether to keep personal files or remove them during the reset process.
How long does an HP laptop factory reset take?
The time varies with the laptop, reset choices and reinstall method. Allow time for the reset itself and for Windows setup, updates and file restoration afterwards.
What should I do if my HP laptop is still slow after a reset?
Install Windows and HP driver updates, check available storage and test the laptop before reinstalling all your previous apps. If the issue remains in a clean Windows setup, it may need HP support or a hardware inspection.
Can I reset an HP laptop without the BitLocker recovery key?
If Windows asks for the BitLocker recovery key, you will need it to continue through that recovery route. Find the key through the Microsoft account or organisation that manages the encrypted device before starting.