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How to Hard Reset an HP Laptop Safely – Complete Guide

Dave Miller with Online Cloud Security

Dave Miller – Tech Enthusiast & Security Expert – February 12th, 2022

how to hard reset hp laptop safely

With so many HP laptops on the market, they may develop problems, leaving you asking how to hard reset a HP laptop safely. HP was the most acceptable brand for the quality of its electrical equipment. In many respects, they still are, to be fair. Computers frequently crash due to flaws in the operating system software or computer hardware. More than 17% of laptops had software and operating system difficulties at one point or another. So understanding how to deal with the problem will save you time and headaches.

Quick Answer: Turn on the computer and repeatedly hit the F11 key until System Recovery appears. Click Troubleshoot>Click Reset this PC on the Choose an option screen. You will have options to either keep your data or wipe everything.

Continue reading the article; I will give you easy techniques for restoring your laptop to factory settings and making it as good as new.

Table of Contents

Why Should You Hard Reset/Factory Reset HP Laptop?

A hard reset, also known as a factory reset or master reset, is the process of returning a device to its original condition. Depending on the electrical gadget, factory resets can get accomplished in various methods, and mainly it can get accomplished by accessing the device’s Service Menu. Other devices may need a complete software reinstallation. Though a factory reset may be beneficial, completely resetting a device should not be taken lightly.

The most typical reasons for restoring factory conditions are to repair a malfunctioned device or to delete user data before selling, otherwise disposing of or returning a device to the maker. On the other hand, a factory reset may require removing a virus from a computer or repairing a device with corrupted system data.

Resetting devices that have gotten congested with useless data and applications over time can, in certain situations, significantly enhance the device’s speed by returning everything to its initial set of apps and settings. Furthermore, resetting it does not affect your device, even if you do it several times.

Almost every computer has problems with performance at some time. Although you won’t need to factory reset your HP laptop very often, it’s a good idea to do so if you’re having problems. Fortunately, simple alternatives exist that do not need calling HP technical support.

Things to Do Before Hard Resetting Your HP Laptop

So you made up your mind to get forward with how to hard reset a HP laptop safely. So, Whatever your reason for resetting, make sure you follow these guidelines beforehand.

Backup All Your Files

Is everything on your laptop, including images, movies, music, and documents, backed up somewhere else? Is it something you can access later? Although most individuals may do this without thinking, likely, some people do not. Examine your computer and double-check that you’ve saved everything, so you don’t forget anything.

if you don’t have a backup as of now, use well-known cloud backup services such as Dropbox and OneDrive

Setting Restore Point

Create a restore point; this option gets disabled by default. To check, put “create a restore point” into the search box and see whether you have one; if not, create one. It will activate the functionality. To make a system recovery point, follow these steps

  • Step#1: In the taskbar’s search box, create a restore point again, then choose it from the results list.
  • Step#2: In System Properties, go to the System Protection tab and choose to Create.
  • Step#3: After adding a description for the restore point, select Create > OK.
 

Most likely, you won’t have any issues, but if you do, and you have already set up a restore point. You won’t lose anything and only need to reinstall certain apps or Windows.

Identify which Windows Program You're On

You’ll need to figure out what operating system you’re using to know how to hard reset a HP laptop safely. Compared to earlier versions of the Microsoft operating system, doing a factory reset in Windows 10/Windows 11 is a little different, and it’s a lot easier to accomplish, making the process easier for people who are just starting with a reset. If you’re using another operating system other than Windows, you’ll need to follow various procedures to do a full factory reset, so make sure you know which one you’re using first.

How To Hard Reset A HP Laptop Safely – 2 Methods

For resetting your HP laptops safely, use one of the ways below that best matches your present situation or understanding.

Method#1: How To Hard Reset A HP Laptop Safely - Windows Settings App

Using the Settings app in Windows is the most straightforward approach to factory reset your HP laptop. Of course, you’ll be able to utilize this approach only when your laptop can usually boot. If your laptop cannot use the settings app, skip this method.

Note: Before the reset, make sure your laptop gets connected to a power source. You don’t want to run out of power and wind yourself in the middle of nowhere.

  • Step #1: Press Windows Key+S on your keyboard to access the start menu search bar. After that, type “reset this PC” and pick it.
  • Step #2: Select the top correct label, “Get started,” on the newly-created window.
  • Step #3: On the opened window, you will get given a choice to “Keep my files” or “Remove everything.”

You may get offered the option of downloading Windows from the cloud or installing it locally. The cloud download will be more current, but it will need some storage on your laptop.

  • Step #4: After choosing an option, click Next and pick reset. Your machine will restart when the operating system has got reinstalled.

Now take a seat and relax, as the resetting procedure may take some time. A factory reset can take up to two hours, assuming the hard disk is in good working order.

Method#2: How To Hard Reset A HP Laptop Safely - Windows Recovery Environment

If you can’t get into your HP laptop ordinarily, you can utilize Windows Recovery Environment. The Windows Recovery Environment is a second operating system that may get installed alongside Windows 10 to debug issues with the operating system. Because it gets accessed through Windows Safe Mode, by Windows Recovery mode, you should be able to reset the laptop most of the time

  • Step #1: Shut down your HP laptop and unplug any external devices, such as printers and memory drives, but make sure the laptop gets plugged in.
  • Step #2: Turn on your HP laptop, then continuously press the F11 key until the Choose an option screen appears.
  • Step #3: Select “Troubleshoot” > “Reset this PC,” and you’ll get given the choice of keeping your files or deleting everything once more. It’s entirely up to you whether or not you want to erase anything from the drive where your operating system got installed. When you don’t want to keep any data, though, you may click All Drives.
 

Note: A screen may appear requesting you to locate your recovery key ID. Your BitLocker recovery key is a one-of-a-kind 48-digit numerical password that may get used to unlocking your system if BitLocker gets unable to verify that an attempt to access the system disk is permitted. If this laptop isn’t functioning, you’ll probably have to look for the key on another computer. Sign in to your Microsoft account on a separate device to get your recovery key. The recovery key will likely be in your Microsoft account if you have a current device that supports automatic device encryption.

  • Step 4: Select “Reset” from the drop-down menu. After that, your computer will restart and reinstall the operating system.

As previously said, restarting a laptop takes time, so be patient.

Note: If you can’t find a needed BitLocker recovery key and can’t undo a configuration modification that caused it to be required, you’ll have to reset your device by deleting all of your contents.

Bonus Tip: How To Hard Reset A HP Laptop Safely - Windows 7, 8

Many laptops with Windows 7 or 8 come with recovery discs, allowing you to access the operating system through your disc drive. If you don’t have either, you may still use a recovery partition to restart your computer. However, before you do so, make sure you have a complete backup of all of your information. Follow the instructions outlined below.

  • Step #1: Restart your computer after inserting the recovery disc into the CD drive.
  • Step #2:The HP Recover Manager will appear on the screen eventually. Follow the onscreen steps to archive your files by clicking the “System Recovery” option, then “Factory Reset.”

After restarting, your computer will conduct a reset, and the Windows Setup Process will get shown.

Note: You can reset without the recovery disc. To go to the Recovery Manager, press F11 and select System Troubleshoot. You’ll be sent to the Recovery Manager to factory reset your laptop shortly.

Don't Interrupt the Hard Reset Procedure When Initiated

If you recall, Windows advises that you shouldn’t stop System Restore after it’s started since it might seriously obstruct the restoration of your system data or Windows Registry. As a result, interrupting this procedure might result in a bricked machine.

Driver Update After Resetting Your HP Laptop

 Windows upgrades many of your laptop’s drivers as needed from time to time. However, specific drivers may require manual updating. You may update your drivers in two ways:

  • Using device management or searching online for an appropriate driver on the HP driver website.
  • If you don’t have the time or computer skills to update all of your drivers manually, you may automate the process with third-party driver software, which can identify and install drivers for you for a fee. The procedure might become intricate, requiring much of your time and work. So, with third-party driver update softwares, choosing a safe and straightforward choice is preferable.

Bottom Line

There are various reasons why you might want to factory reset your HP laptop. Regardless of the cause, factory resetting your laptop might improve its performance. I’ve detailed several easy-to-follow procedures that will undoubtedly assist you. If your laptop is more than a few years old and constantly breaks down, you might consider purchasing a new one. Some computers can still work for more than five years, but their capabilities may reduce. Examine the pricing of new HP laptops to see if it is more cost-efficient to repair your current laptop or to get a new HP laptop. If you are still going to reset, don’t forget to do all the necessary backups or set up an automatic backup option.

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Dave Miller with Online Cloud Security

Dave Miller

IT Consultant at Online Cloud Security

Dave Miller is an IT Consultant for Online Cloud Security and has over 7 years of experience in the Information Technology space. He also specializes in repairing laptops & computers. In his spare time, he loves to talk about new technologies and hosts monthly IT and Cyber Security meetings in the Houston area.

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About Online Cloud Security:

Online Cloud Security is here to recommend you the most secure devices, from laptops to smartphones, we only want to provide you with products that we have tested and used ourselves for online security. Every product that we recommend is heavily inspected and tested for security against hackers, viruses, malware, and any other intruders that may want to steal your information. 

Recent Posts:

Online Cloud Security Logo (500x500px)

About Online Cloud Security

Online Cloud Security is here to recommend you the most secure devices, from laptops to smartphones, we only want to provide you with products that we have tested and used ourselves for online security. Every product that we recommend is heavily inspected and tested for security against hackers, viruses, malware, and any other intruders that may want to steal your information. 

Recent Posts: