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The factory reset has gained notoriety as the “hammer” approach for persistent Windows errors. But it can be more than that. A reset can revitalize your system, improve security, and, yes, resolve persistent issues.

It is one of the best ways to make your computer feel new and relive your first unboxing experience.

Most OEMs provide unique methods for resetting their computers, and HP is no different. This article will show how to factory reset an HP laptop using the HP-specific recovery process and also cover the regular Windows methods for older systems.

What Is an HP Factory Reset?

The factory reset for HP laptops restores the computer’s original image to remake the system as it was after production. That means you’re not just reinstalling Windows but also the drivers and applications that originally came with your computer.

However, HP makes the process more refined, as you’ll get a copy of your computer’s image from the cloud. This image can be updated with the latest drivers and Windows updates for your system.

Nonetheless, systems that do not support the HP factory reset process are left with the Windows reset option, which reinstalls a clean version of Windows.

The Windows reset option can restore your computer to the state it was in when it left the factory only in some cases if you use the Local reinstall option. However, don’t expect the same results as the HP Cloud Recovery Tool since they are different processes.

Should I Factory Reset My HP Laptop?

If you’re only trying to resolve a recurring Windows problem, a factory reset can be avoided if you find the solution. For example, factory resetting your HP computer will not solve a problem caused by malfunctioning hardware devices like RAM sticks, hard drives, and peripherals.

Ensure you exhaust every possible solution before considering a factory reset. However, if you intend to hand your PC over to someone else or wipe your drive for a fresh start, the factory reset option is spot-on.

A factory reset is also recommended if you feel your computer has lost its step due to years of accumulating bloatware, junk, and malware that could prove difficult to clean up

How to Factory Reset Your HP Laptop

As I’ve hinted earlier, HP provides a dedicated recovery tool for factory resetting its Windows computers. However, one can also use the Windows reset method if their HP laptop or desktop does not support the recovery tool.

I’ll show you how to use each method. But here’s a quick overview of all of them:

Factory reset method Process Requirements Can you preserve files? Pros and cons
HP Cloud Recovery Tool
  • Use the Cloud Recovery Tool to create a recovery USB drive
  • Boot into the USB recovery drive to perform the factory reset
  • USB flash drive with at least 32 GB of storage space
  • Internet connection
  • Working computer
  • HP Cloud Recovery application
  • Allows you to back up your files before you start the factory reset
  • The factory reset wipes personal files, applications, and settings

 
  • Reverts the system to its factory state
  • Restores default applications and drivers that shipped with the brand-new computer
  • Resolves most persistent software, malware, and driver-related problems
  • Does not solve hardware-related problems
  • May not work if the user recently changed internal hardware
  • Process can be labor-intensive and time-consuming
  • Not available to every HP laptop
Windows Settings
  • Open the Settings app, click Recovery (or Update & Security > Recovery), and select Reset PC
  • Follow the instructions on the setup window to select your reset preferences
  • Only requires an administrator account
  • Internet connection if you want to use the Cloud download option
 Yes, there’s an option to keep personal files, but you will always lose your apps and settings
  • Easy process, as you can initiate it through the Settings app
  • Offers an option to preserve your files
  • Also allows you to wipe your drive to prevent others from recovering your files
  • Installs a clean version of Windows without OEM bloatware
  • No need for installation media
  • Not always effective at resolving issues related to malware, especially if you maintain your files
  • The process might fail if your Windows installation is corrupt
  • Possible driver issues
Windows Recovery Environment
  • Press F11 after turning on your computer to enter WinRE
  • Select Troubleshoot and click Reset this PC
  • Follow the setup wizard to select installation options
  • Requires entering Windows Recovery Environment
  • Internet connection for the cloud installation option
 Yes, you can select the Keep my files option
  • Does not require recovery media
  • Offers options to preserve and clean your files, like the Settings method
  • Allows you to reset your PC if you can no longer log in
  • Does not solve hardware-related problems
  • Also has the risk of driver problems
  • The process may fail if your Windows installation is corrupt
Windows USB installation drive
  • Create a USB installation drive using Microsoft’s Media Creation Tool or Rufus
  • Turn off your computer and boot from the drive
  • Select Install and follow the prompts to choose your Windows installation preferences
  • Media Creation Tool or a third-party app like Rufus
  • USB flash drive with at least 8 GB of storage space
 You can preserve your files by creating a different partition or installing Windows on your existing partition without formatting
  • An effective option for reinstalling Windows when other processes fail
  • You can create new partitions during the installation process
  • The process can be complex for beginners
  • Some errors are known to occur if your drive is locked with BitLocker
  • There might be more processes required if your driver’s file system is not supported

Steps to take before the reset

Jumping straight into the factory reset process isn’t always the best idea. First, there are things you’ll need, and I’ll cover those right before explaining each process. However, you need to prepare adequately to avoid regretting the entire procedure on the other side.

You should do the following:

  • Back up your files to protect data you don’t want to lose
  • Draw up an inventory of your apps
  • Carve out time for the recovery process
  • Sign out of apps and services that are device-restricted

Method 1: Factory Reset Using the HP Cloud Recovery Tool

The HP Cloud Recovery Tool is a software application that creates a USB installation media using your computer’s factory image. The program first downloads the image from the cloud before preparing the USB device. You will then use the installation media to factory reset your HP computer.

The HP Cloud Recovery Tool only supports specific HP systems. You can visit HP’s dedicated verification webpage to check whether your computer supports the feature. Windows’ recovery methods are available for systems not on the list.

That said, older HP consumer PCs usually ship with recovery CDs (or DVDs) or recovery hard drive partitions. You can access the built-in recovery method by tapping the Esc key when you restart the computer and selecting the recovery option.

I’ll break down the process in easy-to-understand steps. But first, these are the things you need:

  • A USB flash drive with at least 32 GB of free storage space.

Note
An external hard disk drive or SSD won’t work. It has to be a flash drive.

  • A stable internet connection to connect to HP servers.
  • A working computer. You can use another system if your computer is not able to handle this operation.
  • Your system’s product ID if you’re not using your HP computer.

You can find the product ID under your laptop. However, you can also find it in the System Information window. Type System Information in the Start menu to open the interface and find your product ID next to System SKU.

Type System Information in the Start menu to open the interface and find your Product ID next to System SKU

According to HP, the process will take approximately 4 hours, depending on your computer’s configuration and network speed. Now, follow these steps to install the HP Cloud Recovery Tool and prepare your USB drive:

  • Go to the Microsoft Store, search for HP Cloud Recovery Tool, and click the Get button. You can also go to the following link and select the Download button:
  • Once the tool has been installed, open the Start menu and type HP Cloud Recovery.
  • Select Run as administrator.

Type HP Cloud recovery. Select Run as administrator

  • Click Yes if you see the User Account Control window.
  • Accept the license agreement and click Next.

Accept the license agreement and click Next

  • Click Next again.

Click Next again

  • The tool will now initialize.

Note
The program automatically detects and tests your internet connection at this stage. If it cannot establish a connection, it will ask for your proxy and port information.

  • Click Yes or No to allow or deny the tool from sharing your data, and click Next . Whatever option you choose is acceptable.

Click Yes or No to allow or deny the tool from sharing your data

  • The tool will automatically detect your computer’s product ID.

The Next button will be inactive if the detected ID is not eligible for the recovery process. In that case, check the box next to I need to enter Product ID for my HP System and enter your product ID. The product ID is the number next to System SKU in the System Information window, as explained earlier.

  • Once the program verifies your product ID, click the Next button.

Once the program verifies your product ID, click the Next button

  • Choose your USB drive on the next page’s drop-down menu and select Next.

Choose your USB drive on the next page’s drop-down menu and select Next

  • The tool will now format the USB flash drive and prepare the installation media.

The tool will now format the USB flash drive and prepare the installation media
Image credit: HP

  • Click Finish once the process is complete.

Now, follow these steps to factory reset your HP computer:

  • Now, remove every peripheral device attached to your computer except your installation USB and turn off your system.

Note
HP recommends removing recently installed hardware, if applicable. For example, if you recently added a RAM stick as an upgrade, consider removing it if you can.

  • Turn on your computer and immediately press the Esc key.

You may have to tap the key repeatedly until you see the startup menu.

  • Tap the F9 key to see your boot options.

Tap the F9 key to see your boot options
Image credit: HP

  • Use your arrow keys to go to the USB drive option, and then press Enter.

Use your arrow keys to go to the USB drive option, and then press Enter
Image credit: HP

You can also open your system’s BIOS (or UEFI) to choose the USB drive as the first boot option.

  • If you have backed up your files, select Recover without backing up your files and click Next when you see the Recovery Manager window.

If you have backed up your files, select Recover without backing up your files and click Next when you see the Recovery Manager window
Image credit: HP

However, here’s what you should do if you want to back up your files before proceeding:

  • Choose the Back up your files first (recommended) option and click Next .
  • Select Auto Selection if you want the tool to automatically choose the files to back up. Go for the User Selection option if you want to select specific files yourself.

Select Auto selection if you want the tool to automatically choose the files to back up
Image credit: HP

  • Click Next. Select the types of files you want to back up if you choose the Auto Selection option. If not, follow the prompts to choose your preferred files and folders.

Select the types of files you want to backup if you choose the Auto Selection option
Image credit: HP

  • After the tool collates the files, insert an external hard drive or USB flash drive (formatted as NTFS) and select it.

After the tool collates the files, insert an external hard drive or USB flash (must be NTFS format) and select it
Image credit: HP

  • Click Next twice to start the backup process.
  • Once your files are backed up, remove the drive used to save the files (leave the USB recovery drive connected) .
  • Click Next, select Factory Reset, and click the Next button again after reviewing the message.

Select Next, click Factory Reset, and click the Next button again after reviewing the message
Image credit: HP

  • Now, choose the Recover without backing up your files option when you see the System Recovery page again and click Next.
  • Click OK at the prompt that warns about losing your files.

Click OK at the prompt that warns about losing your files
Image credit: HP

  • The recovery process will begin.
  • Since you’re using the recovery drive created by the HP Cloud Recovery Tool, click Skip when prompted to add other media.

Сlick Skip when prompted to add other media
Image credit: HP

  • Once you see the page saying the preparation is complete, click Continue.

Once you see the page saying the partition is complete, click Continue
Image credit: HP

  • Click OK to reboot your device. The tool will now install the factory version of your operating system.

Click OK to reboot your device
Image credit: HP

Method 2: Resetting your HP computer using the Windows recovery option from the Settings app

The regular Windows reset process removes your applications but allows you to keep your files if you want. However, if you’re handing your system off or truly want a fresh start, I recommend wiping your hard drive.

Windows reset isn’t a factory reset. The process reinstalls Windows in its purest form and does not include OEM programs that ship with brand-new computers.

The Windows recovery option follows numerous different methods. You can go through the Settings app, enter the Windows recovery environment, or use installation media.

Here’s how to go through Settings:

  • Open the Settings app and select System.
  • Scroll down and click Recovery.

Scroll down and click Recovery

  • Select the Reset PC option.

Select the Reset PC option

Note
If you’re on Windows 10, click Update & Security after opening Windows, select Recovery on the left side of the window, and click Get started under Reset this PC.

  • After the setup window opens, choose whether to keep your files or delete everything.

After the setup window opens, choose whether to keep your files or delete everything

  • Choose between Cloud download (get a fresh, updated version of Windows online) and Local reinstall (reset using your current copy of Windows).

Choose between Cloud download and Local reinstall

  • The setup will now show an overview of your preferences on the Additional settings screen.

If you choose the Remove everything option, you can select Change settings and turn on Clean data if you don’t want the deleted files to be recoverable. After that, click Confirm.

If you choose the Remove Everything option, you can select Change settings and turn on Clean data if you don't want the deleted files to be recoverable

  • Select the Next button.

Select the Next button

  • Allow Windows to complete the reset and reboot your computer.

You can complete the process by setting up your account, language, and keyboard preferences. Follow our guide on how to use a local account if you don’t want to log in with a Microsoft account.

Method 3: Using Windows boot reset options

If your computer is not in the right shape to run the reset from the Settings app, the next options are using Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) or installing a USB drive to reset the PC from boot.

The Windows Recovery Environment option involves turning off your computer, turning it back on and pressing the F11 key immediately, and going to Troubleshoot > Reset this PC. The rest of the process is the same as the reset method from the Settings app.

Our complete Windows reset guide will show you the step-by-step process for other methods, such as creating and using a USB installation tool.

Issues, such as partition problems, can occur when trying to reset your HP laptop from boot or even using other methods. If you face such problems, you can search our Ask a Question platform for answers. If you don’t find the solution to your problem, post a question with as many details as possible, and an expert will assist you.

How to Factory Reset an HP Laptop Without a Password

If you cannot log in to your HP computer, you can perform a factory reset without a password using the HP Cloud Recovery Tool or a Windows bootable USB. However, you will need to use another computer to create a USB drive for your system.

HP allows you to use the HP Cloud Recovery Tool on any other computer, whether it is an HP system or from another brand.

When using the HP Cloud Recovery Tool, you must provide your computer’s product ID, which can be found on the back of the laptop, to download its factory image. If you’re creating a Windows bootable USB drive using Microsoft’s Media Creation Tool or Rufus on any computer, it’s best to select the same Windows version on the computer you want to reset.

Both processes involve booting into the USB recovery drive you created. You can follow the steps described earlier under the HP Cloud Recovery Tool walkthrough and Windows boot reset options section to create the drive and reset your computer.

You may need your BitLocker recovery key to access a BitLocker-encrypted drive if you use the Windows USB recovery drive and elect to keep your files.

What to Do After You Factory Reset Your HP Computer?

Once the reset is complete, it’s time to set up your computer. This process involves installing your applications and fine-tuning your system for optimal performance.

Update Windows

Regardless of your factory reset method, you shouldn’t skip out on updating Windows. Your setup may still require some updates for optimization. Open the Start menu, type updates, and click Check for updates.

After October 14, 2025, you may no longer get updates if you use Windows 10 because Microsoft is ending support for the operating system.

Install HP Support Assistant

HP Support Assistant will likely be installed during the factory reset if you used the HP Cloud Recovery Tool. However, you can install the program if you use a different method. The utility helps you install driver and firmware updates and optimize your PC.

Test everything and update drivers

One of the major concerns with factory resets is driver issues. While Windows will try to maintain your current drivers, it pays to be sure that everything works correctly. So, test your Wi-Fi, sound, and graphics cards to ensure they work correctly. You can also check your driver versions through the Device Manager window to confirm that they are recent. You can also use a reputable third-party driver updater to make the process seamless and safe.

Apply your preferred settings, install apps, and add your accounts

The final step is to apply other rudimentary settings, such as desktop backgrounds and display size. You should choose your default programs, like browsers, and add your regular apps.

Note
Avoid installing superfluous applications that you may never use to save disk space and spare your computer the extra burden.
You should also take this opportunity to install your antivirus program or update Windows Security if you trust Microsoft’s security app.

PRO TIP
Download Auslogics Driver Updater to avoid the hassle of manually finding drivers for your computer after the factory reset. The tool will automatically detect drivers that need to be updated and provide the official drivers for each device.
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How to Factory Reset Your HP Laptop the Right Way: Explained

An HP factory reset remains one of the easiest ways to give your computer a tune-up after years of accumulating junk and clutter. But always remember to take the preliminary steps, such as backing up your files and taking inventory, before jumping in.

Let us know which method you used and how it worked out for you.

FAQ

Can I cancel a factory reset once it has started?
No. You can’t cancel a factory reset once the installation has started. 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.

Will a factory reset fix hardware issues on my HP laptop?
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. However, if the hardware problem is related to driver glitches, the reset can be a solution.

Sometimes, devices fail to work properly because you have deep-seated root problems that a factory reset can reverse.

Do I need a product key after a factory reset?
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.

How can I factory reset an HP laptop without a password?
Using the HP Cloud Recovery Tool or a Windows bootable USB drive to perform the factory reset removes the need for a password.