Resetting a Windows Laptop to Factory Defaults
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Almost every computer has performance problems at some point. Fortunately, there are simple ways to resolve them without contacting tech support. One of these methods is to perform a factory reset on your computer in order to remove any malware, increase its speed, or prepare it for a new user.
First, you must determine your operating system and the steps necessary to reset your laptop. Other operating systems may require different steps to complete a full factory reset, so make sure you know which one you're using before you begin.
Windows 10 has made performing a factory reset slightly different from previous versions of the Microsoft operating system. It is much simpler to do and simplifies the process for those who are implementing a reset for the first time. Other versions of Windows may be slightly more complicated and necessitate system backups.
Here's how to easily perform a reset so you can restore your HP laptop.
It is recommended that you first back up your system, regardless of which operating system you use. Even if you plan to resell your device or don't anticipate needing a backup, it's a good idea to have one in case you need to reload files or transfer them to a new device.
You can even schedule regular backups so you don't have to worry about losing important data if your operating system fails to load. You should also make sure that these backups are sent somewhere other than your hard drive, such as cloud storage, in case something goes wrong and your hard drive crashes.
The reset option can be accessed in two ways:
1. Select the "Settings" option from the Start menu. This resembles a cog wheel and is where you will find all of your laptop's major settings.
2. Enter "reset" in the search bar. ”
3. Once the results have been displayed, select the "Reset this PC" option.
1. Open the Start menu.
3. Next, select "Update and Security." ”
4. From there, select "Recovery" from the window's left panel.
5. You will then be presented with three options:
- "Reset this computer"
- "Revert to an Earlier Build"
- “Advanced”
Note: For most users, "Reset this PC" should be sufficient to resolve issues on your computer and restart it from scratch. An "Advanced" startup means that you will restart your device from a backup that is stored on a disc or USB drive. Only those with a compelling reason to use "Go to an Earlier Build" should do so.
Then, for a basic reset, you will:
6. Under "Reset this PC," click the "Get Started" button. ”
7. From there, you must decide whether you want to keep your personal files on your computer or if you want a clean slate.
- Select either "Keep my files" or
- Depending on your requirements, "remove everything."
Regardless of which option you select, all of your applications will be deleted and any settings will be reset to default.
9. If you select "Remove everything," you must also decide whether you want a completely clean drive or if you want to keep the laptop and are not planning to give it away.
10. Select "Remove files and clean the drive" for a device you do not intend to keep. "A new user will find it much more difficult to access your old files as a result of this."
11. Otherwise, you should select "Just remove my files." ”
You may receive a warning from Windows asking if you want to revert to an earlier version of your operating system. Click "Next," and your computer will be ready to reset, which you can begin by selecting the "Reset" option.
This process may take several minutes for your laptop. Once completed, your screen should show an option to continue, and you can use your device as if it were brand new.
Many laptops with Windows 7 or 8 installed come with recovery discs, allowing you to access the operating system via your disc drive. Starting the process is straightforward. Simply place your recovery disk in the drive. However, you should make a backup of all of your files before proceeding.
Before performing a Windows 8 reset, check to see if there is a recovery application within the Windows software rather than on a disc. This can save you a lot of time looking for a disc that you might not have received. If you don't have either of these, you can still reset your computer using a recovery partition.
A partition contains information about your operating system, basic programs, and main drivers. You can restore your computer to the state it was in when you first bought it by using this hidden area of your hard drive. Much of this will be determined by the brand and model of hard drive you have.
Again, back up any files that you don't want to lose during the process. This includes folders, photos, documents, and any other media that you do not want to be deleted from your system. Keep in mind that any software you have installed will be removed from your laptop.
1. Start or reboot your computer, then press the F key or a combination of keys during the startup screen. The combination of keys varies depending on the manufacturer, so consult your system's manual before starting the process of resetting your OS. If you have any problems or your computer does not have a recovery partition, you should contact your computer's manufacturer, such as HP®.
2. Instructions on how to reset your device should appear on your screen. You'll be asked to confirm that you want to perform a factory reset, and it may take some time for your computer to erase files and restart your entire system. Make sure not to touch anything until the restoration is complete.
3. Your laptop should then be reset to its original factory settings.
It may be worthwhile to set up regular backups for your system regardless of which version of Windows you use. Also, before you decide to reset your entire computer, check to see if they have been done recently so you don't end up losing any data by accident.
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