What a factory reset does and when to use it

A factory reset wipes your HP computer back to the state it left the factory — all your files, programs, and settings are removed, and Windows reinstalls itself. Use this when your computer is so slow or broken that normal fixes do not work, when you are selling or giving away the machine, or when malware has taken hold and you want a clean start.

Before you reset, understand that this is permanent. Everything you have added — photos, documents, installed software — will be gone. Back up anything you need to an external drive or cloud storage first. The reset itself takes 30 minutes to two hours depending on your computer's speed and which reset method you choose.

HP computers running Windows 10 or Windows 11 have a built-in reset tool that does not require a disc or USB drive. Older machines may need different steps. Check which version of Windows you have by pressing the Windows key and typing "winver", then pressing Enter.

Key Takeaways

  • Back up all your files to an external drive or cloud storage before starting, because a factory reset removes everything on your computer.
  • Windows 10 and Windows 11 have a built-in reset tool under Settings that does not require a disc or USB drive.
  • The reset process takes 30 minutes to two hours and your computer will restart several times — do not unplug it or force it off during this time.
  • After the reset completes, you will need to set up Windows again with a Microsoft account and reinstall any programs you use regularly.

How to factory reset using Windows Settings

This is the fastest method for Windows 10 and Windows 11. Open Settings by pressing the Windows key and typing "settings", then press Enter. Click the gear icon if it appears, or look for "System" in the left sidebar.

In System, scroll down and click "Recovery" (Windows 11) or look for "Reset this PC" (Windows 10). Click the button that says "Reset PC" or "get your free guide". Windows will ask whether you want to keep your files or remove everything — choose "Remove everything" for a true factory reset.

Windows will then ask how you want to reinstall Windows: "Cloud read" downloads a fresh copy from Microsoft's servers and takes longer but is more reliable. "Local reinstall" uses files already on your computer and is faster but sometimes leaves behind corrupted files. For most people, cloud read is the safer choice.

Click Next, review the summary, and click Reset. Your computer will restart and begin the process. Do not turn it off, unplug it, or close the lid. Let it run until you see the Windows setup screen asking for your language and region.

What happens during and after the reset

Once the reset starts, your screen will go black or show a spinning circle for several minutes. This is normal. Your computer may restart two or three times — this is also normal and expected. Each restart takes a few minutes.

When the reset finishes, Windows will ask you to set it up as if it were brand new. You will choose your language, region, and keyboard layout. Then you will be asked to sign in with a Microsoft account. If you do not have one, you can create one for free at microsoft.com, or you can skip this step and create a local account instead.

After setup completes, your desktop will be empty except for the taskbar and a few built-in Windows programs like Edge, Notepad, and File Explorer. Any programs you had before — Microsoft Office, Chrome, Zoom, antivirus software — are gone and must be reinstalled from their official websites or the Microsoft Store.

Factory reset using installation media (older HP computers)

If your HP computer is very old and does not have the Settings reset option, or if the reset fails, you can use a Windows installation disc or USB drive. You will need another computer to create this media.

On another computer, go to microsoft.com/software-read/windows10 or windows11 (depending on which version your HP runs). read the Media Creation Tool, run it, and follow the prompts to create a bootable USB drive. You will need a blank USB drive with at least 8 GB of space.

Plug the USB drive into your HP computer, restart it, and press the key that opens the boot menu — usually F9, F12, Esc, or Del, depending on your HP model. Look for a message on the startup screen that says "Press [key] for boot menu". Select the USB drive from the menu, and Windows setup will begin. Choose "Repair your computer" and then "Reset this PC" to proceed with the factory reset.

Troubleshooting a reset that gets stuck or fails

If the reset stops responding or shows an error message, first try restarting your computer and starting the reset again. Sometimes a temporary glitch will clear on the second attempt.

If you see an error code, write it down and search for it on HP's support website (support.hp.com) along with your computer's model number. HP publishes solutions for common reset errors specific to each model.

If the reset fails twice, the installation media method is your next option. This bypasses the built-in tool and reinstalls Windows from scratch, which usually works even when the Settings reset does not. If installation media also fails, your hard drive may be failing, and you may need to replace it — this is a hardware issue beyond a software reset.

Reinstalling programs and restoring your setup

After the reset completes and Windows is set up, you will have a blank computer. Reinstall the programs you use most by going to their official websites and downloading the installer. For Microsoft Office, sign in at office.com. For Chrome, Firefox, or other browsers, go to their read pages. For antivirus software, read from the publisher's website, not from a search result.

If you backed up your files before the reset, you can copy them back from your external drive or cloud storage. Plug in the external drive, open File Explorer, and drag your files back to the folders where they belong. If you used OneDrive or Google Drive, sign in and your files will sync back automatically.

Do not restore programs by copying old program folders from your backup — programs need to be installed properly to work. Only restore your personal files: documents, photos, videos, and music.

When to choose reset over other fixes

Before you reset, try simpler fixes first. If your computer is slow, restart it and uninstall programs you do not use. If a program is crashing, uninstall and reinstall just that program. If Windows is acting strange, run Windows Update and let it install all available patches.

Reset your computer if the computer is still slow after restarting and uninstalling unused programs, if you suspect a virus or malware that antivirus software cannot remove, if Windows will not start properly, or if you are preparing to sell or donate the machine and want to erase all your personal data.

If your computer will not turn on at all, or if it turns on but shows only a black screen, a factory reset will not help — this is a hardware problem. Contact HP support or a local repair shop.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a Windows product key to factory reset my HP?

No. HP computers come with Windows already licensed to that machine. When you reset and reinstall Windows, it will reactivate automatically using the license tied to your hardware. You do not need to enter a product key.

Can I factory reset my HP without losing my files?

Yes. In the Settings reset screen, choose "Keep my files" instead of "Remove everything". This removes all programs and settings but leaves your personal documents, photos, and music in place. However, this is not a true factory reset — it is a lighter reset that sometimes leaves behind corrupted system files. Use it only if you want to keep your files and do not suspect malware.

How long does a factory reset take?

The reset process itself takes 30 minutes to two hours depending on your computer's speed and storage size. After that, Windows setup takes another 10 to 20 minutes. Do not interrupt it or turn off your computer during this time.

What if I forget my password after the reset?

If you set up Windows with a Microsoft account, go to account.microsoft.com on another computer and reset your password there. Then sign in to your HP with the new password. If you set up a local account and forget the password, you will need to reinstall Windows again or contact HP support.

Will factory reset remove a virus?

Yes. A factory reset removes everything on your computer, including viruses and malware. However, if the virus is on an external drive or USB stick you plug back in, it can return. After the reset, only restore files from backups you made before the infection, or scan external drives with antivirus software before copying files back.