Full Guide on How to Factory Reset HP Desktop Windows 10/11

Introduction: What is a Factory Reset and How It Works

Factory resetting your HP desktop with Windows 10/11 is a powerful solution for resolving persistent software issues, removing unwanted files, and restoring your system's performance. This comprehensive guide will walk you through various methods to factory reset your HP desktop, ensuring a fresh start for your device.

So, how do you factory reset a laptop? Most computers come with a recovery disc (CD or DVD) that lets you restore the computer to its original settings. Some manufacturers include a hidden recovery partition on the hard drive that serves the same purpose as the recovery disc. If you're using a modern operating system like Windows 11, 10, or 8, you can use the built-in "Reset this PC" feature to perform the reset.

How to Factory Reset Your HP Desktop on Windows 10/11

Method 1: Built-in Reset PC Feature

If your laptop is running Windows 8 or later, the simplest way to do a factory reset is by using the built-in "Reset this PC" feature. This tool allows you to choose whether to keep your files or completely erase everything while resetting the system. The "Keep my files" option will temporarily move your personal files, format the Windows partitions for a clean installation, and then restore your files. However, if you want to erase everything, select "Remove everything."

Here, I'll show you how to factory reset an HP Desktop running Windows 11, since the steps are the same with Windows 10.

1. If you can still log in to Windows, reset your laptop by navigating to Start > Settings > System > Recovery > Reset this PC > Reset PC.

2. If you can't access Windows or need to reset your HP desktop without a password, hold the power button to turn off the PC at the startup screen, then turn it back on. Repeat this process three times to enter the recovery environment. Select Troubleshoot > Reset this PC. The subsequent steps are the same.

You will have the option to Keep my files or Remove everything. The first option retains your personal files but removes apps and settings; the second option erases all data on the laptop. Choose according to your needs.

In Windows 11, you can also choose between Cloud download and Local reinstall. After confirming, wait for the Ready to reset this PC screen to appear, showing what will be reset. Click Reset to start the factory reset process.

Method 2: Windows Reset from Command Prompt

If your Windows 10 can't load normally, restart your computer and hold the Power button for 5-10 seconds. Repeat this twice, and on the third restart, your computer will automatically enter the Windows Recovery Environment.

From there, go to Advanced Options > Troubleshoot > Command Prompt.

In the Command Prompt window, type “systemreset –factoryreset” (without the quotes) and press Enter. Then you can follow the instructions from Method 1.

Tips:
>> If you want to keep your installed programs, you can use a custom Windows 10 reset image from the command prompt. Create a custom refresh image to reset your Windows 10 PC beforehand.
>> If WinRE fails to load, you can boot your computer from a Windows 10 recovery disk or installation disk to access recovery options.
>> If Windows 10 reset failed with no changes, check if the WinRE image and reset image are in place. Use the command “reagentc info” to verify the status of the recovery image.

Bonus: Protect HP Desktop Without Losing Data

When your computer gets a virus or slows down, a factory reset can fix the problem. However, it takes time to copy files and reinstall your apps and operating system. The best way to prevent system errors and data loss is to make backups in advance. You can use AOMEI Backupper Standard, a free and highly recommended backup software, to make automatic backups on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis.

With incremental backup, only the changed data is saved, so it won't take up much space. After creating a system or disk backup with AOMEI Backupper, you can perform a system restore whenever needed. This will revert your computer to a point in time when it was functioning properly.

AOMEI Backupper is compatible with all laptops and desktops running Windows 11, 10, 8.1/8, 7, Vista, and XP. Download the free software and give it a try.

>> Create a system backup:

1. Go to the Backup tab and select System Backup. You will also find other options like Disk Backup, Partition Backup, and File Backup to meet your needs.

2. The system partitions will be selected automatically. You need to choose a destination to save the system image. It is advisable to back up the OS to an external hard drive, USB drive, or cloud storage.

Options: You can customize settings such as compression level, backup mode, image splitting, comments, and email notifications. Backup Schedule: Set up automatic backups based on Daily, Weekly, Monthly, and Event triggers, or USB plug-ins. The last two options are available in advanced editions. You can also enable automatic backup cleanup (available in the Pro edition) in the Backup Scheme to auto delete older backups.

3. Click Start Backup and wait for the process to finish

In case your PC fails to boot, you can go to the Tools tab and create a recovery media. This can be used to boot a crashed PC into WinPE for further backup and restore.

>> Restore HP Desktop to a Previous State Without Data Loss:

With system backups, you can easily fix system issues by restoring your laptop to a previous state. If your backups are on a removable device, connect it first and ensure it is detected.

1. Go to the Restore tab and choose either Select Task or Select Image File to find your system backup.

2. Select Restore this system image and click Next. If you want to restore Windows to a different location, check the "Restore system to other location" box and specify the target path on the next page.

3. Confirm the operation and click Start Restore.

For restoring a system image created on a different computer, make sure to check the Universal Restore option (available in the Pro edition) to ensure the system boots properly after restoration.

FAQ: Factory Resetting HP Desktop Windows 10/11

Q 1: Why should I factory reset my HP desktop?

A 1: Factory resetting can resolve software issues, improve performance, and prepare your system for resale.

Q 2: Will I lose my data after a factory reset?

A 2: Yes, a factory reset will erase all personal data. It is essential to back up your files before proceeding.

Q 3: How do I back up my data before a factory reset?

A 3: Use backup software like AOMEI Backupper to create a system backup or manually transfer important files to an external drive.

Tips for a Smooth Factory Reset

1. Back Up Your Data: Always create a backup of your important files to avoid data loss.
2. Disconnect External Devices: Unplug any unnecessary peripherals before starting the reset process.
3. Ensure Sufficient Power: Make sure your desktop is connected to a power source to prevent interruptions during the reset.

Conclusion

Factory resetting your HP desktop with Windows 10/11 is an effective way to resolve persistent issues and restore optimal performance. Whether using built-in Windows features, HP Recovery Manager, or third-party software like AOMEI Backupper, following the detailed steps outlined in this guide will ensure a smooth and successful reset process. Regular backups and proper preparation can make this task straightforward and stress-free.