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How to Factory Reset an HP Using HP Recovery Manager

Intermediate HP Applies to: Windows 10, Windows 11

A recovery environment built into the machine, independent of Windows — useful when Windows itself won't start.

Before you start: save any open work and note down what you were doing when the problem started — that context helps if you need to search further or ask for help.
  1. Back up anything you can reach first if at all possible — a factory reset through the recovery partition removes personal files and installed programs, and this can't be undone once started.
  2. If Windows still starts normally, prefer Windows' own Reset this PC first (Settings > System > Recovery > Reset this PC) — it's simpler and gives you the option to keep your files, which HP Recovery Manager's factory reset does not.
  3. If Windows won't start, or you specifically need HP's tool: restart the HP and tap Esc repeatedly right after powering on to reach the Startup Menu, then press F11 for System Recovery.
  4. Follow the prompts through HP Recovery Manager, and choose the full "System Recovery" option to restore the machine to its original factory state, reinstalling Windows and HP's original factory software from the recovery partition.
  5. If F11 doesn't bring up the recovery option at all, the recovery partition may have been removed or damaged — in that case, HP's support site can help you create recovery media, or their support directly can advise on next steps.
Still not fixed? Send us the details and we'll help you dig further, or browse related guides in HP.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is HP Recovery Manager the same on every HP model?
The core functionality is similar, but the exact menu layout can vary somewhat between consumer and business HP lines — the F11 key to access it is consistent across current models though.
Can I cancel a factory reset partway through?
It's strongly discouraged once the actual reinstallation begins — interrupting it partway can leave the system in a broken, unbootable state that's harder to fix than starting over would have been.

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