How to clean up a used HP TouchSmart 610

[Dwight1212]

I bought a used HP SmartTouch 610 which the previous owner left a lot of programs and apps I will never use. What is the best way to reset the computer. Factory reset? Recovery? 

Any suggestions?

I have already updated it to the latest version of Windows 10 and installed office 365.

Thanks 

[TheOldMan]

IF you were concerned about the extra software, talking about doing factory reset or recovery is not going to solve the problem now.  Doing those things now will drastically change everything.

If you wish to remove extra software and you know what they are, you can use the guide below

https://www.hp.com/us-en/shop/tech-takes/how-to-uninstall-programs

FYI: doing a factory reset will put the PC back to the way it came from the factory - everything.  That means Windows will be an old version and any other items will not be up-to-date either.  Assuming you do not want to follow the uninstall procedures, then you can always do a clean install of Windows 10 by using the Windows 10 install media.

If you need the install media for Windows 10, you can make it from this Microsoft download

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows10

With a working PC, scroll down to the "Using the tool to create installation media"
and then follow the directions. You can make either the DVD or USB. Use this new media to install Windows 10.  This will be the newest version of Windows 10.
When the install asks for the product key, click the "I don't have a product key" option to continue,
then the install will continue. It will be activated once it connects to the internet, as it uses a digital key.

You will also need to reinstall any other software that is not part of Windows 10 IE: Microsoft Office