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- HP Community
- Desktops
- Desktop Operating Systems and Recovery
- I want to recycle a HP desktop by reloading the OS that it c...

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03-13-2025 02:24 PM
I am looking to recycle and existing desktop and would like to go back to original OS with recovery manager. Will this wipe out all the personal information on the machine? If yes what is the best way to get to the Recovery Manger boot?
03-19-2025 11:37 AM
@JRWTexas, Welcome to the HP Support Community! We're stoked to have you on board!
To help us get started on resolving your issue, could you please share your HP unit's serial number or product number with us via private message?
Need help finding your product number? We've got you covered! Check out this handy guide:
https://support.hp.com/in-en/document/ish_2039298-1862169-16
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We're looking forward to helping you get back up and running!
Regards,
ZOEY7886
I am an HP Employee
03-29-2025 05:08 PM
@JRWTexas, Restoring your HP ENVY Desktop PC to its original state using HP Recovery Manager will indeed remove all personal data, applications, and settings from your computer. This process will re-create the partitions, reinstall the operating system, and the software that was originally installed at the factory.
Steps to Use HP Recovery Manager
To use the HP Recovery Manager:
Backup Personal Data: Before starting the recovery process, ensure you have backed up any personal data you wish to retain. HP Recovery Manager does not automatically provide backups of personal data.
Access HP Recovery Manager:
From Within Windows:
- From the Start screen, type recovery, and then select HP Recovery Manager.
- Select Recovery Media Creation, and follow the on-screen instructions.
During Boot-Up:
- Press and hold the f11 key while the computer boots.
- Select Troubleshoot from the boot options menu.
- Select HP Recovery Manager, and follow the on-screen instructions.
Options Within HP Recovery Manager:
- System Recovery: Reinstalls the original operating system and the programs that were installed at the factory.
- Minimized Image Recovery: Reinstalls the operating system and all hardware-related drivers and software, but not other software applications.
- Factory Reset: Restores the computer to its original factory state, deleting all information from the hard drive and re-creating the partitions, then reinstalls the operating system and the software that was installed at the factory.
These recovery options will effectively remove all personal data, applications, and settings from your computer.
Important Notes:
- Only one set of HP Recovery media can be created.
- Ensure the computer is connected to AC power during the creation of recovery media.
- If the computer does not restart automatically in HP Recovery Manager, you may need to change the computer boot order.
Take care, and have an amazing day!
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Regards,
ZOEY7886
I am an HP Employee