Cannot do factory reset pc states additional free space is needed

[Calisfinest]

I have an old HP Stream and I would like to give it this nice family downstairs from me that have nine kids so they cannot afford a computer. Even though it’s is old they are excited! I tried to do a factory reset but I run into a message that says “additional free space is needed on the drive where Windows is installed. Free up space and try again. But I cannot remember the log in ..hence the factory reset. I was using the factory rest by holding shift and restart. Trying to remove all files and try and start like new 

[Paul_Tikkanen · Accepted solution]

The PC won't let you factory reset it without the password.

What I recommend you do if the notebook came with W10 would be to clean install W10 by making a bootable USB installation flash drive with the media creation tool from the link below:

Download Windows 10

Boot from the installation media and when you get to the part of the installation that asks, 'Where do you want to install Windows,' delete every partition on the drive, leaving just one partition of unallocated space.

Click Next and W10 will install.

After W10 installs, and you are at the screen where you would begin to enter your information, you can press and hold the power button to shut down the PC, give it to your neighbors and they can set it up with a username and whatnot.

[Calisfinest]

So would I download that link on another HP or a usb drive? The stream doesn’t have a disk. Sorry for the lame question. Not familiar with this solution but thanks soooo much for the help!

[Calisfinest]

So I would need a usb drive right?

[Paul_Tikkanen]

You're very welcome. 

That's correct. 

Use another Windows PC and an 8 GB or larger capacity USB flash drive to create the installation media with.