I can't Factory reset my laptop

[0ne_Question-1]

I'm trying to wipe my laptop of everything other than win10 just so it can run faster since this laptop is a hand-down. So I tried going through the steps by means of both window's settings and Bios, but at the end of the process, it stops at what I think is the last step with a light blue screen saying that its unable to reset and the only option I can click on is cancel. Does this mean that I can't reset because my laptop is to old or do I have to try a different way?

[WAWood]

@0ne_Question-1 

You basically can't do that -- as there is no simple way of determine the full list of system files needed to run Windows.  And even doing a factory reset will reinstall not only Windows, but also the HP drivers and utilities -- and not all the utilities are removable, only some of them.  So, you will be left with some "bloatware" no matter what you do.

The message indicates the Internal reset will not complete -- this is most often due to either lack of available disk space (need 20GB or more on the OS volume) or a failing drive.  So, let's check that first, because if it is failing, it would need to be replaced and there is no point then in doing anything else until we confirm that.

If your PC is new enough to support UEFI, you can use these steps to test the HDD (Hard Disk Drive): http://support.hp.com/us-en/document/c00439024

If not, to check the HDD you have to follow these steps:
1) Press Esc key repeatedly, several times a second, while rebooting the laptop. Do NOT hold the key down, just press it over and over.
2) Eventually, you will see an HP Startup Menu
3) Press the Function key for testing the hard drive (usually F2) and let it run.

If the drive checks out OK, then report that and I can provide you options for reinstalling Windows on your PC.

Please note that if your model has an SSD instead of an HDD, these diagnostics might not work properly.

[0ne_Question-1]

 @WAWood I don't really know if it supports UEFI or not, but I did the check and it said that my HDD drive passed a SMART & DST check.

[WAWood · Accepted solution]

@0ne_Question-1 

If you just want to trim down what is running, there are a couple of approaches that will do that.

First, you launch Task Manager, Start Up tab, look through the list of starting tasks and disable all of those you do not need,

Second, you can read through this information about services you can safely disable:  http://www.blackviper.com/service-configurations/black-vipers-windows-10-service-configurations/