Restore a Notebook HP - 15-ay048nl to initial factory configuration

[GVittorio]

Hi, I'm using a  Notebook HP - 15-ay048nl (win 10 64 bit) that is getting very very low.
I would restore it to initial factory configuration,  removing all data and applications (which I already backup-ed).

Could someone describe a step by step procedure?

Thanks

[WAWood · Accepted solution]

If your PC is a 2016 model or newer, you should see if you can make a bootable USB recovery drive using the HP cloud recovery tool on a working PC.

The recovery drive can then be used to install Windows and the HP drivers and utilities that originally came with your PC.

You will need a working PC and a 32GB USB stick to hold the recovery files. Here is the link:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xmtXOU40vxk

You use the Microsoft Store to download the actual tool:

https://apps.microsoft.com/detail/9mtks9pr7r3n?rtc=1&hl=en-us&gl=us

If you use a different PC to run the tool, you will have to provide your PC's product number. Here is an HP link for finding that information:

https://support.hp.com/us-en/document/ish_2039298-1862169-16

Here's a video from HP Support about using the Cloud Recovery Tool:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P7AwuKNJKS4

[GVittorio]

Thanks for your observation, but I actually don't want to sell the PC, I just wanted to try to factory reset (basically restore the PC to the condition it was in when I bought it).
Can you tell me the step-by-step procedure to follow?
Thank you.

[WAWood]

You read my reply before I changed it -- as I reread your post and then realized all you wanted to do was a factory reset.  The problem with doing this is that it seems to fail a LOT -- as we get posts here every day about folks doing that and ending up with a nonworking computer.

UPDATE:  Here is a link to an HP Support video for performing a fresh start in Windows 11 (I think this might do what you want without you having to do a complete reinstall):

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tPF8AczLKJQ