Can't install Windows 10 after using Linux on HP 15

[papigoe]

Hello one and all. I have a familiar tale tae tell. This might be more of an HP laptop problem than Windows, but here goes. I have an HP 15 laptop with an Intel i3 processor that came tae me new and running Windows 10 just fine. I upgraded tae Windows 11 and all was well...THEN I decided tae give Linux a go, and got that installed. All again is well EXCEPT that I really am tired of things breaking after every update, and I deeply wish tae return tae Windows. I have a disc, and I have a properly formatted and ready tae roll USB install, but when I try either, I get no cursor, and at the "So buddy where ye want this tae go?" window, my SSD is nae visible. I have tried putting drivers on the USB but that dosnae help. At this point I've resigned myself tae realising that this is now a Linux only laptop. Oh, I've also tried updating the BIOS tae no joy. Any thoughts?

[Paul_Tikkanen]

Hi:

There is a special process needed to install W10 on notebooks with the new Intel 11th gen core processors...

See the info at the link below.

https://support.hp.com/us-en/product/hp-15-f2000-laptop-pc-series/35900344/model/35900346/document/c...

Here is the link to the driver you need...

This package contains the Intel Rapid Storage Technology Driver for the supported notebook models and operating systems. The Intel Rapid Storage Technology is designed to provide functionality for the Intel Storage Controllers. The driver improves Serial ATA (SATA) disk performance with Native Command Queuing.

https://ftp.hp.com/pub/softpaq/sp111501-112000/sp111776.exe

There is an error in that document, and that is where HP tells you to right click on the Intel driver file and select Extract to

When I ran through the steps, I don't get an Extract to option when I right click on the file.

You will probably have the same issue.  Download and install the free 7-zip file utility from the link below.

The 2nd file at the top of the page is for 64 bit.

7-Zip (7-zip.org)

Then you can right click on the exe file, select 7-Zip from the menu, and select Extract to:  and let it extract the file into its folder name (sp111776), and copy that folder to your USB flash drive, and continue with the instructions.

If you don't have a Windows PC to use, I have zipped up and attached the F6 driver folder you need, below.

[papigoe]

Well that solution worked a treat in regards to my partitions being seen.  Was able tae format and install.  HOWEVER, still no trackpad, hence no cursor during install or after install is complete.  Had tae reinstall Linux Mint until I can get that bit sorted as well.  Thank you for your time tho!

[Paul_Tikkanen]

You're very welcome.

Looking at your PC's support page, this is the latest W10 driver for the touchpad.

22.2.21.2 

This package provides the driver that enables the ELAN Touchpad in supported computer models that are running a supported operating system. The driver enables general touchpad functionality (for example double-tap and scroll) and provides a user interface.

https://ftp.hp.com/pub/softpaq/sp111001-111500/sp111394.exe 

[papigoe]

So I install this as soon as Windows is installed?  Navigating to it will be an adventure

[Paul_Tikkanen · Accepted solution]

Give it a try.

Get a USB mouse and see if you can use that to deal with it.

[papigoe]

That did the trick.  Followed by a tonne of updates that took care of all the hardware drivers.  Thank you so much!

[Paul_Tikkanen]

Anytime.

Glad to have been of assistance.