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HP PCs - How to power reset your computer

Perform a power reset (or hard reset) to clear information from the computer's memory without erasing personal data.

Note:

If you are trying to reset Windows 11 or Windows 10, see HP PCs - Reset the computer. If you are trying to reset your computer to factory settings, see HP PCs - How to reset your computer to factory settings (Windows 11, 10).

Power reset a notebook with a non-removable battery

Perform a power reset (or hard reset) of your notebook to clear information from the computer memory without erasing personal data.

  1. Turn off the computer.

  2. Disconnect the AC adapter.

  3. Remove any discs from the disc drive.

  4. Remove memory cards from the card reader slot.

  5. Disconnect all nonessential peripheral devices, such as printers, scanners, external hard drives, and USB flash drives.

  6. With the AC adapter unplugged, press and hold the power button for approximately 15 seconds.

  7. Reconnect the AC adapter, and then turn on the computer.

Power reset a Chromebook

If a Chromebook is locked up, frozen, or not responding, perform a hard reboot to unlock the Chromebook.

  1. Turn off the computer.

  2. Press and hold Reset, and then press Power while continuing to hold Reset.

  3. After the Chromebook turns on, release Refresh.

If the computer starts normally, you are done.

If the computer does not start normally, see HP Chromebooks - Chromebook Operating System Does Not Load (Chrome OS).

To resolve issues with ChromeOS, see the Fix problems section of the Chromebook Help website (in English). If you suspect the symptom is caused by a hardware problem, Contact HP for assistance.

Determine if Windows starts

Determine if Windows starts as expected after a power reset (or hard reset).

The computer starts normally after power reset

Use automated tools to update your computer if Windows starts normally after a power reset (or hard reset).

Run Windows Update

Update your Windows 11 or Windows 10 computer using Windows Update.

  1. In Windows, search for and open Check for updates.

    If there are any available updates, they begin automatically.

    Note:

    To download and install optional updates, use the following instructions for your operating system:

    • In Windows 11, select Advanced options > Optional updates, select the updates that you want to install, and then click Download & install.

    • In Windows 10, select View all optional updates, select the updates that you want to install, and then click Download and install.

  2. After the updates install, restart your computer when prompted.

Update the PC with HP Support Assistant

Use HP Support Assistant to find and install updates, including BIOS updates, for your computer with Windows.

  1. In Windows, search for and open HP Support Assistant, or click the app icon in the taskbar.

    If the app is not installed on your computer, download the latest version from the HP Support Assistant website.

  2. On the My Dashboard tab, find your computer, and then click Updates.

  3. Wait while HP Support Assistant analyzes the system.

  4. After the analysis completes, select the listed updates, download and install the updates, and then follow any on-screen instructions.

  5. If prompted, restart the computer, and then close the tool.

The computer does not start normally after power reset

You might have a computer startup issue.

See HP PCs - Computer does not boot or start.

Additional support options

Try one of our automated tools or diagnostics
Ask a question on our HP Support Community page
Get in touch with one of our support agents

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