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1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesTo factory reset an HP Pavilion Gaming laptop, use Windows Reset if Windows starts or can reach its recovery environment. Use HP Cloud Recovery only if you specifically want HP’s original operating system and drivers and your exact model is supported. Back up your files before you begin either route, because both can remove data.
Start by deciding what “factory reset” should mean
The phrase covers two different operations, and HP’s support guidance treats them separately. Windows Reset returns the system to the release-to-manufacturing state of the Windows version that is currently installed. HP Cloud Recovery restores the original HP operating system and drivers that shipped with the machine. The two can differ in what happens to your personal files and preinstalled apps, so confirm which result you need before you start.
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| Route | Use it when | What it restores | What happens to your data | Main requirements |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Windows Reset (Windows starts) | Windows boots and you want a clean reinstall of the current Windows version | Release-to-manufacturing state of the installed Windows version | You choose between keeping your files and removing everything | Access to Recovery options; stable power |
| Windows Reset (Windows will not start) | Windows fails to boot but Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) still opens | Same as above | Same choice as above | Ability to reach WinRE with F11 or Shift + Restart |
| HP Cloud Recovery | You need HP’s original operating system and drivers on a supported model | Original HP operating system and drivers | You choose to back up user data to a separate disk or keep nothing | Supported model, internet connection, AC power, 20 GB free space on the Windows partition, 64-bit Windows, blank USB drive of at least 64 GB |
| Connected System Recovery | Only as a last resort, and only on the consumer models HP lists | HP’s recovery image, delivered over the network | Wipes local personal data | Model eligibility for Pavilion Gaming not stated in HP’s guidance reviewed for this article |
Find your exact product number first
HP’s Cloud Recovery availability depends on the specific machine, not just the Pavilion Gaming name. HP says Cloud Recovery is available for HP PCs manufactured in 2016 and later, but that statement is a general floor, not a guarantee for your model. Check the product number on the label on the bottom of the laptop, then confirm support on HP’s support site for that number. If the product number is not listed as supported, Windows Reset is the route HP documents for your device.
Option 1: Windows Reset when Windows starts
HP recommends updating Windows before you reset, since an update may resolve the problem you are trying to fix. Then follow these steps:
#1 Best Overall
- Processor Manufacturer: Intel
- Processor Type: Core i5
- Processor Generation: 9th Gen
- Processor Model: i5-9300H
- Processor Speed: 2.40 GHz
- Open Settings Windows Update and install all available updates. Restart if prompted.
- Search the Start menu for Recovery options and open it.
- Under Reset this PC, select Reset PC.
- Choose Keep my files or Remove everything. Choose carefully: the wording shown depends on your Windows version and configuration.
- Follow the remaining prompts and let the reset complete without interruption.
Option 2: Windows Reset when Windows will not start
If Windows does not load, open the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) using either of HP’s methods:
- F11 method: Turn the laptop on, then press F11 repeatedly as soon as you restart it.
- Shift method: From the sign-in screen or power menu, hold Shift while selecting Restart. This route depends on your system being able to show that menu.
In WinRE, select Troubleshoot on the Choose an option screen, then Reset this PC, and follow the prompts. The choice between keeping files and removing everything works the same as in Option 1.
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- Fast and easy multitasking: experience high-grade Graphics and processing power that meets your gaming and multitasking needs for the latest games including Fortnight, PUBG, and Overwatch
- Advanced thermal Management: optimized thermal design and IR sensor keeps your laptop cool to the touch, without affecting acoustics
- Fast Processor: 9th Generation intel(r) core(tm) i5-9300h Processor, quad-core, 2.4GHz up to 4.1GHz with Intel's) Turbo Boost
- Realistic graphics: nvidia(r) geforce(r) GTX 1650 (4 GB GDDR5 dedicated). enjoy new levels of gaming realism and performance with real-time ray-tracing technologies. Vr/mr ready. 15.6-Inch diagonal FHD IPS Anti-Glare micro-edge WLED-backlit Display (1920x1080) with 60Hz refresh rate
- Memory and storage: 8 GB DDR4-2400 SDRAM (upgradable with 2 accessible Memory Slots) and Fast boot-up, file transfer and a snappier experience with the internal 256 GB pcie(r) nvme(tm) M.2 Solid State Drive
Option 3: HP Cloud Recovery for the original HP image
Choose this route only if you need HP’s original operating system and drivers and your product number is supported. HP’s consumer instructions list these requirements:
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One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware match- An active internet connection
- AC power connected for the entire process
- At least 20 GB of free space on the Windows partition
- A blank USB flash drive with a minimum capacity of 64 GB
- 64-bit Windows, which the tool requires to run
- Time set aside for one to four hours; the actual duration varies with your network and USB drive
Creating the recovery media permanently erases everything on the USB drive, so use a drive with nothing you need. Run HP’s Cloud Recovery tool from HP’s support pages and follow its on-screen steps to create the media, then follow HP’s instructions for starting the laptop from that drive.
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- Brand New in box. The product ships with all relevant accessories
Before you start: a short checklist
- Copy documents, photos, game save files, and anything in your user folders to an external drive or cloud storage.
- Note your Wi-Fi password and any account sign-ins you will need after the reset.
- Keep the laptop plugged into AC power throughout.
- Confirm your product number and whether HP lists it as supported for Cloud Recovery.
- Choose the route that matches the outcome you want, not just the one that is easiest to start.
Settings that can block a reset
HP’s reset guidance mentions HP Sure Recover. If your BIOS shows Sure Recover enabled, HP recommends using it, but HP’s instructions also say it must be disabled in BIOS before Windows Reset can run. That guidance is written for HP business PCs, so only act on it if your laptop’s BIOS actually exposes that setting. Do not change BIOS settings unless you are comfortable reversing them.
What to do when a reset fails or stalls
- Power interruption or shutdown: HP identifies interrupting recovery, or turning the computer off before recovery and setup finish, as a common cause of problems. If this happens, retry from the beginning with AC power connected.
- Cloud Recovery will not run: Confirm you are on 64-bit Windows, that the USB drive is at least 64 GB, and that the Windows partition has at least 20 GB free.
- Your model is not listed as supported: Use Windows Reset instead of Cloud Recovery.
- WinRE will not open: Try the Shift method, since the F11 timing can be hard to hit. If neither works, contact HP Support with your product number.
Choosing the right route
Use Windows Reset when Windows starts or can reach WinRE. It is the route HP documents most directly for a Pavilion Gaming laptop running Windows. Use Cloud Recovery only when you need HP’s original operating system and drivers and your exact model qualifies. Connected System Recovery should be a last resort, since it wipes local personal data and HP limits it to certain consumer models.
Rank #4
- Processor: AMD Ryzen 5 4600H
- Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 (4 GB GDDR5 dedicated)
- Memory: 8 GB DDR4-3200 SDRAM (1 X 8 GB)
- Display: 15.6-inch diagonal FHD, IPS, anti-glare, micro-edge, WLED-backlit
- 1-year limited warranty
Once the reset finishes, reconnect to Wi-Fi, run Windows Update again, and install your graphics driver and gaming platform software from their official sources.
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