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WHY can I not do a complete reset on my HP Elitebook Folio, Windows 10

ess cee 0 Reputation points
2025-11-29T22:58:21.72+00:00

I need to do a 'remove everything' Reset on my computer but Windows is not allowing me to get past the initial Remove Everything prompt. When I try, the message is Could not find the recovery environment. I've tried to create a recovery drive but it won't do that. I don't have installation or recovery media for this laptop but every time I've done this on other computers it continues using what it needs from the internet and/or cloud.

Windows for home | Windows 10 | Recovery and backup
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  1. Estrella721 28,165 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2025-11-29T23:33:27.2133333+00:00

    Hi,

    If the reset process fails, it could mean your recovery image is corrupted, I suggest performing a clean installation of the Windows OS instead. This will wipe your system and address advanced issues:

    Before proceeding, I suggest that you back up all your important files first.

    Find an empty USB drive with at least 8 GB of space and a working computer, then follow the steps below:

    1. Click this link: https://www.microsoft.com/software-download/windows10

    Under Create Windows 10 installation media, Click on "Download tool now."

    1. Run the tool, create a bootable USB drive or ISO file, and deselect the 'Use the recommended options for this PC' box to choose the correct language and edition.

    Once the process is done:

    1. Connect the installation media to your PC.
    2. Start your PC and press any key to continue. Click Next > Click Install Now.
    3. When the Windows Setup starts, follow the on-screen instructions.

    Note: If prompted for a product key, click 'I do not have a product key' and then click Next.

    Make sure you install the same edition of Windows 10 (Home or Pro) that you previously had installed to avoid activation issues.

    Please refer to this tutorial for a step-by-step guide:

    https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/insider/forum/insider_wintp-insider_install-insiderplat_pc/how-to-perform-a-clean-install-or-reinstall-of/aef0ae63-2117-41ee-a8ea-4a3181625b08

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