Cant factory reset my windows 10 HP laptop

Megan Tidwell 20 Reputation points
2025-08-12T19:51:29.5+00:00

I am trying to factory reset my HP windows 10 laptop. I'll hold the shift key and choose computers restart. It will bring me to the blue options screen, my path is: troubleshoot>reset this PC>Remove everything> (screen goes black and comes back on) then it asks for a Recovery Key that I do not have.

This is the point where I am stuck, it will not allow me past this point.

Windows for home | Windows 10 | Recovery and backup
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Rodrigo Queiroz 78,620 Reputation points Independent Advisor
2025-08-12T20:44:01.6266667+00:00

Hi, I'm Rodrigo and I will help you.
It is asking for the Recovery key because you have BitLocker enabled for your system drive.
Access https://account.microsoft.com/devices/recoverykey with your Microsoft Account to locate your recovery key and reset the computer.

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  1. Rodrigo Queiroz 78,620 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2025-08-13T02:16:21.44+00:00

    In this case you have to clean install Windows 10 deleting all partitions.

    Create a USB installation drive using Media Creation Tool on another computer:
    https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=2265055

    After crating the installation drive, insert it on the computer and turn it on to boot from USB and start the installation.
    Remove all partitions and create a new on to reinstall Windows.

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