How to Change Windows on an HP Laptop

Knowing how to change Windows on an HP laptop can be useful when you want to upgrade to a newer version, reinstall Windows, or replace the existing operating system. The correct method depends on whether you want to upgrade Windows, reset the laptop, or install a completely different version.

1. Table of Contents

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   Check Your Current Windows Version

Before changing Windows, check which version is currently installed on your HP laptop.

Press Windows + R, type winver, and press Enter. A window will show your Windows version and build.

• Press Windows + R
• Type winver
• Press Enter
• Note your Windows version

2. Check Whether Your HP Laptop Supports the New Windows Version

If you want to upgrade Windows, first check your HP laptop’s model and hardware requirements.

Older HP laptops may not support newer Windows versions officially, so check the laptop manufacturer’s specifications and Microsoft’s requirements before proceeding.

• Check your HP laptop model
• Check processor and RAM requirements
• Check available storage
• Confirm compatibility

3. Back Up Your Important Files

Before making major changes to Windows, back up important documents, photos, videos, and other files.

You can use an external drive or a trusted cloud-storage service.

• Back up personal files
• Save important documents
• Keep copies of important passwords and recovery information

4. Upgrade Windows Through Settings

If your laptop is eligible for an upgrade, open Settings and go to Update & Security > Windows Update on Windows 10.

Check for available updates and follow the instructions provided.

On supported systems, Windows may offer an upgrade to a newer version.

• Open Settings
• Select Windows Update
• Check for updates
• Follow the upgrade instructions

5. Use Windows Installation Media

If you need to perform a clean installation or Windows Update does not provide the version you want, you can create Windows installation media using a USB drive.

Download the installation media from Microsoft’s official website and follow the installation instructions.

• Prepare a suitable USB drive
• Create Windows installation media
• Back up your files first
• Follow the Windows installation instructions

6. Change the Windows Edition

If you mean changing from an edition such as Windows Home to Windows Pro, this is different from changing the entire Windows operating system.

Open Settings > Update & Security > Activation and check your Windows edition and activation status. If an upgrade is available, follow Microsoft’s instructions for changing the edition.

• Open Settings
• Select Update & Security
• Choose Activation
• Check your Windows edition

7. Reset the HP Laptop If You Want a Fresh Windows Installation

If your laptop is running slowly or experiencing persistent software problems, Windows’ Reset this PC feature can reinstall Windows.

Go to Settings > Update & Security > Recovery > Reset this PC and choose the appropriate option.

Be careful when selecting an option that removes your personal files.

• Open Recovery settings
• Select Reset this PC
• Choose whether to keep or remove personal files
• Follow the instructions

8. Check Drivers After Changing Windows

After upgrading or reinstalling Windows, check that important HP drivers are working correctly.

Pay particular attention to Wi-Fi, graphics, sound, Bluetooth, touchpad, and chipset drivers.

• Open Device Manager
• Check for devices with warning symbols
• Install missing drivers
• Restart the laptop if required

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