How to format a laptop?

The need to know how to format a laptop is given by various factors, whether it is because the system has become unstable, to install a copy on a new computer or in case you want to update it to a new version from scratch. However, doing so requires basic knowledge of computers.
If you want to know how to format a laptop, you should keep in mind that there are several methods, depending on the type of installation you want to carry out. For example, it will not be the same steps to format Windows 7 as to format Windows 10, so you should try to work with the appropriate information.
The same also applies to desktops, laptops or mini PCs of different brands; since, to mention one case, the commands required to format HP may differ from those required to format ASUS, Dell, or other manufacturers’ computers.
Format from system recovery
How to reset a desktop, laptop or mini PC (here you will find some options to choose from), from the recovery system it can be one of the most useful data for managing these computers, since it will let you work with the OS installation from the same interface. This will prevent you from having to enter commands in order to access these functions.
To carry out this action, you must go to Start, then type Settings and click on the section. This will open a new window where you must locate the Update and Security option.
Once this is done, select the Recovery tab, where you will be able to see the options offered by the system, so that you can choose how to handle the installation of the operating system:
1. Reset this PC
When resetting the PC, you will be able to select whether to keep your stored files or delete them, to make an OS installation from scratch. It is one of the most used methods, since it is simple, fast and practically automatic.
2. Go back to the previous version of Windows
Selecting this option will reinstall your operating system to the version prior to the one you are running. Generally, it is used when there is instability in the operation of the OS due to incompatibility between hardware and software.
3. Advanced Start
This alternative will allow you to select a source for starting the computer. It is used in case you want to install the copy of the OS through an external agent; it can be a CD, a flash memory or an external hard drive.
This type of boot would be the equivalent of a forced boot from BIOS, so it is useful when doing fresh installs.
4. More recovery options
Here you can enter Windows in Safe Mode, which will allow you to make changes to the system itself, as well as check the operation of different facets of the software.
Many users choose to test in this mode, since uninstalling certain programs or update versions can often solve the problems that are occurring in the OS.
Format from BIOS
In case you need information about how to format a computer from the BIOS, you should first investigate which keys will allow you to access the motherboard software, since this varies from one manufacturer to another.
This is usually the Delete key or one of the FN keys, which you’ll need to press multiple times as your computer boots up to prevent the OS from booting and to enter the BIOS setup.
This interface is nothing like Windows, so you’ll have to be careful what you select. From here you can force the computer to boot from another device, outside its hard drive, allowing you to make clean installations of the OS, configure disk partitions, etc.
To activate the forced boot, you must find the Boot tab at the top. Here you will see a list with the first and the second boot option. Edit the first one and select USB or CD, depending on the installation drive, and then press F10 to save your changes. This will restart the computer, to boot from the OS installer.
Format computer without CD
How to format a PC without the need to use an installation CD can be very useful, since fewer and fewer computers use units of this format to manage the OS.
1. Windows 7
To format Windows 7 without a CD, you must first download the corresponding version from the Internet and store it on an external drive such as a flash drive or burn it to a DVD. Afterwards, reboot the computer to enter the BIOS as above and select the force boot source. Save the changes and wait for the computer to turn on.
When the installer starts, select whether you want an OS Update or a fresh copy to apply to restore Windows 7 to the factory. Then, you must follow the instructions that will guide you throughout the process, but do not worry, since it is practically automatic and you will only need to enter personalization data.
Once the process is finished, you can add the validation key of your copy of the OS and everything is ready.
2. Windows 10
If what you need is to know how to format a computer without a CD, but that is running Windows 10, the task is even easier than in older versions, since you can use the OS recovery tool.
To format Windows 10 without CD, you must go to the System Configuration, to find the Update and Security section. Here you will select the option to Reset this PC, which will reboot your computer and allow you to set up the OS reinstall, whether you want to keep your files or not.
The rest of the process is automatic and you will have to enter data such as your email, username, password and other details, but the task is intuitive and there are textual guides on the screen at all times. This way you can reset Windows 10 relatively easily, so that you can restore fluidity to the performance of your computer’s operating system.