The situation when a laptop starts to work slowly, produces errors, or becomes infected with viruses is familiar to many users. For brand equipment owners Huawei and sub-brand Honor this is often solved by one procedure - completely returning the system to its original state. This is a powerful tool that allows you to remove all third-party programs, drivers and potential malware that have accumulated over the years of using your device.
The recovery process on devices with a pre-installed version of Windows 10 or 11 has its own specifics thanks to a proprietary utility System Recovery. Unlike a standard reset through Windows settings, the hardware method via the F10 key is often used here, which is especially important if the operating system does not boot at all. However, before taking drastic measures, you need to carefully prepare so as not to lose important files.
In this article we will analyze in detail all the methods and nuances of the procedure. You will learn how to save data correctly, which buttons to press when loading, and what to do if the standard method does not work. We'll also cover issues related to your Microsoft account and drivers so that when you're done using your laptop. Huawei MateBook or Honor MagicBook worked like new.
Prepare and save important data before you begin
Resetting the system is an irreversible action for the partition with the operating system. All files located on drive C, including documents, photos, videos and installed programs, will be deleted permanently. The only way to save them is to create a backup copy. This is a critical step that should not be skipped, even if you are planning on reinstalling for a clean system.
It is recommended to use external storage media. Connect a flash drive or external hard drive to your laptop and copy all the necessary folders there. If you have access to cloud storage such as OneDrive or Yandex.Disk, you can upload your most important files there. Don't forget to check your Downloads folder, where installation files and documents often accumulate that are easy to forget.
It's also worth checking your browser's synchronization settings. If you are using Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge, make sure that passwords, bookmarks and history are saved in your account. After the reset, you will have to sign in to your service accounts again, and having synchronized data will significantly speed up setting up the new system.
- 📁 Back up all your personal files to an external drive
- 🔑 Save passwords for Microsoft and Google accounts
- 📦 Write down a list of installed programs that you will need
- 🔌 Prepare your charger and make sure the battery is charged
⚠️ Attention: Make sure that the laptop is connected to the power supply throughout the entire procedure. Losing power during recovery may corrupt boot records and prevent the device from turning on in the future.
Using F10 for Quick Recovery
Most modern laptops Huawei and Honor equipped with a hidden recovery partition, which is activated by pressing F10. This method is the most preferred because it does not require a bootable USB flash drive or access to the Windows settings menu. The function runs even if the operating system does not boot due to critical errors.
First, you need to completely turn off your laptop. Press and hold the power button until operation stops completely, making sure that the indicators go off. Do not use Sleep or Hibernation mode - the system must be turned off completely. This ensures that the next time you start, the recovery procedure will be initialized rather than a normal Windows logon.
After turning off, press the power button and immediately start pressing the key quickly and repeatedly F10. This must be done before the logo appears. Huawei or Honor. If you have time, the screen will change to the blue menu of the System Recovery utility. If the system managed to boot, it means you clicked too late and the process will have to start over.
⚠️ Attention: Some models may require you to press the keys simultaneouslyFnandF10. If regular pressing doesn't work, try a combination with a function key.
- Through Windows settings
- F10 key
- Bootable USB flash drive
- I don't know how to reset
Step-by-step instructions for resetting via the recovery menu
Once in the recovery utility interface, you will see a menu in Russian or English. The first step is to select the “Restore from Backup” or “Factory Reset” section. The system will offer several options: return the computer to its original state while saving files (rarely available) or completely clean the disk. To achieve the “like new” goal, choose a full reset.
You will be asked to confirm the action. A warning will appear on the screen indicating that all data will be deleted. Click the "Next" or "Continue" button. The process can take from 15 to 40 minutes depending on the storage capacity and processor speed. Don't interrupt the process, even if the screen seems frozen for a long time - this is normal.
It is important to understand that once the reset is complete, the laptop will reboot and begin initial setup as if it had just been purchased from a store. You'll have to select your language, region, connect to Wi-Fi, and sign in to your Microsoft account. This step is required to activate the Windows license, which is tied to the device’s motherboard.
- 🖱️ Select “System Restore” in the main menu
- ⚙️ Select the “Full reset” option to delete all data
- ⏳Wait for the process to finish without pressing unnecessary buttons
- 🔄 Wait for the device to automatically reboot
☑️ Preparing for the reset procedure
Reset via standard settings Windows 10/11
If the operating system boots and you can work, the easiest way is to use the built-in Windows tools. This method does not require pressing special buttons when turning on and is accessible through a graphical interface. It is suitable for those who want to perform a reset without leaving their desktop and has a stable internet connection.
Open the Start menu and go to Settings (gear icon). Next, select “Update and Security” (in Windows 10) or “System” and the “Recovery” section (in Windows 11). In the “Restore the computer to its original state” block, click the “Start” button. This will launch the recovery wizard.
You will be presented with two main options: “Keep my files” or “Delete everything.” The first option removes only apps and settings, leaving personal data intact. The second option completely formats the disk and deletes everything. For a complete cleanup and elimination of system failures, select “Remove everything”. The system may also ask whether to delete files from other drives, if any.
After selecting your options, click Next and confirm the reset. The process will run in the background and you will see a progress bar. Finally the laptop will reboot. This method is often slower than using F10 because it uses recovery files from the current partition, but it is more flexible in settings.
If your laptop is running very slow, try first performing a System Restore to the point you created earlier before doing a hard reset. This can solve the problem without losing data.
Problems and errors during system recovery
Sometimes the reset process may be interrupted or give an error. A common problem is the missing recovery partition. This can happen if the user independently deleted the hidden partition or reinstalled Windows using a third-party flash drive without saving the original utility. In this case, the button F10 will not lead to the recovery menu.
Another common mistake is the process getting stuck at a certain percentage. This may be caused by a failed hard drive or SSD. In some cases, holding down the power button for a long time to force a reboot and trying to start the procedure again helps. If the error persists, you may need to physically check the disk for bad sectors.
It is also worth paying attention to messages about missing drivers after a reset. Sometimes the system cannot automatically find the necessary drivers for Wi-Fi or touchpad. In such cases, you need to go to the official website Huawei from another device, download drivers to a USB flash drive and install them manually. This will ensure the correct operation of all laptop components.
| Error | Probable Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| F10 key doesn't work | Recovery partition deleted | Use a bootable USB flash drive with Windows |
| Stuck at 99% | Driver or disk failure | Force reboot and retry |
| No internet access | Wi-Fi drivers are missing | Installing drivers from the official website |
| Microsoft account error | Server problems | Try again later or use offline |
⚠️ Warning: If you see the message “Failed to restore your computer,” this may indicate a critical partition error. In this case, it is better to contact an authorized service center for flashing via a programmer.
What to do if there is no Internet after the reset?
If you cannot connect to Wi-Fi after resetting, then the network adapter driver is not installed automatically. You need to download the driver for your laptop model from another computer or smartphone, transfer it to a USB flash drive and install it manually. Drivers are usually located in the “Support” section on the manufacturer’s website.
Completing setup and optimization after reset
After a successful reset and first boot, you will be greeted with a welcome screen. Follow the setup wizard instructions: select your region, keyboard layout and connect to the network. Be sure to create a Microsoft account as it allows you to sync settings between devices and receive security updates.
It is recommended to check for Windows updates immediately after logging in. Go to Settings → Update & Security and start searching for updates. This will download the latest security patches and possibly missing drivers for your hardware. Do not ignore this step, as the latest version of the system will work more stable.
If you plan to install heavy programs or games, make sure your laptop Huawei has sufficient free space. The reset returned the system to its original state, but some pre-installed applications (bloatware) may be taking up space. Remove unnecessary programs from the Start menu that you don't need to free up resources.
- 🌐 Check for all available Windows updates
- 🔋 Calibrate the battery if it doesn't last long
- 🛡️ Install a reliable antivirus or configure Windows Defender
- 🧹 Remove unnecessary pre-installed apps
Regularly creating restore points after setting up your system will protect you from having to do a hard reset in the future if software failures occur.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Do I need to delete my Microsoft account before resetting?
No, you do not need to delete your account in advance. After the reset, the system itself will ask you to log in to your account or create a new one. The Windows license is tied to the hardware, so activation will take place automatically when you connect to the Internet.
Is the user account password reset?
Yes, a hard reset (“Delete All”) will delete all user accounts. You will have to sign in with a new password or create a new account. Local passwords are also erased.
What should I do if the F10 key doesn't work on my laptop?
If F10 doesn't work, the recovery partition may have been deleted. In this case, you need to create a bootable USB flash drive with an image of Windows 10/11 on another computer and install the system from scratch using the official image from Microsoft.
How long does it take to completely reset a Huawei laptop?
On average, the process takes 20 to 40 minutes, but can take up to an hour on older models or when using slow hard drives (HDDs). Modern SSD drives provide faster performance.
Is it possible to get back deleted files after a reset?
Officially, no. A full reset will overwrite the data. Using data recovery software is only possible in rare cases and with a low success rate, especially on SSD drives due to the TRIM feature.