Restart your setup and reinstall Windows 11 on a fresh device.
Restart your setup and reinstall Windows 11 on a fresh device.
It's unnecessary software that HP is paid to install on their machines. Or perhaps it's a leftover. Where did you buy the computer? Large retailers like Walmart often accept returns and then simply place them back on the shelf as new products. A fresh Windows 11 setup directly from Microsoft's servers doesn't have these pre-set options. If you're concerned, download the Windows Media Creation Tool from the official Microsoft site, create a USB drive, and reinstall Windows yourself. Most likely, it's just unnecessary data HP loads for profit.
I purchased it from a large retail outlet. My main worry is whether malware could be present if I turn on the laptop and set it up again. The security options for Amazon, Booking, McAfee, LastPass look similar in this context. The links provided suggest browser favorites related to security and HTTPS redirection.
Someone here can open Microsoft Edge on their laptop and confirm if they notice these favorites beneath the search options. Also, anyone with an HP laptop should try it out and check Microsoft Edge. This is only relevant if you don’t rely on Edge as your primary browser, since you’d likely have many saved items. If I were to perform a full reinstall using a USB drive and Windows Media, how long would the entire process take? Is there a guide available that walks through this step by step? Do any of you have recommendations or concerns about it? I hadn’t thought about it until I saw these favorites in Microsoft Edge.
HP doesn’t intend to send malware on brand new devices, though it’s possible in some cases. Doing so would cause a huge public relations issue. They do, however, provide unnecessary bloatware that businesses pay for. If you’re concerned, create a USB from the Microsoft site and reinstall Windows yourself.
Clean install of Windows 11 here. No such things in my Edge's favorite bar. Maybe I deleted them, I don't remember. That said, when you first opened the PC, were you greeted with the usual PC setup prompt? where you selected your language, entered your name, etc etc. ? If so, it's unlikely to have been a return because big box stores won't go to the trouble of setting up that new install prompt on a laptop, they will just sell it as is most of the time. The most likely scenario, like others have said, this is a HP laptop. It comes with bloatware. These link redirects are stuff HP puts in so THEY make money whenever you visit these sites and spend money there. Delete the links and move on with your day. Nothing to worry about, business as usual in the world of HP. It's not malware, they are just links.
When I first turned on the PC, it showed the standard setup screen. You need to set your language and other details, just like when purchasing a new Windows laptop. What if it’s returned? Some people say big stores don’t inspect or restore it in good condition. Is that accurate? This is my biggest worry—what happens if someone breaks it and brings it back as brand new? That concerns me most about these popular models. Should I opt for a clean install? How long should the process take? One person says it might be around 15 minutes. The laptop is slow, it’s a Celeron, so it won’t be my primary machine but another one I plan to use. I have a USB flash drive ready, as mentioned. Do I need the product key? I checked the command prompt and found it. If I do a clean reinstall, would I lose all the unnecessary software? Also, what about the free year of Microsoft 365 or the limited trial periods for other services?
I'm concerned about keeping my system safe. Downloading files to a USB drive feels risky, especially with a new computer. I'm worried about malware spreading from my HP laptop to the flash drive. Would it be better to avoid using it at all instead of risking infection? If a clean reinstall is possible without a drive, I'd prefer that option. Do most users agree these are the changes HP made?
It's not malicious software—it's extra features preloaded by HP since they receive payments for including them. It won't harm your Windows installation. Just reinstall Windows. You don't need a free trial of McAfee because it's just additional bloat they were paid to promote. Be sure to leave a negative review on HP's site or the retailer you purchased from, mentioning the unwanted preinstalled software.