Page 3 - Safety warning notice
Safety warning notice WARNING! To reduce the possibility of heat-related injuries or of overheating the computer, do not place the computer directly on your lap or obstruct the computer air vents. Use the computer only ona hard, flat surface. Do not allow another hard surface, such as an adjoining o...
Page 5 - Table of contents
Table of contents 1 Starting right ................................................................................................................................................... 1 HP Quick Start (select models only) ..................................................................................
Page 11 - Starting right; Best practices; Fun things to do
1 Starting right This computer is a powerful tool designed to enhance your work and entertainment. Read thischapter to learn about best practices after setup, fun things to do with your computer, and where tofind additional HP resources. HP Quick Start (select models only) HP Quick Start gives you t...
Page 12 - More HP resources
More HP resources You have already used Setup Instructions to turn on the computer and locate this guide. To locate product details, how-to information, and more, use this table. Resource Contents Setup Instructions ● Overview of computer setup and features Windows 8 Basics guide ● Overview of using...
Page 13 - Getting to know your computer; Finding your hardware and software information; Locating hardware; Locating software
2 Getting to know your computer Finding your hardware and software information Locating hardware To find out what hardware is installed on your computer: 1. From the Start screen, type c , and then select Control Panel . 2. Select System and Security , and then in the System area, select Device Mana...
Page 14 - Right side
Right side Component Description (1) USB 3.0 ports (2) Connect optional USB 3.0 devices. NOTE: For details about different types of USB ports, see Using a USB device on page 43 . (2) HDMI port Connects an optional video or audio device, such as a high-definition television, any compatible digital or...
Page 18 - Top; TouchPad
Top TouchPad Component Description (1) TouchPad zone Moves the on-screen pointer and selects or activates itemson the screen. NOTE: The TouchPad also supports edge-swipe gestures. For more information, see Edge swipes on page 28 . (2) Left TouchPad button Functions like the left button on an externa...
Page 19 - Lights
Lights Component Description (1) Power light ● On: The computer is on. ● Blinking: The computer is in the Sleep state, a power-saving state. The computer shuts off power to thedisplay and other unneeded components. ● Off: The computer is off or in Hibernation. Hibernationis a power-saving state that...
Page 20 - Buttons and speakers
Buttons and speakers Component Description (1) Power button ● When the computer is off, press the button to turn onthe computer. ● When the computer is on, press the button briefly toinitiate Sleep. ● When the computer is in the Sleep state, press thebutton briefly to exit Sleep. ● When the computer...
Page 21 - Keys
Keys Component Description (1) esc key Reveals system information when pressed in combinationwith the fn key. (2) fn key Executes frequently used system functions when pressedin combination with the esc key. (3) Windows key Returns you to the Start screen from an open app or theWindows desktop. NOTE...
Page 22 - Bottom
Bottom Component Description (1) Battery lock latch Locks the battery into the battery bay. (2) Battery bay Holds the battery. (3) Vents (3) Enable airflow to cool internal components. NOTE: The computer fan starts up automatically to cool internal components and prevent overheating. Itis normal for...
Page 25 - Connecting to a network; Using the wireless controls; Using the wireless button
3 Connecting to a network Your computer can travel with you wherever you go. But even at home, you can explore the globeand access information from millions of websites using your computer and a wired or wirelessnetwork connection. This chapter will help you get connected to that world. Connecting t...
Page 26 - Using a WLAN; Using an Internet service provider
To use operating system controls: 1. From the Start screen, type n , and then select Settings . 2. Type network and sharing in the search box, and then select Network and Sharing Center . For more information, from the Start screen, type h , and then select Help and Support . Using a WLAN With a WLA...
Page 27 - Connecting to a WLAN
As your network grows, additional wireless and wired computers can be connected to the network toaccess the Internet. For help in setting up your WLAN, see the information provided by your router manufacturer or yourISP. Configuring a wireless router For help in setting up a WLAN, see the informatio...
Page 28 - Using Bluetooth wireless devices (select models only); Connecting to a wired network
NOTE: If no WLANs are listed, you may be out of range of a wireless router or access point. NOTE: If you do not see the WLAN you want to connect to, from the Windows desktop, right- click the network status icon, and then select Open Network and Sharing Center . Select Set up a new connection or net...
Page 30 - Enjoying entertainment features; Multimedia features
4 Enjoying entertainment features Multimedia features Use your HP computer as an entertainment hub to socialize via the webcam, enjoy and manage yourmusic, and download and watch movies. Or, to make your computer an even more powerfulentertainment center, connect external devices like a monitor, pro...
Page 31 - Using audio
Component Description (5) HDMI port Connects an optional video or audio device, such asa high-definition television, any compatible digital oraudio component, or a high-speed HDMI device. (6) USB 3.0 ports (2) Connect optional USB 3.0 devices. NOTE: For details about different types of USB ports, se...
Page 32 - Connecting speakers; Connecting headphones; Connecting a microphone; Using video
Connecting speakers You can attach wired speakers to your computer by connecting them to a USB port or to the audio-out (headphone) jack on your computer or on a docking station. To connect wireless speakers to your computer, follow the device manufacturer's instructions. To connect high-definition ...
Page 33 - Connecting an HDMI device
To enhance your viewing enjoyment, use one of the video ports on the computer to connect anexternal monitor, projector, or TV. Most computers have a video graphics array (VGA) port, whichconnects analog video devices. Some computers also have a high-definition multimedia interface(HDMI) port, which ...
Page 34 - Configuring HDMI audio settings; Managing your audio and video files (select models only)
Configuring HDMI audio settings HDMI is the only video interface that supports high-definition video and audio. After you connect an HDMI TV to the computer, you can then turn on HDMI audio by following these steps: 1. From the Windows desktop, right-click the Speakers icon in the notification area,...
Page 35 - Using the TouchPad
5 Navigating using touch gestures,pointing devices and the keyboard Your computer allows navigation using touch gestures (select models only) in addition to thekeyboard and mouse. Touch gestures can be used on your computer TouchPad or on a touch screen(select models only). NOTE: An external USB mou...
Page 36 - Tapping
3. From the Touch Pad screen, select the appropriate gesture, and then select or clear the check box next to the gesture that you want to turn off or on. 4. Click Save . Tapping To make an on-screen selection, use the tap function on the TouchPad. ● Point to an item on the screen, and then tap one f...
Page 37 - Scrolling
Scrolling Scrolling is useful for moving up, down, or sideways on a page or image. ● Place two fingers slightly apart on the TouchPad zone and then drag them up, down, left, orright. Pinching/zooming Pinching and zooming allow you to zoom in or out on images or text. ● Zoom in by placing two fingers...
Page 40 - Using touch screen gestures (select models only)
Using touch screen gestures (select models only) A touch screen computer allows you to control items on the screen directly with your fingers. TIP: On touch screen computers, you can perform the gestures on the screen or on the TouchPad. You can also perform on-screen actions with the keyboard and m...
Page 44 - Using the keys; Using the action keys
TIP: The Windows key on the keyboard allows you to quickly return to the Start screen from an open app or the Windows desktop. Pressing the Windows key again will return you to the previousscreen. NOTE: Depending on the country or region, your keyboard may have different keys and keyboard functions ...
Page 45 - Using Microsoft Windows 8 shortcut keys; Using the hot keys
Icon Key Description f10 Begins, pauses, or resumes playback of an audio CD, a DVD, or a BD. f11 Plays the next track of an audio CD or the next section of a DVD or a BD. f12 Turns the wireless feature on or off. NOTE: A wireless network must be set up before a wireless connection is possible. Using...
Page 46 - Managing power; Initiating Sleep and Hibernation; Manually initiating and exiting Sleep
6 Managing power Your computer can operate on either battery power or external power. When the computer is onlyrunning on battery power only and an AC power source is not available to charge the battery, it isimportant to monitor and conserve the battery charge. Your computer supports an optimal pow...
Page 47 - Manually initiating and exiting Hibernation (select models only); Setting password protection on wakeup; Using the power meter and power settings; Running on battery power
Manually initiating and exiting Hibernation (select models only) You can enable user-initiated Hibernation and change other power settings and timeouts using PowerOptions. 1. From the Start screen, type power , select Settings , and then select Power Options from the list of applications. 2. In the ...
Page 49 - Conserving battery power; Identifying low battery levels; Resolving a low battery level; Resolving a low battery level when external power is available
Conserving battery power Tips for conserving battery power and maximizing battery life: ● Lower the brightness on the display. ● Select the Power saver setting in Power Options. ● Remove a user-replaceable battery from the computer if it will not be used or charged for morethan 2 weeks. ● Turn off w...
Page 50 - Replacing a user-replaceable battery; Running on external AC power
Resolving a low battery level when the computer cannot exit Hibernation When the computer lacks sufficient power to exit Hibernation, follow these steps: 1. Replace the discharged user-replaceable battery with a charged battery, or connect the ACadapter to the computer and to external power. 2. Exit...
Page 51 - Troubleshooting power problems
When you connect the computer to external AC power: ● The battery begins to charge. ● The display brightness increases. ● The power meter icon on the Windows desktop changes appearance. When you disconnect external AC power, the following events occur: ● The computer switches to battery power. ● The...
Page 53 - Managing and sharing information; Connecting a USB device
7 Managing and sharing information Drives are digital storage devices that help you store, manage, share, and access information. Yourcomputer has an internal hard drive or a solid state drive that stores your computer's software,operating system, and also provides storage for all of your personal f...
Page 54 - Removing a USB device; Inserting and removing a memory card
▲ Connect the USB cable for the device to the USB port. NOTE: The USB port on your computer may look slightly different from the illustration in this section. A sound indicates that the device has been detected. NOTE: The first time you connect a USB device, a message is revealed on the Windows desk...
Page 55 - Using optical drives
2. Insert the card into the memory card reader, and then press in on the card until it is firmlyseated. A sound indicates that the device has been detected. To remove a memory card: CAUTION: To reduce the risk of loss of data or an unresponsive system, use the following procedure to safely remove th...
Page 56 - Sharing data and drives and accessing software
● Be sure that you have installed the latest software updates for the drive. ● If the disc you are using is not clean, wipe it with a dry, lint-free, soft cloth. Your computer may include an optical drive that supports one or more of the following disctechnologies: ● CD—A compact disc stores data th...
Page 58 - Maintaining your computer; Improving performance; Handling drives
8 Maintaining your computer It is important to perform regular maintenance to keep your computer in optimal condition. Thischapter provides information about improving the performance of your computer by running toolssuch as Disk Defragmenter and Disk Cleanup. It also provides information about upda...
Page 59 - Using Disk Defragmenter; Using Disk Cleanup; Updating programs and drivers
A short time after the end of one of these events, HP 3D DriveGuard returns the hard drive to normaloperation. NOTE: Because solid state drives (SSDs) lack moving parts, they do not require HP 3D DriveGuard protection. NOTE: Hard drives in the primary hard drive bay or in the secondary hard drive ba...
Page 60 - Cleaning your computer; Cleaning procedures; Cleaning the sides or cover
recent gaming software. Without the latest driver, you would not be getting the most out of yourequipment. Go to http://www.hp.com/support to download the latest versions of HP programs and drivers. In addition, register to receive automatic update notifications when they become available. Cleaning ...
Page 61 - Cleaning the TouchPad, keyboard, or mouse; Traveling with or shipping your computer
Cleaning the TouchPad, keyboard, or mouse WARNING! To reduce the risk of electric shock or damage to internal components, do not use a vacuum cleaner attachment to clean the keyboard. A vacuum cleaner can deposit household debrison the keyboard surface. CAUTION: To prevent damage to internal compone...
Page 62 - Using passwords
9 Securing your computer andinformation Computer security is essential for protecting the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of yourinformation. Standard security solutions provided by the Windows operating system, HP applications,the non-Windows Setup Utility (BIOS), and other third-party...
Page 63 - Setting Windows passwords
Setting Windows passwords Password Function User password Protects access to a Windows user account. Administrator password Protects administrator-level access to computer contents. NOTE: This password cannot be used to access Setup Utility (BIOS) contents. Setting Setup Utility (BIOS) passwords Pas...
Page 64 - Using antivirus software; Using firewall software; Installing software updates; Installing critical security updates
the security software trial offer or purchase the software of your choice in order to fully protect yourcomputer. Using antivirus software Computer viruses can disable programs, utilities, or the operating system, or cause them to functionabnormally. Antivirus software can detect most viruses, destr...
Page 65 - Securing your wireless network; Backing up your software applications and information; Using an optional security cable lock
If you have installed third-party software after you purchased your computer, regularly update thesoftware. Software companies provide software updates to their products to correct security problemsand improve functionality of the software. Securing your wireless network When you set up your wireles...
Page 66 - Updating the BIOS; Determining the BIOS version
10 Using Setup Utility (BIOS) and HP PC Hardware Diagnostics (UEFI) Setup Utility, or Basic Input/Output System (BIOS), controls communication between all the input andoutput devices on the system (such as disk drives, display, keyboard, mouse, and printer). SetupUtility (BIOS) includes settings for...
Page 67 - Downloading a BIOS update
Downloading a BIOS update CAUTION: To reduce the risk of damage to the computer or an unsuccessful installation, download and install a BIOS update only when the computer is connected to reliable external power using theAC adapter. Do not download or install a BIOS update while the computer is runni...
Page 68 - Downloading HP PC Hardware Diagnostics (UEFI) to a USB device
To start HP PC Hardware Diagnostics UEFI: 1. Turn on or restart the computer, quickly press esc , and then press f2 . The BIOS searches three places for the HP PC Hardware Diagnostics (UEFI) tools in thefollowing order: a. Connected USB drive NOTE: To download the HP PC Hardware Diagnostics (UEFI) t...
Page 70 - Creating HP Recovery media
choose to reset the computer by reinstalling Windows or choose to recover using HP RecoveryManager. NOTE: File History is not enabled by default, so you must turn it on. For more information and steps for enabling Windows File History, see Help and Support. Fromthe Start screen, type h , and then se...
Page 71 - Restore and recovery
Restore and recovery There are several options for recovering your system. Choose the method that best matches yoursituation and level of expertise: ● If you need to restore your personal files and data, you can use Windows File History to restoreyour information from the backups you created. For mo...
Page 73 - Recovering using HP Recovery Manager; What you need to know; Using the HP Recovery partition to recover (select models only)
3. Select Change PC settings in the bottom-right corner of the screen, and then select General from the PC settings screen. 4. Scroll the right-side choices down to display Remove everything and reinstall Windows . 5. Under Remove everything and reinstall Windows , select Get started , and follow th...
Page 74 - Using HP Recovery media to recover; Changing the computer boot order; Removing the HP Recovery partition
To start HP Recovery Manager from the HP Recovery partition: 1. Press f11 while the computer boots. – or – Press and hold f11 as you press the power button. 2. Choose your keyboard layout. 3. Select Troubleshoot from the boot options menu. 4. Select Recovery Manager , and follow the on-screen instru...
Page 76 - 2 Specifications; Input power
12 Specifications Input power The power information in this section may be helpful if you plan to travel internationally with thecomputer. The computer operates on DC power, which can be supplied by an AC or a DC power source. TheAC power source must be rated at 100–240 V, 50–60 Hz. Although the com...
Page 77 - 3 Electrostatic Discharge
13 Electrostatic Discharge Electrostatic discharge is the release of static electricity when two objects come into contact—forexample, the shock you receive when you walk across the carpet and touch a metal door knob. A discharge of static electricity from fingers or other electrostatic conductors m...
Page 78 - Index
Index A AC adapter 4AC adapter, testing 41action keys decrease screen brightness 34 Help and Support 34identifying 11increase screen brightness 34next track or section 35play, pause, resume 35previous track or section 34switch screen image 34volume down 34volume mute 34volume up 34wireless 35 airpor...
