Might try a linux live usb just to see if some of your problems are hardware or software.
Sorry your having problems!
this post was submitted on 29 Mar 2026
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Oh thats a good idea. Its been such a hassle that I haven't been thinking straight. I appreciate the help!
I recomend garuda linux gaming focused distro for testing. It likely has all the drivers you'll need to test, even the nvidia drivers in the live usb. In the grub bootloader it will ask if you want to use proprietary or open source.
Maybe if its hardware you could exchange or RMA.
Best of luck!
Does it have a webcam? Test it. I bet it doesn't work. In fact, it might have been removed!
There's a common scam where 3rd party sellers take a totally normal laptop, remove some internal parts (e.g. the webcam) and sell it with the original specs in the original box. They then sell the "spare parts" on eBay or some other site in order to increase their profits.
When the customer complains, they ask for proof that the device is missing the components which is impossible without voiding the warranty (or so they claim) because taking apart something like the display (in order to get access to the webcam) is difficult (and can damage the device).
I purchased this from microcenter and was fresh from the box. All its specs are correct and the Webcam works. So all good on that front i think.
This is however very good adv!
Can you return it?
If need be, yes.
As much as I’d love to still recommend Linux and get versions of those apps that don’t require Microsoft accounts, this may be solved by doing a fresh Windows install. Get the Windows ISO from Microsoft and install that over what you currently have, wiping the current Windows install clean and formatted. It’ll be without the HP bloat, but will have Microsoft’s bloat. If you want any specific HP bloat you had, you likely can get it from HP’s support website and searching for drivers based on your serial number or using their tool if they have one. Here’s the link to Microsoft’s ISO for Windows 11 https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows11
I rock mx linux on my main system, and kubuntu on my other laptop. Never looked back. Windows 10 was the last time I used the operating system. Its crazy just how bad windows 11 is and feels. Ive used windows most of my life, and feeling lost just by looking at the options menu is new to me.
Yeah, it's pretty wild how much windows 11 fucked the performance by adding ai bs, or just straight up changing things for the hell of it.
I only use windows because of work, and it still bugs the hell out of me just how badly it goes sometimes.
It feels like it could be a corrupted win11 install, maybe a bum drive? Can you create a bootable thumb drive and try reinstalling? I'd swap drives and format if possible.
If the same issues persist, Microcenter has a rock solid return policy as long as you're still in the window.
If you're outside the window, I say give your wife the main account and dual boot Linux for you. Good luck!