How can you access HP’s built-in diagnostics on a notebook?

Accessing HP’s built-in diagnostics on a notebook involves utilizing specific key commands during the startup process, and the F2 key is the correct one for this function. When the notebook powers on, pressing the F2 key will launch the diagnostics tool, which provides a series of tests to check the health and functionality of the system’s hardware components, such as memory, hard drive, and battery, among others. This tool is especially valuable for troubleshooting hardware issues and ensuring that the system is performing optimally.

The other methods mentioned, such as holding down the Escape key or using HP Support Assistant, do not directly bring up the built-in diagnostics during startup. While HP Support Assistant can be a useful utility for general support and maintenance, it is not the direct means of accessing the hardware diagnostics. Thus, the F2 key is specifically designated for this purpose, making it the appropriate choice for accessing HP’s diagnostic tools at startup.