How to perform Clean Installation of Windows 10/11

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A clean install of Windows 10 can resolve numerous issues, improve performance, and give your computer a fresh start. Whether you're upgrading from an older version of Windows or just want to wipe your system clean, this guide will walk you through the steps to perform a clean install of Windows 10.



 What You Need

Before you begin, gather the following:

  • Windows 10 Installation Media: A USB drive with at least 8 GB of space, configured as a bootable Windows 10 installation drive.
  • Product Key: Your Windows 10 product key. If you’re reinstalling on the same hardware, Windows 10 should activate automatically.
  • Backup of Important Data: Ensure all critical data is backed up to an external drive or cloud storage, as a clean install will erase everything on your system drive.

Step-by-Step Guide to Clean Install Windows 10

  1. Create Windows 10 Installation Media

    If you don’t already have a bootable USB drive, you’ll need to create one:

    • Download the Windows 10 Media Creation Tool from the official Microsoft website.
    • Run the tool and select Create installation media (USB flash drive, DVD, or ISO file) for another PC.
    • Choose your language, edition, and architecture (64-bit or 32-bit).
    • Select USB flash drive and follow the prompts to create the installation media.

  2. Prepare Your PC for Installation

    • Backup Your Data: If you haven’t already, back up any data you want to keep.
    • Unplug External Devices: Remove all unnecessary external devices (like printers, external hard drives, etc.) to avoid any conflicts during installation.

  3. Boot from the Installation Media

    • Insert the USB installation drive into your PC.
    • Restart your computer.
    • Enter your PC's BIOS or UEFI settings by pressing a key (usually F2, F12, ESC, or DEL) during startup.
    • Set the USB drive as the primary boot device in the BIOS/UEFI settings.
    • Save the settings and restart your PC to boot from the USB drive.

  4. Start the Windows 10 Installation Process

    • Once your PC boots from the USB drive, you’ll see the Windows Setup screen.
    • Select your language, time, and keyboard preferences, then click Next.
    • Click Install now.
    • If prompted, enter your Windows 10 product key. If you're reinstalling on the same machine, you can skip this step and activate Windows later.

  5. Select Installation Type: Custom Install

    • Choose Custom: Install Windows only (advanced) when asked which type of installation you want.
    • You’ll see a list of partitions. Select the primary partition where Windows is currently installed, usually labeled Drive 0. Be aware that all data on this partition will be erased.
    • Click Delete to remove the partition, then select the unallocated space and click Next to install Windows on this space.

  6. Installation Process

    • Windows will begin copying files and installing the operating system. This process can take some time, depending on your system’s speed.
    • Your computer will restart several times during the installation process. Ensure you leave the USB drive connected until the installation is complete.

  7. Set Up Windows 10

    • After installation, Windows 10 will guide you through the initial setup:
      • Choose your region and keyboard layout.
      • Connect to a Wi-Fi network if available.
      • Log in with a Microsoft account or create a local account.
      • Adjust privacy settings to your preference.

  8. Install Updates and Drivers

    • Once the setup is complete and you’re at the Windows 10 desktop, connect to the internet if you haven’t already.
    • Windows Update should automatically download and install any necessary updates and drivers. You can manually check for updates by going to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and clicking Check for updates.

  9. Reinstall Programs and Restore Data

    • Begin reinstalling your essential programs, either from the internet or installation files.
    • Restore your backed-up data from the external drive or cloud storage.

  10. Activate Windows 10

    • If Windows 10 doesn’t activate automatically, go to Settings > Update & Security > Activation and enter your product key.

Conclusion

Performing a clean install of Windows 10 is a great way to resolve persistent issues and give your system a fresh start. Although the process involves erasing all data on your drive, following this guide will help you ensure that everything goes smoothly and that you can enjoy a clean, efficient Windows 10 environment once the installation is complete.

Source: https://windows101tricks.com/download-clean-install-windows-10/