If you have had the same installation for a long time, this process can also help fix performance issues, problems shutting down and starting up, memory, and apps. Also, a clean installation is the process of choice to upgrade from an older version like Windows 7 or 8.1. Or you can use this option to delete all preloaded bloatware from the manufacturer image on a new computer. Whatever the reason, Microsoft offers several ways to perform a clean install of Windows 10, including using a USB flash drive to set up the installation on an SSD (Solid-State Drive). You can use the Media Creation Tool to do a fresh install on a device already running Windows 10. It’s also possible to use the “Reset this PC” feature to quickly wipe out the hard drive and reinstall the operating system without additional tools. Or, if the computer does not start, you can use the Advanced startup options or mount the ISO file to File Explorer to complete a clean install. This guide will teach you the different ways to perform a clean installation of Windows 10 on your computer, whether you plan to reinstall the same version or upgrade to a later release, including version 22H2, 21H2, 21H1, or 20H2.
- Clean install Windows 10 from USB 2. Clean install Windows 10 from Media Creation Tool 3. Clean install Windows 10 from Reset this PC (local) 4. Clean install Windows 10 from Reset this PC (cloud) 5. Clean install Windows 10 from WinRE 6. Clean install Windows 10 from ISO file
1. Clean install Windows 10 from USB
The best way to complete a fresh installation of Windows 10 is to use a USB flash drive, which you must first create using the Media Creation Tool, Command Prompt, or third-party tools like Rufus. Also, you must ensure the computer can start from USB, which means you may need to adjust the BIOS or UEFI settings. However, since most devices have different settings, you must check your manufacturer support website for more specific details. To clean install Windows 10 from USB, use these steps: Once you complete the steps, Windows 10 will apply the settings and finish the setup.
2. Clean install Windows 10 from Media Creation Tool
You can also perform a clean installation using the Media Creation Tool with the option to keep nothing. This option is available for devices already using Windows 10, Windows 8.1, or Windows 7, and it provides an option to roll back to the previous installation. To clean install Windows 10 with the Media Creation Tool, use these steps: After you complete the steps, the setup will continue with the fresh installation of the operating system.
3. Clean install Windows 10 from Reset this PC (local)
Using the local image, you can also use the recovery settings to start fresh with a clean copy of Windows 10. However, unlike the USB, Media Creation Tool, and ISO file methods, you can only use this option to reinstall the same version of Windows 10 already on the computer. If you want to upgrade to a newer version, you will need to use one of the other alternative methods. To clean install Windows 10 with the Reset this PC feature using the local image, use these steps: Once you complete the steps, a clean installation will be performed using the local image. If this is a branded computer, the setup will restore all the original settings previously available with the device. This means manufacturer-specific settings, drivers, applications, and tools. If you don’t want to reinstall the custom image provided by the manufacturer, use the “Cloud Download” option (see steps below).
Clean data: If this option is set to No (recommended), then the setup will only delete files, apps, and settings quickly. If the option is set to Yes, the setup will securely clean the drive before installing the operating system, but it will take longer. Delete files from all drives: Only the installation drive will be erased if the option is set to No (recommended). Otherwise, if this option is set to Yes, all the drives on the device will be deleted. Download Windows: If this option is set to No (recommended), the local image will be used for installation. If the option is set to Yes, the “Cloud download” option will be activated.
4. Clean install Windows 10 from Reset this PC (cloud)
Windows 10 also includes the “Cloud Download” option in the “Reset this PC” feature, which allows you to reset the device with a clean installation, removing apps, files, and settings like the local image option. However, the difference is that when you select this option, the setup will download a fresh installation image from the Microsoft server. This option has been designed to reinstall Windows 10 when the recovery feature is not working with the local image or using a branded computer with a custom image. If you choose this option, the setup will download the same version already installed on the device, which means you cannot use this method to upgrade the computer to a newer version. Also, if the device has a custom image from the manufacturer, this option will replace it with the one from Microsoft with all the standard settings and without custom drivers or trial software and tools. To reinstall Windows 10 with the Reset this PC using the “Cloud Download” option, use these steps: Once you complete the steps, the feature will take over and reset your device to the default settings by erasing and reinstalling a fresh copy of Windows 10 downloaded from the cloud.
Clean data: If this option is set to No (recommended), then the setup will only delete files, apps, and settings quickly. If the option is set to Yes, the setup will securely clean the drive before installing the operating system, but it will take longer. Delete files from all drives: Only the installation drive will be erased if the option is set to No (recommended). Otherwise, if this option is set to Yes, all the drives on the device will be deleted. Download Windows: If the option is set to Yes (recommended), the “Cloud download” option will be activated. If this option is set to No, then the local image will be used for installation.
5. Clean install Windows 10 from WinRE
If the computer does not start correctly and you want to reinstall Windows 10 to resolve the problem, the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) includes an option to perform a clean installation using the local or cloud image. Technically, these are the same options available through the “Reset this PC” settings. However, you can also access the feature through the “Advanced startup” option, making it ideal for performing a clean installation of Windows 10 when the computer has problems. Or when you cannot boot the system to access the Settings app. Again, you can only use this option to reinstall the same operating system version already installed on the computer. If you also want to upgrade to the latest version, you must use the Media Creation Tool, ISO file, or USB options. To clean install Windows 10 from the Windows Recovery Environment, use these steps: Once you complete the steps, the process will take over and reset your computer to the default settings by erasing and reinstalling a clean copy of Windows 10. The completion time will depend on your computer hardware configuration and selected reset configuration.
Just remove my files: Deletes the drive contents quickly. Full clean the drive: It also deletes everything on the drive but performs a secure erase that takes several hours—this option is suited when preparing to give away the device.
6. Clean install Windows 10 from ISO file
If you only have a Windows 10 ISO file, a USB flash drive or disc is not required to continue with the installation. You can always mount the ISO in File Explorer to launch a clean install or in-place upgrade on a device with the operating system already installed. To clean install Windows 10 from an ISO file, use these steps: Once you complete the steps, the clean installation process will begin, like using the Media Creation Tools or USB flash drive to upgrade the system.
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