For instance, if the computer has had the same setup for a long time, a clean install of Windows 11 can help resolve performance issues, problems shutting down, booting up, memory, and apps. Also, this type of installation is the best method to upgrade from an older version (such as Windows 7 or Windows 8.1). In addition, you can use this option to delete annoying bloatware preloaded with the default setup. Microsoft supports multiple ways to clean install Windows 11, including using a USB flash drive to set up the operating system on an SSD (Solid-State Drive). It’s also possible to use the “Reset this PC” feature to quickly wipe out the hard drive and reinstall the system without additional tools. Or, if the device does not start, you can use the Advanced startup options or mount the ISO file to File Explorer to commence a clean install. In this guide, you will learn six different ways to perform a clean installation of Windows 11 22H2 or version 21H2 on your computer. However, before proceeding with these instructions, do these things before installing.
How to clean install Windows 11 from USB How to clean install Windows 11 from ISO file How to clean install Windows 11 using Reset this PC local image How to clean install Windows 11 using Reset this PC Cloud Download How to clean install Windows 11 from Advanced startup options How to clean install Windows 11 using Media Creation Tool
How to clean install Windows 11 from USB
Using a USB flash drive is the most straightforward method to clean install Windows 11. You can create a bootable media using the Media Creation Tool, Command Prompt, Rufus, or any other third-party tool. (See also this video tutorial with the installation process from USB at the Pureinfotech YouTube channel.) If you choose this method, you also have to make sure the device can start from USB, which means you will have to change the BIOS or UEFI settings. The only caveat is that since most computers have different settings, you will have to check your manufacturer support website for more specific details. To perform a clean install of Windows 11 from USB, use these steps: Once you complete the steps, Windows 11 will continue the installation on the computer.
How to clean install Windows 11 from ISO file
Alternatively, you can 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 11 with an ISO file, use these steps: Once you complete the steps, the clean installation process will begin, similar to using the Media Creation Tools or USB flash drive to upgrade the system.
How to clean install Windows 11 using Reset this PC local image
The recovery settings offer another method to start fresh with a clean copy of Windows 11. Unlike the Media Creation Tool, bootable flash drive, and ISO file options, you can only use this method to reinstall Windows 11 on a computer already running the same OS. If you plan to upgrade a computer running Windows 10, Windows 8.1, or Windows 7, you will have to use one of the previous alternative methods. To clean install Windows 11 with the local recovery image, use these steps: Once you complete the steps, the recovery feature will continue with the reinstallation using the locally available image of Windows 11. This process will restore the original settings if you have a computer from HP, Dell, Acer, or another brand. This means the manufacturer included factory settings, drivers, applications, and tools in the custom image.
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: If the option is set to No (recommended), only the installation drive will be erased. 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, then the “Cloud download” option will be activated.
If you don’t want to reinstall the custom manufacturer image, use the “Cloud Download” option (see steps below).
How to clean install Windows 11 using Reset this PC Cloud download
The Reset this PC feature also includes the “Cloud Download” option, which allows you to reset a computer with a clean installation, removing apps, files, and settings similar to the local image option. The only difference is that the feature will download the installation files from the Microsoft server. The option is available to reinstall Windows 11 when the local image is not working, or you do not want to use the same installation settings provided by the manufacturer. If you select the “Cloud download” option, the feature will download the same version already installed on the computer, which means you cannot use this method to upgrade to a newer version. Also, if the device used a custom image from the manufacturer, the new installation won’t include the custom settings, drivers, or tools. To reinstall Windows 11 with the “Cloud Download” option, use these steps: After you complete the steps, the feature will reset the computer by erasing and reinstalling a fresh copy of Windows 11 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: If the option is to No (recommended), only the installation drive will be erased. 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 Yes (recommended), the “Cloud download” option will be used for installation. If the option is set to No, the local image option will be used for the installation.
How to clean install Windows 11 from Advanced startup options
If the computer does not boot, the Advanced startup options environment includes the same options with the “Reset this PC” feature. You can only use this option to reinstall the same version of the OS already installed on the computer. If you want to upgrade to the latest version, you need to use the USB flash drive, Media Creation Tool, or ISO file options. To clean install Windows 11 from the Advanced startup options, use these steps: Once you complete the steps, Windows 11 will reinstall, resolving the existing problems. The completion time will depend on your computer hardware configuration and the 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.
How to clean install Windows 11 using Media Creation Tool
Starting with Windows 11, the Media Creation Tool no longer includes an option to perform a clean installation or in-place upgrade. You can only use the tool to create a bootable media to perform an installation using a USB flash drive or ISO file. If you want to proceed with the Media Creation Tool, you can use it to create an installation media, and then you can launch the setup from the USB flash drive. To use the Media Creation Tool to create a bootable USB install media and proceed with the setup, use these steps: After you complete the steps, the setup will continue with the fresh installation of Windows 11.
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