A Windows clean install can be a potent way to restore your computer from scratch. A clean install can be a wonderful method to make sure that your computer is performing smoothly and effectively, whether you’re upgrading to a newer version of Windows or simply trying to optimize the performance of your current operating system. We’ll take a close, step-by-step look at how to carry out a clean install of the Windows operating system in this post.
Step 1:
Make a backup of all your crucial data before conducting a clean install of Windows. This includes any data that you don’t want to lose, such as images, music, and documents. Although there are various methods, using an external hard drive is one of the least complicated. Simply connect the drive to your computer and drag and drop the files onto the external drive that you wish to back up.
Step 2:
Produce a Bootable DVD or USB Drive Create a bootable USB device or DVD with the Windows operating system after you’ve backed up your data. In order to accomplish this, you must first obtain the Windows installation disc from the Microsoft website (found here). Once you’ve downloaded the installation media, you’ll need to make a bootable USB drive or DVD using a tool like Rufus or the Windows USB/DVD Download Tool.
Step 3:
You must now boot your computer from the bootable USB device or DVD that you prepared in step 2. In order to boot from the USB/DVD, you have to restart the computer and go into the BIOS by pressing the key that appears on the screen (often F2 or Delete). This will bring up the BIOS menu. Once in the BIOS, select the boot option and modify the boot order such that the USB drive or DVD is listed as the first device.
Step 4:
Once you have started Windows from the boot disk, you will be requested to install Windows. The following screenshot should be one of the first prompts you see:
Select your country, language, and keyboard layout, then click “Install Now or Next” to launch the installation process.
Step 5:
(This step doesn’t usually occur during the installation process but be ready to enter the activation key). At some point throughout the installation process, you will be required to enter your 25 digit activation/product key. If you bought Windows online, the product key might have been sent to you by email. The product key will be packaged with Windows if you bought it on a disc. If prompted, click “Next” to move forward after entering the product key.
Step 6:
You must now decide what kind of installation you wish to carry out. Either a custom installation, which will completely wipe out your hard drive and do a clean install, or an upgrade installation, which will keep all of your files and settings. In order to accomplish the goals of this article, a bespoke installation will be carried out.
The following screenshot is crucial to perform a clean installation of a new operating system:
after choosing the “Custom Installation (Advanced) you’ll be presented with the following screen or similar:
You must select all the drives that appear in this window one by one and delete them. Once you’ve deleted every one of them, you will have only 1 drive left, at which point you will then press the “Format” option and Windows will recreate a brand new Partition indicating the entire hard drive has been wiped and ready to have the operating system installed.
Step 7:
Windows will start installing the operating system and moving files to your hard disk. This process could take anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour depending on the speed of your computer.
Step 8:
After the installation is finished, you’ll be prompted to create either an online account with Microsoft or an offline local account.
choosing an Offline account will ensure that your computer is completely clean and free from any data that might be saved on an online account. Now choose a name (typically your first and last name) and a secure password for your account.
Step 9:
After Windows has been set up, you must install programs and drivers for your computer’s hardware and software. This can contain antivirus software, Microsoft Office, and the drivers for your sound device, network adapter, and graphics card. The most recent drivers and software are available for download from the manufacturer’s website, however, your initial updates should come directly from Windows. In the search field, simply type “Windows updates”
Windows will scan your computer for the necessary updates and begin to download and install them, keep in mind that this process will take anywhere from 20 to 60 minutes.
Step 10:
After installing all of your drivers and software, you can restore your data from the backup you made in Step 1. Simply copy your files back onto the hard disk of your computer from the external hard drive.
The reliability and speed of your computer can be greatly enhanced by doing a clean install of the Windows operating system. Although the process can take some time, it’s rather simple and anyone with a basic understanding of computers can do it. You can perform a clean install of Windows and start again with a quick and effective operating system by following the instructions given in this article. Prior to beginning the process, keep in mind to backup your data, and once Windows has been installed, make sure to install all required drivers and apps. Your computer will run like new in no time if you are persistent and patient.
Step 11:
You can modify some of the Windows settings to further optimize your computer’s performance. This includes turning off superfluous startup applications, turning down visual effects, and modifying power settings. You can do this by going to the “System” and “Power & Sleep” sections of the Windows Settings program.
Step 12:
Install any necessary software that you need for your daily job or enjoyment requirements last. Web browsers, media players, productivity tools, and more fall under this category. These programs are available for download via the Microsoft Store or the company’s website that produces the desired software.
It can be intimidating to perform a clean install of the Windows operating system at first, but it’s a terrific opportunity to start over with a quick and effective computer. You can conduct a fresh install of Windows on your computer and enhance its efficiency for your everyday needs by following the instructions provided in this article. Do not forget to install all required drivers and software, update Windows, tweak Windows settings, and install the necessary software. Your computer will function flawlessly after following these procedures in no time!
