How do I do a clean install of Windows 10? This is a common question among Windows users who want to start fresh with their operating system. Whether you’re experiencing performance issues, trying to troubleshoot problems, or simply looking to enhance your system’s speed and efficiency, a clean install can be the solution. In this article, we’ll guide you through the process step by step, ensuring that you have a smooth and successful installation.
The first step in performing a clean install of Windows 10 is to gather all the necessary tools and information. You’ll need a Windows 10 installation media, such as a USB flash drive or DVD, and the product key for your Windows 10 license. If you don’t have a product key, you can purchase one from the Microsoft Store or contact Microsoft Support for assistance.
Once you have your installation media and product key ready, follow these steps to perform a clean install:
1.
Backup your data:
Before proceeding with the clean install, it’s crucial to backup all your important files and documents. You can use an external hard drive, cloud storage, or any other backup method to ensure that you don’t lose any data during the installation process.
2.
Prepare your installation media:
If you’re using a USB flash drive, make sure it has at least 8GB of space. Insert the flash drive into your computer and use a tool like Rufus to create a bootable Windows 10 installation USB. If you’re using a DVD, insert a blank disc into your DVD drive and use a tool like Windows Media Creation Tool to create a bootable Windows 10 ISO file, which you can then burn to the disc.
3.
Boot from the installation media:
Restart your computer and enter the BIOS or UEFI settings to change the boot order. Set your installation media as the first boot device and save the changes. Restart your computer again, and it should boot from the installation media.
4.
Follow the on-screen instructions:
Once the Windows Setup screen appears, select your language, time, and keyboard preferences. Click “Next” to proceed. Then, click “Install now” to begin the installation process.
5.
Enter your product key:
When prompted, enter your Windows 10 product key. If you don’t have a product key, you can choose the “I don’t have a product key” option, but you’ll need to purchase one later.
6.
Choose the installation type:
Select “Custom: Install Windows only (advanced)” to perform a clean install. This will erase all data on your hard drive, so make sure you’ve backed up your files.
7.
Select your installation drive:
In the “Drive options (advanced)” section, select the drive where you want to install Windows 10. If you have multiple drives, choose the one where you want to create a new partition for the installation.
8.
Format and create a new partition:
Right-click on the selected drive and choose “Format.” This will erase all data on the drive. After formatting, right-click on the unallocated space and choose “New simple volume.” Follow the on-screen instructions to create a new partition.
9.
Install Windows 10:
Select the newly created partition and click “Next” to begin the installation process. Windows 10 will now be installed on your computer.
10.
Complete the setup:
After the installation is complete, follow the on-screen instructions to complete the setup process. This includes setting up your user account, region, and network preferences.
Congratulations! You’ve successfully performed a clean install of Windows 10. Your computer should now be running smoothly with a fresh installation of the operating system.
