When choosing to install Windows, which method should you choose for clean installation
A clean install of Windows 10 is recommended for upgrading to the latest operating system version. The reason is that this method allows you to erase the hard drive and start with a fresh copy of Windows 10 without custom settings, drivers, apps, or files that may interfere with the upgrade process. Show
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. In this guide, you will learn six 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.
Important: This process will delete everything on your device. It’s recommended to make a full backup of your computer before proceeding. You’ve been warned. 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 perform a clean install of Windows 10 from USB, use these steps:
Once you complete the steps, Windows 10 will proceed to apply the settings and finish the setup. Clean install Windows 10 from Media Creation ToolIf you do not have or want to use a USB flash drive, 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 perform a clean install of 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. Clean install Windows 10 from local image resetUsing 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 local recovery 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 install Windows 10 from cloud download resetWindows 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 “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 install Windows 10 from Advanced startup optionsIf the computer does not start correctly and you want to reinstall Windows 10 to resolve the problem, the Advanced startup options environment 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 Advanced startup options, 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. Clean install Windows 10 from ISO fileIf 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 with 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. When choosing to install Windows which method should you use for clean installation?The steps involved in performing a clean install for Windows 10 by this method include: Navigate to Settings from the start menu. Click on Updates & Security and navigate to Recovery from the left menu. Under More recovery options, click on Learn how to start fresh with a clean installation of Windows.
Which methods can be used for installing Windows operating system?You can install an operating system using a hard drive, optical disk, USB drive, or PXE. During the boot process, the device containing the operating system program is loaded in the RAM or computer's main memory and executed.
Which of the installation method does not require any user input?Unattended installation
One of the reasons to use this approach is to automate the installation of a large number of systems. An unattended installation either does not require the user to supply anything or has received all necessary input prior to the start of installation.
How do I install Windows 10 from BIOS?Save your settings, reboot your computer and you should now be able to install Windows 10.. Step 1 - Enter your computer's BIOS. ... . Step 2 - Set your computer to boot from DVD or USB. ... . Step 3 - Choose the Windows 10 clean install option. ... . Step 4 - How to find your Windows 10 license key. ... . Step 5 - Select your hard disk or SSD.. |