An older PC’s accumulated hard disk and slow boot difficulties can be alleviated by performing a clean installation of Windows. Here are the comprehensive procedures for utilizing Microsoft’s media creation tool to perform a clean Windows installation. It’s quite simple: all you need is an authorized Windows copy and a USB flash disk.
1. Make a Backup of Your Files First
All of your programs, settings, and files will be deleted if you choose a clean installation. Although there is an option to keep personal files and apps, if you truly want to optimize your PC’s efficiency, it’s best to delete everything and start over. The data, photographs, browser bookmarks, videos, and product keys of any paid software are the only things worth retaining.
Connect a backup PC to a portable hard disk drive/solid state drive or even a USB drive if you have one. You can also transfer data between two Windows machines using a LAN cable. For individuals who already have an Office365 subscription plan and use Word or PowerPoint, OneDrive is a realistic choice.
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2. Download and Install Media Creation Tool
To begin, we must first obtain a copy of Microsoft’s official Windows media creation Tool. This will be used to produce an installation file on a USB device that should have at least 8 GB of storage capacity to be secure, but a 16 GB flash drive is preferable.
Run the.exe file after you’ve downloaded it and accept the license agreement that appears. You’ll be asked if you want to upgrade the PC or produce installation media in the form of a USB or ISO file using the Windows media creation tool. Select the second choice.
Choose a language, architecture, and Windows edition that match the recommended settings on your computer.
You’ll be asked to choose between USB and ISO as your installation media type in the next stage. Choose the USB option.
Make sure your Windows PC or laptop has a flash drive inserted. All of its existing files and data will be deleted, and the storage space will be filled with the most recent Windows installation discs.
Let the Windows operating system download to the USB drive. It will take a little while.
Windows installation media will be created in the USB drive after a quick verification of the download. Allow some time for this to complete.
The USB flash drive will then be ready, as shown by a success message. To complete the installation, click “Finish.”
On your PC, the Windows USB installation disk should be prominently displayed. Check that UEFI secure boot is enabled on your PC before performing a clean install.
3. Find Your Windows Product Key
It’s possible that you’ve misplaced your Windows activation key.
Note that free utilities like “ProduKey” are flagged as malware by Microsoft Security. Regenerating the key with native Windows programs like Command Prompt is significantly easier.
Open the Command Prompt in Admin mode from the Windows Start menu. Enter the following to get your original Windows product key:
wmic path SoftwareLicensingService get OA3xOriginalProductKey
As a result, there are dashes after every fifth letter in a 25-character key. Make a mental note of this key so you don’t lose it again.
4. Clean Install Windows on PC Using Bootable USB
The last section is the simplest. Start your computer by pressing the F2 or F10 or F12 keys, depending on the brand of your computer, and boot from the Windows USB installation disc. Select your preferred language and keyboard, then click “Install Now.”
Following the completion of a license agreement, you will have two options: upgrade or custom install, which will wipe all of your files, settings, and programs. Make sure you have a custom installation because it will ensure a clean installation.
After Next, choose a partition on your computer to clean install Windows on. It’s usually Drive 0 with the most space. See the illustration below.
After you’ve chosen a partition, you may begin installing Windows. There’s nothing else you need to do. In some circumstances, though, you will need to use a product key to activate Windows. Fill in the information from the previous section. After that, you’ll be prompted to select your Windows edition. After that, wait for the installation to complete. You’ll be prompted to create a new login name and password.
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Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is it worth doing a clean install of Windows?
Your system will stay fast and dependable – and even improve over time – if you take appropriate care of it with frequent updates and suitable security precautions (for example, keeping SmartScreen turned on). In that situation, reinstalling Windows isn’t necessary, though it won’t harm your computer in any way.
If, on the other hand, your system has become slow and apps are regularly crashing, it’s time to perform a clean install. It’s similar to doing a “factory reset” on your phone.
2. Will a clean install of Windows delete my files?
While performing a clean install of Windows 10, you are not need to remove your files. You’ll be given two options when you boot from the Windows USB installation drive: upgrade or custom install. If you select the first option (upgrade), Windows will be reinstalled without deleting your files and apps.
3. What is the main purpose of a clean install for Windows?
The goal of a clean installation is to get rid of any file corruptions and hard disk issues that have built up over time. That is why a custom install is suggested, as it will remove all of your files and applications. As a result, the first advised step is to create a backup of all your files. For more information, see the first portion of this guide.
4. How do you clean up Windows without reinstalling?
Cleaning up your PC is a redundant, unneeded goal because Windows continues to improve your PC’s performance with each official update. Rather than looking for techniques to clean up the files, it’s advisable to maintain your Windows system updated. However, using a system restore to protect your Windows PC against unexpected installation errors, slowdowns, delayed startup, missing drivers, and other difficulties is highly recommended. It’s a good idea to set a restore point right now if your PC is running smoothly.
5. How do I make my computer like new?
Your device becomes better than new thanks to scheduled updates and always-on Windows security. You will notice a significant improvement in your performance. Adding more RAM and replacing key hardware on a regular basis will extend the life of your system for many years.
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Final Thoughts
The Windows media creation program was used to reinstall a fresh copy of Windows on your PC. After you’ve completed the reinstallation, there are a few things you should do. Create a recovery drive instead of reinstalling Windows if you merely want a bootable media for emergencies. Windows has a built-in menu named Recovery that you can use.
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