How to Do a Clean Install of Windows 10
A clean install of Windows 10 is a process where you start fresh by removing all previous installations and configurations on your computer. This can be beneficial for a variety of reasons, such as resolving system issues, boosting performance, or simply starting over with a clean slate. In this article, we will guide you through the steps required to perform a clean install of Windows 10 on your PC.
1. Prepare Your System
Before you begin the clean install process, ensure that you have the following:
– A Windows 10 installation media (USB drive or DVD) with the necessary files.
– A valid product key for Windows 10.
– Any drivers for your hardware that you might need to install after the clean install.
– Back up all your important data, as a clean install will erase everything on your computer.
2. Create a Bootable USB Drive or DVD
To install Windows 10, you’ll need a bootable USB drive or DVD. You can use a third-party tool like Rufus to create a bootable USB drive. Follow these steps:
1. Download Rufus from the official website.
2. Connect a USB drive to your computer.
3. Open Rufus and select the USB drive as the target device.
4. Choose the Windows 10 ISO file as the boot selection.
5. Click “Start” to create the bootable USB drive.
3. Boot from the Installation Media
Restart your computer and enter the BIOS or UEFI settings to change the boot order. Make sure that the USB drive or DVD is selected as the first boot device. Save the changes and exit the BIOS/UEFI settings.
4. Begin the Clean Install Process
Once your computer boots from the installation media, follow these steps:
1. Click “Install now” to start the installation process.
2. Select the language, time, and keyboard layout for your installation.
3. Click “Next.”
4. Click “I don’t have a product key” if you don’t have one or if you want to activate Windows later.
5. Choose “Windows 10, version 1909” or the latest version available, depending on your installation media.
6. Click “Next.”
7. Select “Custom: Install Windows only (advanced)” to perform a clean install.
5. Partition Your Drive
In the next window, you’ll see a list of partitions on your hard drive. Perform the following steps:
1. Delete any existing partitions by selecting them and clicking “Delete.”
2. Click “New” to create a new partition.
3. Set the size of the partition to cover the entire disk space, and then click “OK.”
4. Click “Next.”
6. Install Windows 10
Now, the installation process will begin. Windows 10 will download the necessary files and prepare the installation. Once the installation is complete, you’ll be prompted to set up Windows 10.
7. Complete the Setup
Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the setup process:
1. Choose your country or region.
2. Choose your keyboard layout.
3. Create a user account and password.
4. Set up Windows updates and privacy settings.
8. Install Drivers and Software
After the setup process is complete, you’ll need to install the necessary drivers and software for your hardware. You can do this by visiting the manufacturer’s website or using the drivers that came with your computer.
9. Restore Your Data
Finally, restore your important data from the backup you created before the clean install. This will ensure that you don’t lose any valuable information during the process.
Congratulations! You’ve successfully performed a clean install of Windows 10 on your PC. Enjoy your fresh, new installation!
