Introduction
Doing a clean install of Windows on your computer can help improve performance and fix software issues. It allows you to wipe your hard drive and do a fresh installation of Windows. This guide will walk you through the steps to safely back up your files, create Windows installation media, and do a clean install.
Back Up Your Files and Data
Before wiping your hard drive, it’s crucial to back up your important files and data. Here are some tips for backing up:
-
Copy your files to an external hard drive or cloud storage. This includes documents, photos, videos, and any other data you want to keep.
-
Use built-in Windows backup tools like File History to back up files to another drive.
-
Back up browser data like bookmarks and saved passwords.
-
Back up software licenses and product keys in case you need to reinstall programs later.
-
Make sure your backups are complete before continuing! Wiping the drive will permanently erase all existing files and programs.
Create Windows Installation Media
You’ll need Windows installation media to do a clean install. Here’s how to create it:
If You Have a Retail Windows License:
-
Use the Windows Media Creation Tool to make a bootable DVD or USB drive.
-
Run the tool and select “Create installation media for another PC”.
-
Choose the language, edition, and architecture (32-bit or 64-bit).
-
Select USB or ISO file and save the media to a DVD or USB drive.
If You Have an OEM System Builder License:
-
You can’t legally download Windows installation files. You’ll need original media that came with your PC.
-
If you don’t have it, contact your manufacturer about recovery options.
-
You may be able to use your license key to download manufacturer-provided recovery media.
Boot from the Installation Media
Next, you’ll boot your computer from the installation media:
-
Insert the DVD or USB and restart your PC.
-
Boot into the BIOS setup (consult motherboard manual for keys, often F2, F10 or Del).
-
Change boot order to boot from the DVD/USB first.
-
Save changes and exit BIOS. The computer will boot into the installer.
Wipe and Reformat the Drive
Now it’s time to erase the drive contents and format it for a clean install:
-
On the installer screen, click “Install Now”.
-
Make absolutely sure you select the correct drive to avoid accidentally erasing other drives!
-
Click “Custom: Install Windows only” to format and clean the chosen drive.
-
Click “Drive options”, then “New” to delete all existing partitions.
-
Click “Apply” > “OK” to reformat the now unallocated space.
-
Windows will create new partitions on the blank drive and begin installing.
Perform Clean Install
Follow the on-screen directions to finish the clean install:
-
Select language, time format, keyboard, etc.
-
Accept the license terms, then start the installation.
-
When prompted, enter your product key to activate Windows.
-
Continue following prompts until the installation is complete.
-
Windows will boot up fresh and you can reinstall programs and restore data.
Summary
-
Back up important data before wiping your drive.
-
Create bootable Windows installation media.
-
Boot from the media and reformat your drive.
-
Perform a fresh OS install and activate your license.
-
Restore backups and enjoy your cleaned Windows install!
Doing a clean install can resolve many issues by completely resetting Windows. Just be sure to properly back up data first. Follow these steps and you’ll have a smooth, successful clean install.
