How To Reinstall Windows 10 Clean
In this screen, you need to choose Keep nothing, if you want to perform a clean install Windows 10 by removing all install programs and data. In case, if you want to keep your data, then you need to click on “Change What you keep” link. Now click on Install button to begin the Windows 10 installation. Regardless of your selection at this step, this tool will perform a clean installation of Windows. All apps that came with or were manually installed on your PC will be removed, including paid apps. Apps that come standard with Windows 10 (Mail and Edge for example) will be preserved.
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Wiping your hard drive prior to reinstalling Windows 7 is the preferred installation method, and ensures optimal performance. You may perform a clean installation even if you’re reinstalling an upgrade edition of Windows, but in that case you must wipe the drive during the installation process and not before. A clean installation destroys the old copy of Windows and any data on the drive, so be sure to back up anything you may need before you do it.
1.
Insert your Windows 7 installation disc or USB flash drive, and then reboot the computer.
2.
Launch your computer’s boot device menu. The key combination varies among different computer manufacturers, but it displays briefly on the screen, so watch carefully for it. F12 is a common one.
3.
Select your DVD or USB flash drive from the boot list, as appropriate.
5.
Press any key when prompted.
6.
Select your language and preferences on the “Install Windows” page, and click “Next.”
8.
Choose the “Custom” installation type when prompted.
10.
Delete all partitions on Disk 0. When complete, you should see one entry for Disk 0, which is labeled “Unallocated Space.”
11.
Click on Disk 0, and click “Next.” Windows repartitions the drive, formats it, and installs a fresh copy of Windows. The process could take up to an hour to complete, after which the system automatically reboots.
12.
Select an account user name and computer name. The computer name, or host name, provides a means by which the system is identified on a network.
14.
Choose a password and password hint for your account.
16.
Enter your Windows 7 product key. You can find the key on an orange sticker in your Windows 7 DVD package if you purchased it at a store, or on an Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) sticker on your computer case. If you bought Windows 7 online, the key was emailed to you.
17.
Check the “Automatically activate Windows when I’m online” check box, and then click “Next.”
18.
Choose your Windows Update settings. If you choose “Ask me later,” automatic updating is not enabled at this time.
19.
Choose your time zone from the drop-down menu, and adjust the date and time if necessary.
21.
Select the appropriate network type. In most cases, you’ll want “Home network,” even if your network is at a workplace. However, if the computer is a laptop and you use other networks aside from your business's service, choose “Public network.” If you use an air card to connect to a mobile broadband carrier such as Verizon or Sprint, choose “Public network.”
22.
If prompted, indicate whether or not you want to set up a homegroup with other Windows 7 machines on your network. This feature allows you to share files and printers with other machines in your business, and is optional. After this, Windows will finish configuring itself and present you with your new desktop.
Things Needed
- Windows 7 Installation Media
- Windows 7 Product Key
Tip
- Many computers ship with recovery partitions, so that you don't need to use separate Windows 7 media. When you completely wipe a hard drive clean, this recovery partition is also removed.
References (1)
About the Author
A writer and proofreader since 2006, B. Steele also works as an IT Help Desk analyst, specializing in consumer and business user tech support. She earned a B.A. in English and journalism from Roger Williams University. Steele also holds certifications as a Microsoft-certified desktop support technician, Microsoft-certified IT professional, Windows 7 enterprise support technician and CompTIA A+ IT technician.
Photo Credits
- Ablestock.com/AbleStock.com/Getty Images
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Before you begin
Review the following important notes:- Using this tool will remove all apps that do not come standard with Windows, including other Microsoft apps such as Office. It will also remove most apps installed by your PC’s manufacturer such as your manufacturer’s apps, support apps, and drivers. You will not be able to recover removed apps and will need to manually reinstall them later if you want to keep them.
- You may lose your digital licenses, digital content associated with applications, or other digital entitlements for applications as a result of using the tool, which may impact your ability to use apps you paid for or app-related content you paid for. For this reason, we don’t recommend using this tool on any PC where you wish to ensure all of your applications and application-related content (including Microsoft applications such as Office) remain properly installed and licensed.
Please make sure you have the following:
- An internet connection to download the tool and the Windows 10 image. Internet service provider fees may apply.
- Sufficient data storage available on the computer you are clean installing. Note that the download and image is over 3GB.
Check these things on the PC where you want to clean install Windows 10:
- Make sure you meet the system requirements. Learn more at Windows 10 Specifications.
- If you just purchased a new device that includes Office 365, please see Download and install Office 365 Home, Personal, or University on your PC for information on reinstalling Office after the clean installation of Windows. If you have Office 2010 or earlier, you will need to locate your Office product key. For tips on locating your product key, check Find your Office 2010 product key or Enter the product key for your Office 2007 program.