Backup Before You Start
Before you perform any kind of factory reset, or reinstall Windows 10, it’s paramount that you backup your important data on to a separate drive or online cloud service. A clean reinstall of Windows 10 is not like a factory reset where some of your data is retained. You’ll be deleting everything and reinstalling Windows from scratch, so anything you don’t backup will be lost.
How to Do a Clean Install of Windows 10
You’ll need have or create a Windows 10 installation media like a USB drive or DVD and your Windows 10 serial number. Alternatively, if you’ve previously upgraded from Windows 7 or 8.1, you’ll need the serial number for those installations. Most of installing Windows involves following on-screen instructions, but there are a few steps along the way you’ll want to be aware of. Windows will then begin the installation. The process can take some time depending on the speed of your PC. When it’s finished, you’ll be asked to confirm a few language settings, before booting you to the desktop. Once there, it’s a good idea to update your Windows drivers. If Windows did not activate during the install process, you might need to do so now. Go to the Settings menu by pressing the Windows Key+I and you’ll see a link at the bottom of the screen to help you input your key. For help with activation, check out our Windows activation guide.
