A while ago we showed you how to get a Windows 10 ISO for a clean install. Today we’ll show how to clean install Windows 10 from beginning to end.
A while ago, we showed you how to get a Windows 10 ISO for a clean install. Today we’ll go in-depth on how to fully perform a clean install of Windows 10 from beginning to end.
Also, take a look at our article on how to clean install Windows 11.
Step 1. Configuring your computer’s BIOS*
*Note: This may not be necessary if your computer is correctly set up and boots from USB/DVD automatically. Upon restart, you see a screen “Press any key to boot from USB/DVD…” you can press any key on your keyboard and move to the next step.
Start by inserting your Windows 10 installation media into the PC — this can be a DVD or USB flash drive. If you haven’t created it yet, read our article on how to create a Windows 10 USB flash drive. Now restart the computer and enter the BIOS (F2, F9, F12, or Del on most PCs).
Tip: If you’re on a laptop and you’re unsure what your BIOS key is, a simple Google search
like this should help you out.
After pressing the correct key, navigate to the Boot section of the BIOS using the right arrow key.
The controls of each BIOS are usually displayed at the bottom (unless you’re lucky enough to have a GUI BIOS – in which case you’ll be able to use the mouse to navigate). Use these to navigate to the device from which you will install Windows and place it at the top. I’ll be using a DVD, so I’ll place “CD-ROM Drive” at the top. If you use a USB drive, you should move “USB Device” or “Removable Devices” to the top.
Once you’re done with changing the boot order, use the right arrow key to move to the Exit section of the BIOS. From there, you’ll want to select “Exit Saving Changes” followed by a Yes or “y.”
After this, your computer should be able to restart straight into the Windows installer.
Note: — if greeted by a “Press any key to boot from…” do press that key! You won’t get to the installer otherwise.
Step 2. Installing Windows 10
After rebooting, you should see the Language select screen. From here, select your desired language, time and currency format, and keyboard input. Then press Next to continue.
On the next screen, press the “Install now” button.
You’ll need to agree to the Microsoft EULA before you can continue. Read it (…or not) and tick the checkbox before pressing “Next.”
To perform a clean install, you’ll need to select the “Custom: Install Windows only” option. As the installer says — you should have a backup of your files and programs to copy them to the new installation after it’s complete.
This next part may be a bit tricky if you have multiple hard drives or partitions. You’ll need to delete the primary partition and the system partition. To ensure a 100% clean install, it’s better to fully delete these instead of just formatting them.
After deleting both partitions, you should be left with some unallocated space. Select it and click the “New” button to create a new partition.
By default, Windows inputs the maximum available space for the partition. I’d advise you to leave the size as-is and press “Apply.”
Note: You will most likely be informed that Windows may create additional system partitions. This is normal and necessary for most windows installs, so simply press “OK”.
After creating the new partition(s), select the primary one and press “Next.”
The Windows setup should now begin. Clean installs are usually significantly faster than upgrades, so you should get from this…
… to this in a matter of minutes.
After “Finishing up,” you will be notified that Windows will now restart.
Warning: If the “Press any key to boot from USB/DVD…” screen appears while restarting DO NOT PRESS ANY KEY! Pressing one will result in starting the install all over again.
Step 3. Configuring Windows
After the reboot, you should be greeted by the following screen. The default Windows 10 settings are excellent and don’t really mess with your privacy, so we advise you to Use Express settings. Optionally, you can also Customize the settings if you insist on turning some features off.
Windows will now go through a few setup procedures.
Note: Frequent reboots at this stage are normal, simply leave the computer be until you reach the “Create an account” screen.
Once you reach this screen, fill in your new account details and press Next.
Windows will now go through the final steps of setting up…
…and will boot straight to the Desktop afterward. Congrats!
What now?
You’ll have a lot to see in Windows 10 – from configuring general settings to checking out the new and exciting features. Here are a few articles you can check out right away:
