How to Clean Install Windows

A clean install of Windows is the way to go when all other software troubleshooting has been unsuccessful and you want to install or reinstall a "clean" copy of Windows back on your computer.

Most of the time, a clean install is the thing you try after a one of Windows' automatic repair processes hasn't solved your problem. A clean install will return your computer to pretty much the same state as the day you purchased it.

A clean install should be reserved for the most serious of Windows operating systemproblems since all the data on your primary hard drive partition is destroyed in the process.

How to Clean Install Windows

A clean install of Windows is accomplished during the Windows setup process by removing the existing Windows installation before installing a new operating system or reinstalling your existing one.

In Windows 10, the Reset This PC process is an easier-to-do, and equally effective, way to clean reinstall Windows. See How to Reset Your PC in Windows 10 for a walkthrough.

The individual steps involved in completing a clean install in other versions of Windows can differ greatly based on the operating system you happen to be using:

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Important: In case it's not clear, a clean install of Windows will erase everything from the drive that Windows is installed on.

When I say everything, I mean everything. You must backup anything you wish to save before you begin the clean install process.

Important: In addition to backing up the individual files you want to keep, you should also prepare to reinstall your programs. Gather the original installation discs and downloaded program setups to any program you wish to put back on your computer.

No program outside of those that come bundled with an original Windows setup will be on your computer after the lean install is complete.

Note: If you only have a restore disc from your computer manufacturer but not an original Windows Setup disc or download, a clean install as described in the linked guides above may not be possible. Your restore disc may instead have a relatively similar process that will restore your entire PC, Windows and programs, back to the factory default.

Please reference the documentation that came with your computer or contact your computer manufacturer directly for directions.