Do you reformat ssd prior to clean isntall of 10

Page 1 of 2 12 LastLast

  1. Posts : 129
    Win 10 Pro 64bit - Build 18363.476 - Version 1909
       #1

    Do you reformat ssd prior to clean isntall of 10


    Sorry if this is basic...but just trying to avoid any unnecessary issues. I am using Brinks "Clean Install" tutorial via a usb stick for Win 10. Have everything prepared. Question is...Will the iso file on the usb reformat my current SSD with licensed Win 7 Pro 64bit system installed ? Or do I need to reformat the SSD prior to using the USB to clean install Win 10 Pro 64bit ?

    I have multiple images of my Win 7 Pro and will probably set up a dual boot down the road...but want to be sure I don't goof here in step 1.

    Will the Win 10 Pro 64bit iso file from Brinks tutorial auto format the existing SSD with Win 7 on it now when I launch it from the usb drive...or should I manually reformat the SSD first ?

    Thanks...TiminAz
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 134,237
    Windows 11 Pro (x64) 23H2 Build 22631.3296
       #2

    This is what one of our members recommends....see if this helps you.
    If you want a completely clean install, boot from the Window 10 USB, select the custom install option, delete all the partitions on the SSD and just install to the unallocated space.

    If you have not had Windows 10 on that computer before, don't forget to have a method available to activate Windows 10 after installing. I prefer to run gatherosstate.exe and save the genuineticket.xml as a backup just in case entering a Windows 7/8/8.1 product key fails to activate.
      My Computers


  3. Posts : 15,027
    Windows 10 IoT
       #3

    I do what OldMike65 listed in his first response. I delete all partitions except my Data partition. I keep my user folders such as documents, pictures, etc on a separate drive or partition. Windows will create any and all the system partitions it needs automatically in the unallocated space. No compromises have to be made and no left overs. It's as good as it gets.
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 11,247
    Windows / Linux : Arch Linux
       #4

    Hi there

    best way to "Reformat" an SSD is to use CMD PROMPT as administrator

    1) DISKPART
    2) LIST DISK
    3) SELECT DISK xxx where xxx is the Disk nr of the SSD
    4) CLEAN
    5) CREATE PARTITION PRIMARY
    6) ACTIVE
    7) FORMAT FS=NTFS QUICK

    now exit and your SSD is ready for installing Windows
    (If you want UEFI partition -- GPT) then do 8) CONVERT GPT

    Cheers
    jimbo
      My Computer


  5. Posts : 18,424
    Windows 11 Pro
       #5

    jimbo45 said:
    Hi there

    best way to "Reformat" an SSD is to use CMD PROMPT as administrator

    1) DISKPART
    2) LIST DISK
    3) SELECT DISK xxx where xxx is the Disk nr of the SSD
    4) CLEAN
    5) CREATE PARTITION PRIMARY
    6) ACTIVE
    7) FORMAT FS=NTFS QUICK

    now exit and your SSD is ready for installing Windows
    (If you want UEFI partition -- GPT) then do 8) CONVERT GPT

    Cheers
    jimbo
    I disagree. Select Custom Install - delete any partitions listed on the drive you want a clean install to, select the unallocated space and let Windows 10 create the partitions.
      My Computer


  6. Posts : 12,799
    Windows 11 Pro
       #6

    Either way will work fine. If you are old fashioned, like me, I like the diskpart. But have done it both ways and either will work just as well.
      My Computer


  7. Posts : 134,237
    Windows 11 Pro (x64) 23H2 Build 22631.3296
       #7

    NavyLCDR said:
    I disagree. Select Custom Install - delete any partitions listed on the drive you want a clean install to, select the unallocated space and let Windows 10 create the partitions.
    Listen to NavyLCDR this man knows!!
      My Computers


  8. Posts : 129
    Win 10 Pro 64bit - Build 18363.476 - Version 1909
    Thread Starter
       #8

    trinaz said:
    Sorry if this is basic...but just trying to avoid any unnecessary issues. I am using Brinks "Clean Install" tutorial via a usb stick for Win 10. Have everything prepared. Question is...Will the iso file on the usb reformat my current SSD with licensed Win 7 Pro 64bit system installed ? Or do I need to reformat the SSD prior to using the USB to clean install Win 10 Pro 64bit ?

    I have multiple images of my Win 7 Pro and will probably set up a dual boot down the road...but want to be sure I don't goof here in step 1.

    Will the Win 10 Pro 64bit iso file from Brinks tutorial auto format the existing SSD with Win 7 on it now when I launch it from the usb drive...or should I manually reformat the SSD first ?

    Thanks...TiminAz
    OK...thanks all...upgrade/clean install underway...one other question...in the first screen or so...it asked to check for updates...I said yes but the updates window seems to keep running and running...is this normal and how long should I wait for the checking for updates to finish ?

    TiminAz
      My Computer


  9. Posts : 56,806
    Multi-boot Windows 10/11 - RTM, RP, Beta, and Insider
       #9

    trinaz said:
    OK...thanks all...upgrade/clean install underway...one other question...in the first screen or so...it asked to check for updates...I said yes but the updates window seems to keep running and running...is this normal and how long should I wait for the checking for updates to finish ?

    TiminAz
    That part can seem to take forever. Just let it be. If you try to kill it, you'll likely have more problems than you expect.
      My Computers


  10. Posts : 299
    Windows 10
       #10

    Hate to be slightly contrary, but to maintain the SSD performance, use the manufacturers software to do a secure erase. This cleans out all the NAND's and restores the SSD to "like new" performance. You can then use the Windows utilities to create partitions etc.


    A secure erase is very different than a format or repartitioning.
      My Computer


 

  Related Discussions
Our Sites
Site Links
About Us
Windows 10 Forums is an independent web site and has not been authorized, sponsored, or otherwise approved by Microsoft Corporation. "Windows 10" and related materials are trademarks of Microsoft Corp.

© Designer Media Ltd
All times are GMT -5. The time now is 07:47.
Find Us




Windows 10 Forums