Question on reinstalling windows


  1. Posts : 75
    windows 10
       #1

    Question on reinstalling windows


    Currently, I have an SSD dedicated to the OS (Win 10 x64) that has 3 partitions UEFI (FAT32 260MB), Windows and a recovery partition with the 1st and last not visible in explorer and without any assigned driver letters on my HP laptop. The UEFI partition has HP UEFI utilities installed (and what else i do not know)

    I intend to reformat the disk and reinstall Windows

    Will my UEFI partition be built back again when i clean install Windows and will it be of same size or is a UEFI partition a factory pre-installed (hidden) partition or should i build back the partitions with their current size and fiel system before i clean install? Will i be able to reinstall the HP utilities to that drive again

    Thank you
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 14,141
    Win10 Pro and Home, Win11 Pro and Home, Win7, Linux Mint
       #2

    I usually wipe HDDs and SSDs before doing a clean install, puts the drive back to its as-shipped condition then let Windows partition and format as it needs based upon the BIOS. I use the MCT/Media Creation Tool to get both editions on Bootable USB and the .iso file to create the Bootable DVD. Haven't had problems with Win10 getting necessary drivers and usually the computers are what I've rehabbed so no warranty support [sent 4 such Notebooks to Honduras as part of a Vision Beyond Borders mission].
      My Computers


  3. Posts : 17,039
    Windows 10 Home x64 Version 22H2 Build 19045.4170
       #3

    "Will my UEFI partition be built back again" Yes. Windows creates the specialised partitions it needs as well as the main OS partition during installation.

    The Clean install procedure includes wiping and then rebuilding all partitions on the disk so you don't need to do anything special. Just follow the instructions in the tutorial
    Clean Install - TenForumsTutorials

    You'll be able to download your HP utilities & HP hardware drivers again from the HP support site.

    It is worth including both these in your preparations:
    1 Make a new system image & test its boot USB so you can recover if disaster strikes.
    2 Backup and Restore Device Drivers - TenForumsTutorials

    You don't mention why you want to reinstall Windows.

    Denis
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 75
    windows 10
    Thread Starter
       #4

    Thanks Try3
    I am reinstalling, as this is a laptop that originally shipped with windows 8.1 and over the years has accumulated a lot of junk in term of software, unneeded redistributable Visual c files, stuff i used to be interested in pursuing earlier but no longer and something would like to do when windows 11 releases on 24thJune (psychologically)!
      My Computer


  5. Posts : 17,039
    Windows 10 Home x64 Version 22H2 Build 19045.4170
       #5

    All this 24th June stuff will turn out to be overhyped. Your reaction to the news when it is finally released will be, "Oh, is that all?".

    I reinstalled Windows 10 on upgraded computers as well. My logic was not as clear as yours. I was doing the same things with the same applications but also kept seeing comments about "things" running "better" after a reinstall. That might well have been poor advice.

    Providing you prepare decently, there's no reason to expect any problems from a reinstallation.

    Do you know about system imaging?

    Denis
      My Computer


  6. Posts : 75
    windows 10
    Thread Starter
       #6

    Yes i am aware about system imaging and have taken the precaution to clone the disk on which i plan to reinstall windows 10
      My Computer


  7. Posts : 17,039
    Windows 10 Home x64 Version 22H2 Build 19045.4170
       #7

    OK. Understood.

    Personally, I use system imaging. I don't know how to restore just the OS partition from a clone.

    Denis
      My Computer


 

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