SERIOUS QUESTION: How to do a clean install of Windows 10 on laptop?

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  1. Posts : 696
    Windows 10
       #1

    SERIOUS QUESTION: How to do a clean install of Windows 10 on laptop?


    Hi all,

    My current install of Windows was originally installed years ago on this HDD and I’m also worried that the current install has viruses and the virus has attached itself to .EXE files. I just want to erase the current HDD of Windows and do a "clean install".

    The laptop came with Windows 7 but I upgraded it to Windows 10 about 4 years ago when Microsoft offered a free upgrade to Windows 10 from Windows 7. I still have the Windows 7 DVD it came with.

    How do I install Windows 10 from scratch so it's a "clean slate"?

    Thank you.
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 18,044
    Win 10 Pro 64-bit v1909 - Build 18363 Custom ISO Install
       #2

    Hello @NiceAndShy,

    For a FULL Clean Install > How to Clean Install Windows 10

    The FREE Upgrade [ If needed ] is still available.

    Make sure that you Backup ANY Data that you do NOT want to lose.

    It is also advisable to create a System Image BEFORE you do ANYTHING.

    I hope this helps.
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 696
    Windows 10
    Thread Starter
       #3

    I forgot to say that I don't have the Windows 10 DVD because I upgraded from Windows 7 to Windows 10 from within "Windows Update".

    It's Windows 10 Pro.

    EDIT:
    Is it possible for a 3rd party App to somehow still be installed after I do the "Clean install" of Windows 10? I'm really worried about a 3rd party App appearing after I do the new install of Windows 10?
    Your reply is appreciated!
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 18,044
    Win 10 Pro 64-bit v1909 - Build 18363 Custom ISO Install
       #4

    Hello @NiceAndShy,

    NiceAndShy said:
    I forgot to say that I don't have the Windows 10 DVD because I upgraded from Windows 7 to Windows 10 from within "Windows Update".

    It's Windows 10 Pro.

    OK. Have a look at these . . .

    > How to Upgrade to Windows 10 from Windows 7 for Free
    > How to Directly Clean Install Windows 10 Without having to Upgrade First

    I hope this helps.
      My Computer


  5. Posts : 79
    Windows 10 Pro (21H1)
       #5

    You can create a bootable media USB with Windows 10 then go to recovery mode in Windows and install it from there. Delete the primary partition then refresh then you can use that one to install it. It will be completely wiped and have a fresh install of Windows 10. the Windows 7 product key should be able to activate it.
      My Computer


  6. Posts : 696
    Windows 10
    Thread Starter
       #6

    Thank you for your replies!

    What if I use an App on a USB stick to erase the laptop's HDD completely? Will I still be able to install Windows 10 on it?

    Thank you!
      My Computer


  7. Posts : 79
    Windows 10 Pro (21H1)
       #7

    Hi NiceAndShy,

    Well, I wouldn't recommend using an app on the USB to erase the HDD. As that will make your computer unusable, no drivers, no OS and nothing. If you are able to find the recovery media for your computer eg: Surface, Surface recovery media. Then you can boot from that and reinstall Windows 10.

    Though it is just best to use the aka.ms/winup, media creation tool and follow the prompts to download into a USB. Then erase the primary one then refresh then click the unallocated drive to install Windows.


    How to do a clean installation of Windows 10 | Windows Central.

    Check this tutorial, I am don't 100% sure that the Windows 7 key will work but it is most likely will. Make sure to back up everything, you could also use the recovery menu in windows recovery mode that you can press reset and remove everything.
      My Computer


  8. Posts : 4,453
    Win 11 Pro 22000.708
       #8

    Clean install: Clean Install Windows 10 The details are a little too complete (IMHO) for most installs, but the fundamentals are in there too.

    If you're worried about viruses, I suggest that you create the bootable USB drive from a known clean PC. (It doesn't have to be done from the laptop.) Make sure to get the same version of Windows 10 (home, pro, N if you're in Europe) as the current one.

    In the process of doing the clean install, you can delete all partitions on the laptop's drive. That should get rid of everything.

    If you upgraded to Windows 10, you will have a digital license on Microsoft's servers. The machine should activate online automatically.

    Make sure that you have all necessary drivers downloaded and available before you proceed.

    With any luck, you will not need any further help.
      My Computers


  9. Posts : 79
    Windows 10 Pro (21H1)
       #9

    Hi NiceandShy,

    https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/soft...ws10startfresh

    Go here to Microsoft website and download this, it will remove everything and reinstall Windows 10.

    Thank you,

    Hvae a wonderful day!!

    Shawn

    - - - Updated - - -

    If you need help, there are instructions there, using this tool. :)
      My Computer


  10. Posts : 41,427
    windows 10 professional version 1607 build 14393.969 64 bit
       #10

    To improve security an end user can:
    a) Upgrade the BIOS
    b) Use BIOS UEFI instead of Legacy
    c) Clean install Windows
      My Computer


 

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