Hi, Just a question, Is there a way to do do a clean install/reset using existing MS account?
I had to do a clean install recently and I could not proceed without having to create a new MS account.
I now theoretically have two MS accounts.
This is just an information request,
Thanks
Rayal
Windows 10 Version 21H2
What is your question? The account has zero to do with how you installed Windows or any OS on the drive.
I've used my same Microsoft Account for dozens, if not hundreds of clean installs. I've never had to create a new one.
Rayal,
At which step in the Clean install procedure do you feel forced into creating a new MSAccount?
Clean Install - TenForumsTutorials
All the best,
Denis
Your/An account isn't tied to a single unique install. It's forever, helps MS keep track of everything you do on any device you use the account with/for.
During the install, you should be able to just (re)sign in.
I installed Windows 11 Home and Windows 11 Pro a month or so ago. When the Windows setup asked me to log into my Microsoft account or create a new one I simply disconnected the Internet. After a few seconds it let me back up one step and just create a local account. After the local account was created I reconnected the Internet. That should work if required for Windows 10 also.
Ed,
I don't disagree with you but the OP's problem is not being forced to use an MSAccount but being forced to create a new MSAccount.
- The [Windows 10] Clean install tutorial covers avoiding MSAccounts altogether.
- There are equivalent steps for Windows 11 Home that are now included at Step 21a of Clean Install Windows 11 - ElevenForumTutorials
All the best,
Denis
i did a cleran install just recently, as we all know by now, and when that step came up it actually gave me the choice to skip it, i was surprised, i dont and have never had and never will have an MS account.
i must admit when i did a factory reset one time it wouldn't let me skip that step so i did as MisterEd did and just turned off WIFI continued on and then connected after all was done, but that was the only time i couldn't skip the MS account thingy.
Rob
To do a clean install:
Reset BIOS or load defaults.
Set Disk mode to AHCI, not RAID
Select OS mode = UEFI or Select OS mode = other + UEFI (depends on BIOS).
Disable fast boot and secure boot (you can turn it on after installation)
Windows can be installed in two ways: Legacy-MBR or UEFI-GPT
To install as Legacy-MBR you must boot the installation drive as Legacy
To install as UEFI-GPT you must boot the installation drive as UEFI.
If you have a UEFI BIOS, you should install as UEFI-GPT
Detach any other drives (SATA or Power cable) from the MB.
During POST, press F12(?) to launch the boot menu. You will see two options for the USB drive. USB UEFI (Name) and USB (Name). Select USB UEFI (Name).
Go to install and delete ALL partitions on the main drive till you have one and only one unallocated space and then proceed.
If you don't want to use MS account, don't enable updates or connect to the internet during installation.
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