Low Level Format, Then Clean Install Windows 10?

Carbo · 30 Jul 2015

In the past, whenever I have installed or reinstalled an OS I always did so after wiping the drive clean via a third party app such as Kill Disk. Probably unnecessary, but what the hell.
Currently running Windows 7 Pro and am now readying for Windows 10.
I understand the first install of the new OS must be an upgrade over 7. Haven't done this yet but I will. It's after this that I can do a clean install, correct? My question is if I run Kill Disk after the upgrade, in essence having a factory fresh hard drive, and then pop in the Windows 10 DVD I just made, will it install?

Brink · 30 Jul 2015

Hello Carbo, and welcome to Ten Forums.

Yes, you are supposed to be able to do a clean install of Windows 10 on the same PC if you upgraded first like below. The activation servers have been overloaded, so it may not activate right away though. :)

Can I reinstall Windows 10 on my computer after upgrading with free upgrade?

Once you’ve upgraded to Windows 10 using the free upgrade offer or Media Creation Tool on an activated Windows 7 or 8.1 PC, you will be able to reinstall, including a clean install, on the same device. You won’t need a product key for re-activations on the same hardware. If you make a meaningful change to your hardware, you may need to contact customer support to help with activation. You’ll also be able to create your own installation media like a USB drive or DVD, and use that to upgrade your device or reinstall after you’ve upgraded.