Clean Install Windows 10  

Lexus45 said:

Brink,
Very good info but I'm a bit confused about how you install Windows 10 in UEFI mode vs Legacy Bios mode.
And GPT vs MBR partitions.

Isn't there more that has to be done in the MOBO firmware settings as respects setting the installation Mode before starting the installation, particularly if you wanted to install using Legacy Bios mode?

My ASUS Rog Z370-E has a CSM setting to Enable or Disable Legacy Bios and it is automatically Disabled if Secure Boot is Enabled. Not sure if it is Enabled if Secure Boot is Disabled (as you recommend), but if so, wouldn't that be Legacy Bios mode? If so, how could I ever install Windows 10 in UEFI mode?

How do these work in connection with the type of Windows mode installation and do you have to select the type of partition as GPT or MBR at some point?

Thanks

Hello Lexus45,

Secure Boot is a UEFI feature, so it would be normal for it to be disabled if you enable Legacy BIOS (CSM). Disabling CSM would enable UEFI.

I've added a new step to help make it more clear for UEFI vs Legacy BIOS.

Usually, you don't have to do anything extra for UEFI since all new motherboards are set to use it by default, and a USB created with a Windows 10 ISO file will support UEFI by default.

You would usually only need to do that step if you want to install with Legacy BIOS. You would also need to make sure the USB is created with Legacy BIOS support if using Rufus.

Hi Shawn,

I am about to buy a new laptop that will have Windows 10 preinstalled (possibly in Greek) . Is the clean install the best option to get rid of bloatware and choose my preferred language etc? Also if I choose an offline account and it is the only one presumably it will be an admin account?

I think the answers are yes and yes but just wanted to check before messing things up.

SaggyMaggyPoo said:

Hi Shawn,

I am about to buy a new laptop that will have Windows 10 preinstalled (possibly in Greek) . Is the clean install the best option to get rid of bloatware and choose my preferred language etc? Also if I choose an offline account and it is the only one presumably it will be an admin account?

I think the answers are yes and yes but just wanted to check before messing things up.

Hello Maggi,

Correct, a clean install would be the fastest way to remove all bloatware and set up how you want.

Correct, the account you setup during Windows installation will be an administrator account by default.

SaggyMaggyPoo said:

Thanks Shawn,

I will be happy to get back to a laptop after a few days having to use a tablet. I hate touchscreens.

I hope it goes smoothly for you.

Rich O said:

Still holding true for MS September 2019 ISO to USB Install. Huge thanks Brink, for the continued update of this invaluable How-To.

GrahamKnight said:

I cant seem to get past item 6. I cant tab anything if I take the usb stick out and replace it with a keyboard (there is only one mini usb port) the keyboard isn't even powered. If I plug a mouse in it's powered but does nothing. I did update one of these from 8.1 to 10 but it was when we could do it from a website when it was free.

Any ideas?

Hello Graham, and welcome to Ten Forums.

What type of device is this for?

Double check to make sure you have BIOS set to allow USB at boot.

Since you only have on mini USB port, you may need to use a USB hub to have multiple USB devices connected at the same time.