How to Clean Install Windows (Delete & Reinstall)

Install or reinstall Windows 11, 10, 8, 7, Vista, or XP from scratch

By
Tim Fisher
Photo of Tim Fisher, Lifewire GM and Writer
Tim Fisher
Senior Vice President & Group General Manager, Tech & Sustainability
  • Emporia State University
Tim Fisher has more than 30 years' of professional technology experience. He's been writing about tech for more than two decades and serves as the SVP and General Manager of Lifewire.
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Updated on August 21, 2023
Reviewed by
Christine Baker
Reviewed by Christine Baker
    Christine Baker is a marketing consultant with experience working for a variety of clients. Her expertise includes social media, web development, and graphic design.
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    What to Know

    • During a clean install of Windows—a last-ditch troubleshooting process—all the PC's data is erased.
    • For Windows 11 & 10 users, the Reset This PC process is recommended over a clean install.
    • For Windows 8, 7, Vista, and XP, a clean install is recommended for troubleshooting serious problems.

    This article covers how to clean install Windows in an attempt to address serious problems with your computer. It includes information on how to prepare to reinstall your files on the computer after the clean install is complete.

    When a Clean Install Is Recommended

    A clean Windows installation is the right way to go when all other software troubleshooting you've tried has been unsuccessful, and you want to install or reinstall a clean copy of Windows back on your computer.

    Most of the time, you try a clean install after one of Windows' automatic repair processes hasn't solved your problem. A clean install returns your computer to pretty much the same state it was in the first day you turned it on.

    In case it's not clear yet, this should be reserved for the most serious of Windows problems, since all the data on your primary hard drive partition (usually the C drive) is erased during the process.

    Illustration of a person clean installing Windows
    Lifewire / Brianna Gilmartin

    How to Clean Install Windows

    A clean install of Windows is accomplished during the Windows setup process by removing the existing Windows installation (assuming there is one) before installing a new operating system or reinstalling the existing one.

    In Windows 11 and Windows 10, the Reset This PC process is an easier-to-do, and equally effective, way to clean reinstall Windows. See How to Reset Your PC for a walkthrough.

    The individual steps involved in completing a clean install can differ greatly based on the operating system you happen to be using:

    Important Reminders

    There are two main things to think about when you perform a clean install: what to do before you start the process, and what to do afterward.

    Before You Start

    Remember, a clean install will erase everything from the drive that Windows is installed on. When I say everything, I really mean everything. You'll need to back up anything you want to save before you begin this process! You can back up your files online or use an offline backup tool.

    In addition to backing up the individual files you want to keep, you should also prepare to reinstall your programs. Gather the original installation discs and downloaded program setups to any program you want to put back on your computer.

    In most cases, particularly with modern software programs that are accessible online through digital downloads, knowing which programs you want to reinstall is enough (no real backup is necessary) because you can just re-download them from the software maker's website. One easy way to document all your installed programs is with the Save to text file option in CCleaner, accessible via Tools > Uninstall.

    CCleaner list of programs
    CCleaner list of programs.

    No program outside of those that come bundled with an original Windows setup will be on your computer after the clean install is complete.

    If you only have a restore disc from your computer manufacturer but not an original Windows Setup disc or download, a clean install as described in the linked guides above may not be possible. Your restore disc might instead have a relatively similar process that will restore your entire PC, Windows, and programs, back to the factory default.

    Please reference the documentation that came with your computer, or contact your computer manufacturer directly for directions.

    After the Clean Install

    Since all the software was wiped during the clean install process, you should consider adding a few things back to your computer before you do much else. Virus protection and a file recovery tool are just two examples. See more here: The First 5 Things You Should Do With Your New Computer.

    Remember that computers don't last forever. You can reinstall the operating system as many times as you want, but eventually, the PC hardware itself will no longer keep up with your software programs or the requirements set by new Windows versions.

    FAQ
    • How do I install Windows 10 from a USB drive?

      To install Windows 10 from a USB drive, run MediaCreationTool20H2.exe > Create installation media > Use recommended options. Choose your USB drive (with at least 8GB of free space) > Next > wait for Windows to transfer the data > Finish. Reboot your PC from the USB drive > follow on-screen instructions.

    • How do I install Windows on my Mac?

      There are a few ways to put Windows on your Mac, but using Bootcamp Assistant is the most common. Create a USB Windows installer and download the latest drivers using Bootcamp, then create your Windows partition. Select the new partition > Drive Options (Advanced) > Format > OK > Next and follow the instructions.

    • How do I install Windows on a Chromebook?

      To install Windows to a Chromebook, remove internal write-protect screw and reboot in developer mode. Press Ctrl + D > wait from Chrome OS to load > open command terminal with Ctrl + Alt + T and type shell > run Chrome OS Firmware Utility script. Type 3 > Y > Y > insert USB drive with Windows installer > follow instructions.

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