Should i clean install windows 10 reddit free download

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This was always possible through downloading Windows 10 installation media and reinstalling it on a PC. Like most people, you probably purchased a PC that came with Windows, plus some extra bloatware. In that case, resetting your PC will reset it to the way you got it from the factory—which includes all the software the manufacturer originally installed on your PC.

From annoying bloatware to useful software drivers, it will all come back. To get rid of the bloatware for a clean, fresh-from-Microsoft Windows 10 system, you previously had to download Windows 10 installation media , create a USB drive or DVD, and then reinstall Windows 10 yourself.

Just follow the instructions to quickly and easily reinstall Windows 10 on a new PC. If you want a utility later, you can probably download just that specific tool.

Basically, the Fresh start feature helps to start fresh with a clean and up-to-date installation of Windows 10, but it can leave your data intact. In other words, this will keep your personal files, some Windows settings, and remove most of your apps. It installs a fresh copy of the most recent version of Windows 10 by downloading from the Microsoft website. It also offers you a fresh system without any hidden corruptions or problems. In other words, all information including apps, settings and personal files on system partitions are deleted and you will reinstall the system from scratch.

When you do a clean install, you remove the previous version of Windows and replace it with Windows The crucial thing is that your hard drive is erased not the entire disk – that’s how the existing operating system is removed. Technically, the partition containing the OS is erased. The Remove everything option of PC resetting is like a regular clean install and your hard drive is erased and a fresh copy of Windows is installed.

But by contrast, a system reset is faster and more convenient. Clean install must require an installation disc or USB drive. Reset this PC Remove everything option will delete all apps, personal files, and Windows settings. But, Fresh start can keep your personal files and some settings. It will remove most of the apps, but any store apps installed by your manufacturer will also be kept and the device will be updated to the latest version of Windows. Both of them can install the latest version of Windows After learning so much information about Windows 10 reset VS clean install VS fresh start, you may want to know which one to use for Windows 10 reinstallation.

If your PC cannot boot up, fresh reset is not useful. Here, you can choose to reset your PC or perform a clean install. If you have an installation disc, a clean install is a good way to completely solve the system issues. To sum up, which one you use should be based on your actual situation. Usually, reset and clean install are used, so we will show you the specified operations in detail in the following paragraphs.

To keep PC data safe, you had better make a backup of your personal files and programs to avoid data loss and having to re-download apps. To do this, you can use a piece of professional file backup software.

We highly recommend using MiniTool ShadowMaker. As reliable and professional backup software for Windows 10 , this tool enables you to back up files, installation programs, Windows operating system, partitions, and the entire hard drive.

But since the updates are cumulative even a slightly older backup can still be a good option. Get into the habit of backing up your OS from time to time. And don’t forget to take a new backup before Microsoft releases a major OS update officially called feature update , the most of recent of which is Windows 10 version May I take this as an opportunity to remind you that Windows 7 reaches end of support in January I dual boot, and Fast Startup can cause problems dual booting.

I disable this feature in Power Settings. Windows 10 installing unwanted Store apps? Under System, Advanced system settings, Select the Hardware tab.

Next Press the Device Installation Settings button. Some report this is the only way that works. Use vendor tools to ensure your computer BIOS and drivers are up to date. Dual booting with grub has never caused me any problems. I would even recommend leaving fast startup if you do not intend to access the windows partition. I get it when you already have it tuned to your liking or needs, with all the apps and drivers needed, but why fresh?

I honestly cannot think of a reason why this is so important. Install it again? Upgrade install — ok, even backup shall be performed beforehand. Speaking of ruined weekends due to Windows re-installation, back in my days of tinkering with software and hardware, I knew several Windows product keys by heart. This is how often I was re-installing Windows. Best to uninstall all bloatware and other not needed software first. So start to install 10 without internet connection, install BCUninstaller, install Windows Firewall Control, install Windows Update Manager, set your preferences in Group Policy Editor, and then reconnect and search for updates.

Ergo: a relevantly lean and clean Windows I agree that you need a clean backup for trouble shooting but windows backup is not portable enough I use Macrium Reflect, which can turn gb install into a gb file. The best way I have fumbled to figure out is install, make a backup, then update or disable updates so you can do manual updates as needed and install your day to day software and make another backup.

Outside of backup I like tiny wall and blackbird. Install Firmware updates before anything else — not all manufacturers do windows updates for their firmware cough..

Go directly to the manufacturer. The best thing to do after the installation of Windows 10 is to wipe the drive and upgrade to Windows 7 — 32 or 64 bit — depending on Your hardware!

If you are connected to your WiFi or BroadBand then one thing you can see is that your High Speed Data will get exhausted within 1 hour or so, that was my experience after installing new Windows 10 in my laptop.

Disable Troubleshooter also use that search box to find it. Then Program Compatibility Assistant Service, for the sole reason of being anoying on top of being useless. Now proceed to install your drivers, DirectX 9. And finally bring Windows to the internet. I know I missed some things, whenever I do such an install I always go back to the image and do some more changes then do another backup, quite a few times often.

There are too many damn things for me to remember them all, but in large part these are the most offensive ones which nobody should have them enabled. Also, note that VMs are not good if you need the most speed from your rig. As for the topic involving backups, sure, VM images are a thing, but they still need to be moved off the drive, as with any other backup.

I just backup my files. If Windows breaks or the drive dies, I just re-install Windows on a new drive if need be. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Please click on the following link to open the newsletter signup page: Ghacks Newsletter Sign up. Ghacks is a technology news blog that was founded in by Martin Brinkmann. It has since then become one of the most popular tech news sites on the Internet with five authors and regular contributions from freelance writers.