How to Clean Install Windows 10/11 – Easy Step-by-Step Guide

This guide will show Install Windows you the easiest and quickest way to do it. Is your dear PC in a situation where it’s struggling, causing problems, or has a virus attack? One good thing about a Windows clean installation is that it can not only delete all unwanted files and clean your computer from even the most stubborn viruses but also give your computer a fresh start, which is almost as good as buying a new one! The procedure described in the guide below is perfect for both those who want to migrate and those who just want to install Windows 10 a new.

Before you start, make sure to put your important files aside. You should take care of your important files by copying them to an external drive or cloud storage since a clean install will erase everything that is on your system drive. In addition, you will have to prepare a bootable USB with a Windows installation media. It is very easy to use our method of erasing the old copy of Windows from your drive, installing a new one and it results in a faster and more responsive PC, free from bloatware and malware. So, let’s get started!

This article is going to be a step-by-step guide for those of you who are new to this topic, and it’s going to show you how you can do it by yourself:
Creating a bootable USB (even with no technical skills needed!)
Formatting your hard drive (safely erase old data)
Installing Windows 10/11 from scratch

Let’s start right away!

Why Do a Clean Install?

Cures crashes & errors – Deletes corrupted system files.
Speeds up – No residue that is jamming speed.
Thrashes out viruses & bloatware – Set off on the right foot with 100% new.
Perfectly prepares for a new PC or SSD upgrade.

Warning: This is going to wipe out all of your data, so make sure to copy the files first!

Step 1: Create a Bootable USB Installer

What You Need:

USB flash drive (8GB+)
Windows ISO file (Download Windows 10 | Windows 11)
Rufus (free tool) – Download here

Step-by-Step:

• Run Rufus → Insert USB drive.
• Select your USB under “Device”.
• Click “SELECT” → Choose your downloaded Windows ISO.
• Partition scheme:
• For old PCs (BIOS) → Choose MBR.
• For new PCs (UEFI) → Choose GPT.
• Click “START” → Wait (~10-20 mins).

Done! Your USB is now bootable.

Step 2: Boot from USB & Enter Windows Setup

• Insert USB → Restart PC.
• Press BIOS key (usually F2, F12, DEL, or ESC) during startup.
• Select USB drive in Boot Menu.
• Choose language & region → Click “Install Now”.
• Enter product key (or skip if upgrading).

Step 3: Format Hard Drive & Install Windows Fresh

WARNING: This deletes all files!

• Choose “Custom: Install Windows only”.
• Select your hard drive → Click “Delete” (removes old partitions).
• Click “New” → Apply → Format (cleans the drive).
• Select the unallocated space → Next.

Windows will now install (~20-40 mins).

Step 4: Set Up Windows (Post-Install)

• Choose a location and a keyboard layout for the region.
• Sign in with a Microsoft account or create a local account.
• Disable the option of tracking for privacy reasons.
• Install the necessary drivers for the Wi-Fi, GPU, etc., through Windows Update.

Pro Tip: Use Snappy Driver Installer for missing drivers.

Step 5: Essential Post-Install Checklist

Activate Windows (Settings → Update & Security → Activation).
Install antivirus (Windows Defender is enough for most).
Restore backed-up files.
Remove bloatware (Candy Crush, etc.)
via PowerShell:

Get-AppxPackage *CandyCrush* | Remove-AppxPackage

Final Thoughts: Cheers for Your Resurrected PC!

When you are bothered by a slow computer with Windows, the best option is a clean Windows install. Only:

• Back up files
• Create bootable USB
• Format & install fresh
• Restore data & apps.

FAQs About Clean Installing Windows