Reinstall windows and renew your PC

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Before You Begin: What “Wiping Windows” Actually Means


A clean install removes:

  • Programs
  • Settings
  • Old files
  • Viruses or malware
  • System clutter
    It gives you a brand‑new Windows, just like the day you bought the computer.

✔️ A clean install is right for you if:

  • Your PC is slow or glitchy
  • You’ve tried fixes and nothing helps
  • You want a clean slate
  • You’re giving the PC to someone else

❗ A clean install is NOT right if:

  • You have important files you haven’t backed up
  • You rely on programs you don’t know how to reinstall
  • You’re not sure what version of Windows you’re running
Optional: Print a Full System Report Before You Wipe

“If you want a complete list of what’s currently installed on your PC — including software, hardware, product keys, and security updates — I recommend using Belarc Advisor. It’s free for personal use, runs locally, and doesn’t send your data anywhere.”

Tip “Print your Belarc report before you wipe your system. It’s like a snapshot of your PC’s brain — super handy if you want to reinstall things later.” Pixel.

Back Up Your Important Stuff. This is the part beginners skip — and regret later.

Back up:

  • Documents
  • Photos
  • Downloads
  • Browser bookmarks
  • Anything on your Desktop
  • Product keys for paid software

Easiest backup options:

  • A USB stick
  • An external hard drive
  • OneDrive / Google Drive

Belarc Advisor and a printer makes a lot of sense here, just a personal opinion.

Sign Out of Important Accounts

This prevents licensing issues later.
Sign out of:

  • Microsoft Office
  • Adobe apps
  • iTunes
  • Steam / Epic / game launchers
  • Anything with device limits

Tip “Don’t trust your memory. If you think you might need it later, back it up.” Pixel.

Create a Windows 10/11 Installation USB

This is the safest, cleanest method.

What you need:

  • A USB stick (8GB or larger)
  • A working internet connection
  • About 10 minutes

Tip “This USB is your magic reset button.” Pixel.

How to create it:

  1. Go to Microsoft’s official Windows download page
  2. Download the Media Creation Tool
  3. Run it
  4. Choose Create installation media
  5. Pick your version (Windows 10 or 11)
  6. Select USB flash drive
  7. Let it finish
Boot From the USB

How to boot from USB:

  1. Plug the USB into the computer
  2. Restart the PC
  3. Press the boot menu key (usually F12, F9, ESC, or DEL)
  4. Choose the USB from the list

If the PC doesn’t boot from USB:

  • Try a different port
  • Try restarting again
  • Try entering BIOS and moving USB to the top of the boot order… this is scary for some but look it up online and you’ll find the answers.
Wipe the Drive “This is the actual clean install moment..”

When the Windows installer loads:

  1. Choose your language
  2. Click Install Now
  3. Skip entering a product key (Windows activates later)
  4. Choose Custom: Install Windows only (advanced)
  5. Delete all partitions on the main drive
  6. Select the empty space
  7. Click Next
    Windows will now install itself from scratch

Tip “This part looks scary, but it’s just cleaning the slate. You’re doing great.” Pixel.

First‑Time Setup Windows will reboot a few times.

You’ll choose:

  • Region
  • Keyboard
  • Wi‑Fi
  • Microsoft account or local account
  • Privacy settings

Tip “Turn off anything you don’t understand. You can always turn it on later.” Pixel.

Install Drivers and Updates

Do this immediately:

  • Open Settings → Windows Update
  • Install everything
  • Restart
  • Repeat until fully updated

Optional but recommended:

  • Install your graphics driver (NVIDIA, AMD, Intel)
  • Install your motherboard or laptop drivers from the manufacturer’s site
Reinstall Your Apps

Keep it simple

only install what you actually use

Tip “If you don’t miss it, don’t reinstall it.” Pixel.

Restore Your Files

Copy your backed‑up files back onto the PC.
Keep them organized — this is your chance to start fresh.

Enjoy Your Clean, Fast PC

You’ve done it.
Your computer is now running at full speed with no leftover junk.

Optional: Keep Your Files on an External Drive (My Personal Method)

“One of the easiest ways to protect your files — and make reinstalling Windows stress‑free — is to keep your important stuff on an external drive. I do this with all my PCs. I use external drive docks and USB‑attached NVMe drives. Whenever I’m about to wipe a system, I simply unplug everything. It’s fast, simple, and keeps my PC clean.”

Tip “Think of an external drive like a backpack for your files. If you ever need to reset your PC, your stuff is already safe and ready to plug back in.” “If your PC could smile it would” Pixel.

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