Complete Guide to Wipe Hard Drive and Reinstall Windows 10

Key Notes

Reset this PC allows easy reinstallation without external media.
Using a USB drive provides more control over the installation process.
Completing OOBE is essential for personalizing your new setup.

A Comprehensive Guide to Wiping and Reinstalling Windows 10

Reinstalling Windows 10 can restore your system’s performance and eradicate persistent issues. This guide explores the two main methods available for achieving a fresh installation: using the “Reset this PC” feature or deploying a bootable USB drive. Follow the detailed steps outlined here to successfully wipe out and reinstall your operating system.

Wipe Out and Reinstall Windows 10 Using Reset This PC

Here’s how you can reinstall Windows 10 while removing all data from your hard drive:

Access Settings from the Start menu.
Select Update & Security.
Navigate to the Recovery tab.
In the “Reset this PC” section, click Get Started.
Select the option Remove Everything.
Choose Cloud Download to proceed with the reinstallation.
(Optional) Click on Change Settings to configure the cleanup options:
- Clean Data: Choose Yes to securely wipe your drive.
- Delete Files from All Drives: Select Yes if you wish to erase everything.
- Download Windows: Keep this set to Yes to utilize the cloud-based installation.
Confirm your choices by clicking Confirm.
Next, click on Next, followed by Reset.
After the installation completes, select your region when prompted during the Out-of-Box Experience (OOBE).
If prompted, choose Yes to proceed.
Select your keyboard layout; again, click Yes.
Click Skip if you don’t want to adjust the second keyboard layout.
Connect to your network (via Ethernet or configure wireless setup).
Select Set Up for Personal Use (available in Windows 10 Pro).
Proceed by clicking Next.
Provide your Microsoft account details to set up your account.
Set a new account password, then click Next.
Create a new PIN for your account access.
Click OK when finished.
Choose to skip importing browsing data to Microsoft Edge.
Adjust your desired privacy settings and click Accept.
On the ‘Customize your Device’ page, select options relevant to your usage or skip this step.
Finally, complete the setup by clicking Accept or Skip as necessary.

Upon completing these steps, your PC will download the necessary setup files, format the appropriate drives, and install a fresh copy of Windows 10.

Wipe Out and Reinstall Windows 10 Using a USB Flash Drive

Follow these steps to reinstall Windows 10 using a bootable USB drive:

Boot your PC from the Windows 10 USB flash drive.
Press any key to continue when prompted.
Select Next.
Click on Install Now.
Select I don’t have a product key if asked.
Choose the Windows 10 edition that matches your license.
Tick the box to Accept the license terms.
Press Next.
Select Custom: Install Windows only (advanced).
Select partitions with your current setup and click Delete to wipe out the drive.

Warning: There’s no need to delete partitions on secondary drives.
Click on the unallocated space to select it for the new installation.
Hit Next for the installation to proceed.
After the installation, select your region during the OOBE.
Click Yes.
Select your keyboard layout and confirm with Yes.
Click Skip if not configuring a second layout.
Connect to the network automatically or manually if using Wi-Fi.
Click Set up for personal use if applicable.
Hitting Next will allow you to create your Microsoft account.
Confirm your password and click Next.
Create a PIN for quicker sign-ins.
Skip importing data from other browsers to Edge as desired.
Adjust privacy preferences and hit Accept.
(Optional) Decide on customizing your device experience.
Press Accept or Skip based on your choices.
To skip linking your phone or accepting other offers, select the relevant options.

After finishing, your hard drive will be wiped and a clean installation of Windows 10 will occur. Complete the OOBE for personal settings, or skip if selling the device. You will not need a product key, as the version of Windows previously installed will reactivate automatically.

Additional Tips

Ensure backups of essential data before proceeding.
Check for necessary drivers available after the installation.
Consider using a wired connection for better reliability during installation.

Summary

Wiping and reinstalling Windows 10 helps address performance issues, cleans up viruses, and prepares devices for new users. By utilizing either the “Reset this PC” feature or a USB flash drive, users can effectively manage their installations and regain optimal performance.

Conclusion

Reinstalling Windows 10 can be a straightforward process when executed correctly. Whether opting for a USB bootable drive or the “Reset this PC” method, following the steps in this guide will ensure a smooth transition to a fresh operating system. Ready your device and enhance your Windows experience today!

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Can I reinstall Windows 10 without a product key?

Yes, if Windows 10 was previously activated, it will reactivate automatically upon reinstallation.

Does resetting my PC delete all files?

Yes, if you choose “Remove Everything, ” it will delete all your files and apps from the PC.

Alex Ruben

My goal is to make complex technical topics simple and accessible. On this site, I gather unique and useful content that not only solves users problems but also helps them better understand the capabilities of Windows.