How to Perform a Clean Installation of Windows 11 in 2024
- 🕑 18 minutes read
- 9 Views
- To execute a clean installation of Windows 11, boot your PC using a USB bootable drive, follow the on-screen prompts, bypass activation, and opt for the “Custom” choice for a fresh installation. Then, select the setup drive, hit “Next,” and proceed through the out-of-the-box experience (OOBE).
- You can also initiate a clean install of Windows 11 using the Media Creation Tool, the “Reset this PC”feature, WinRE, or an ISO file.
In the context of Windows 11, a clean installation denotes erasing the hard drive and installing a new copy of the operating system (version 23H2, 24H2, or newer) without any personalized settings, drivers, software, or files on your desktop or laptop. This method is generally the preferred way to upgrade to the latest Windows 11 version on compatible devices to avert installation problems and rectify any ongoing issues.
For example, if a computer has maintained the same configuration for an extended period, performing a clean install of Windows 11 can mitigate performance decline, difficulties with shutdowns and startups, memory errors, and application-related issues. This approach is also optimal for transitioning from prior versions like Windows 10, Windows 7, or 8.1. Additionally, you can eliminate unwelcome bloatware typically pre-installed by manufacturers.
Moreover, if a previous version of the operating system was installed, you won’t lose your activation status after conducting a clean install, as the computer will automatically reactivate post-process.
Microsoft facilitates various methods for executing a clean installation of Windows 11, including utilizing a USB flash drive to set up the OS on an SSD (Solid-State Drive). The “Reset this PC” feature quickly erases the hard drive and reinstalls the system without requiring extra tools. If the device fails to boot, you can access Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) options or mount the ISO file via File Explorer to initiate the setup.
This guide aims to provide instructions for performing a clean installation of Windows 11 24H2 or version 23H2 on your system. However, before diving into the steps, ensure these prerequisites are met before installation. Additionally, these guidelines will cover the various standard installation methods. You can also set up Windows 11 without a Microsoft account or conduct a clean installation on unsupported hardware.
- Clean install Windows 11 from USB
- Clean install Windows 11 from ISO file
- Clean install Windows 11 using Reset this PC local image
- Clean install Windows 11 using Reset this PC Cloud Download
- Clean install Windows 11 from WinRE
- Clean install Windows 11 using Media Creation Tool
Clean install Windows 11 from USB
Using a USB flash drive is the simplest way to clean install Windows 11 (version 24H2 or 23H2). You can create bootable media utilizing the Media Creation Tool, Command Prompt, Rufus, or alternative third-party software.
When opting for this method, ensure that your device is set to boot from USB, which may require adjusting the UEFI settings (commonly labeled as BIOS). Bear in mind that since configurations can differ across computer manufacturers, checking their support site for specifics is recommended.
Starting with Windows 11 24H2, the Windows Setup interface has received a design update. Although the overall procedure remains consistent, some steps may vary based on the version being installed, particularly if launching the setup via USB boot media.
This method is my recommended approach. While it may take slightly longer, it significantly reduces potential issues and resolves existing concerns.
Windows 11 24H2 Installation Steps
To clean install Windows 11 24H2 (or newer) from a USB device, follow these steps:
-
Boot your PC with the Windows 11 24H2 USB flash drive.
-
Press any key to proceed.
-
Select your preferred installation language and format.
-
Click the Next button.
-
Choose your keyboard layout and input method.
-
Hit the Next button.
-
Select the “Install Windows 11” option.
-
Mark the “I agree to everything” checkbox to certify that this process will erase all contents on the computer.
-
Select the “I don’t have a product key” option.
Quick note: The computer will automatically activate once reinstallation is initiated. A product key will be required for new devices, but you can always provide it later through the Settings app. -
Choose the edition of “Windows 11” that corresponds to your product key (if applicable).
-
Click the Next button.
-
Click the Accept button.
-
Select each partition on the hard drive where you want Windows 11 24H2 installed and click the Delete button. Typically, the partition marked “Drive 0” will contain all installation files.
-
Choose the hard drive (Drive 0 Unallocated Space) for the OS installation.
-
Click the Next button.
-
Click the Install button.
-
On the initial page of the out-of-the-box experience (OOBE) following installation, select your region settings.
-
Click the Yes button.
-
Select your preferred keyboard layout.
-
Click the Yes button.
-
If you do not need a second layout, click the Skip button.
-
The computer will connect to the network automatically via Ethernet, but manual setup will be required for wireless connections (a security key might be needed).
-
(Optional) Confirm a name for your PC.
Quick note: Naming your device is optional but advised for easier identification across networks, your Microsoft account, and restoring backups. Following this step, the setup will restart to implement the new name, continuing from where you left off. -
Click the Next button. (The device will reboot automatically.)
- Select the “Set up for personal use” option for Windows 11 Pro. This option is inapplicable for the “Home” variant.
-
Click the Next button.
-
Click the Sign in button.
-
Input your Microsoft account email to establish your Windows 11 account.
-
Hit Next.
-
Enter your Microsoft account password.
-
Click the Next button.
-
Click the Create PIN button.
-
Set a new four-digit Windows Hello PIN.
-
Click the OK button.
-
Adjust privacy settings as per your preference and click Next.
-
Press Next once again.
-
Click the Accept button.
- Click on “More options.”
-
Hit the “Set up as a new PC” option.
-
Click the “Set up as a new PC” option again.
-
(Optional) On the “Let’s customize your experience”screen, select one or multiple ways you intend to use the device to allow the OS to propose relevant tools and service customizations during the experience.
-
Click the Accept button to proceed. Or click Skip to omit this part of the setup.
-
(Optional) Link your Android phone using the provided code or click the Skip option.
-
(Optional) Utilize the code to download OneDrive on your phone or click the Skip option.
-
If you will use a browser other than Microsoft Edge, click the Not now button.
After following these steps, Windows 11 24H2 will complete the clean installation on your computer.
Windows 11 23H2 Installation Steps
To conduct a clean installation of Windows 11 23H2 (or earlier) from USB, follow these steps:
-
Boot your PC using the Windows 11 USB flash drive.
-
Press any key to proceed.
-
Click the Next button.
-
Select the Install now button.
-
If reinstalling, select the “I don’t have a product key” option. Reactivation will occur automatically if Windows 11 was previously activated.
-
Choose the edition of “Windows 11” that matches your product key (if relevant).
-
Check the “I accept the license terms” option.
-
Click the Next button.
-
Select the “Custom: Install Windows only (advanced)” option.
-
Select each partition from the hard drive intended for Windows 11 22H2 installation and click on the Delete button. Note that “Drive 0” typically holds all installation files.
Warning: Deleting a partition removes all data from the drive. It’s unnecessary to delete partitions from a secondary hard drive. -
Select the hard drive (Drive 0 Unallocated Space) for the Windows 11 installation.
-
Hit the Next button.
-
Choose your region setting on the first page of the out-of-the-box experience (OOBE) after completing the installation.
-
Hit the Yes button.
-
Select your keyboard layout.
-
Press Yes.
-
If you don’t need a secondary layout configured, select the Skip button.
-
Your computer will establish a connection to the network through an Ethernet link. For wireless connections, you must configure it manually (security keys may be needed).
-
(Optional) Verify a name for your computer.
Quick note: Although optional, naming your computer is strongly suggested for easier identification on networks, within your Microsoft account, and while restoring backup files. Post this step, the setup will restart to implement the new name and pick up where you left off. -
Click the Next button. (The device will automatically restart.)
- Select the “Set up for personal use” option for Windows 11 Pro; this option is unavailable for the “Home” version.
-
Hit the Next button.
-
Click Sign in.
-
Input your Microsoft account email to create a Windows 11 account.
-
Hit the Next button.
-
Enter your Microsoft account password.
-
Click the Next button.
-
Select the Create PIN button.
-
Establish a new four-digit Windows Hello PIN.
-
Click the OK button.
-
Adjust privacy settings according to your preference and click Next.
-
Press Next again.
-
Click the Accept button.
- Click on “More options.”
-
Select the “Set up as a new PC” option.
-
Choose the “Set up as a new PC” option again.
-
(Optional) On the “Let’s customize your experience”page, select how you plan to utilize the device to allow Windows to recommend relevant tools and config during the experience.
-
Click the Accept button to proceed. Or hit Skip to bypass this setup section.
-
(Optional) You can link your Android phone using the provided code or click the Skip option.
-
(Optional) Utilize the code to link OneDrive on your phone or click the Skip option.
-
If using a different browser than Microsoft Edge, press the Not now button.
Once all steps have been executed, Windows 11 will proceed with the installation on the computer.
Clean install Windows 11 from ISO file
Alternatively, you can mount the ISO in File Explorer to initiate a clean install or an in-place upgrade on an already installed device (possible on Windows 11 24H2 or 23H2).
Follow these steps to clean install Windows 11 using an ISO file:
-
Select the Windows 11 option from the “Download Windows 11 Disk Image (ISO)” section.
-
Click the Download button.
-
Choose your installation language.
-
Click the Confirm button.
-
Click the Download button to save the Windows 11 ISO file to your device.
-
Right-click the ISO file and choose the Mount option.
-
Select the virtual drive shown in the left sidebar.
-
Double-click the Setup file to commence the Windows 11 installation.
-
(Optional) Click the “Change how Windows Setup downloads updates” option.
-
Select the “Not right now” option.
-
Press the Next button.
-
Hit Accept to agree to the terms.
-
Click the “Change what to keep” option.
-
Select the Nothing option.
-
Hit the Next button.
-
Click the Install button.
-
Click the Next button.
-
Choose your region settings on the first screen of the out-of-the-box experience (OOBE) following installation.
-
Click the Yes button.
-
Choose your keyboard layout option.
-
Press Yes.
-
If you do not need a second layout, click the Skip button.
-
Your computer will connect to the network automatically via Ethernet. If using a wireless connection, you will need to set it up manually (a security key may be necessary).
-
(Optional) Confirm a name for your computer.
Quick note: Naming your device enhances identification across networks, your Microsoft account, and restoring backups. Completing this step will cause the setup to restart with the new name, continuing from your previous stage. -
Click the Next button. (The device will restart automatically.)
- Select the “Set up for personal use” option for Windows 11 Pro; this is not available for the “Home” edition.
-
Click the Next button.
-
Click Sign in.
-
Submit your Microsoft account email to create a Windows 11 account.
-
Hit the Next button.
-
Enter your Microsoft account password.
-
Click the Next button.
-
Click the Create PIN button.
-
Set your new four-digit Windows Hello PIN.
-
Hit the OK button.
-
Adjust privacy settings as per your preference and hit Next.
-
Click Next again.
-
Hit the Accept button.
- Click on “More options.”
-
Press the “Set up as a new PC” option.
-
Choose the “Set up as a new PC” option again.
-
(Optional) On the “Let’s customize your experience”page, indicate how you plan to use the device for the OS to suggest pertinent tools and configurations throughout the experience.
-
Click the Accept button to proceed or hit Skip to bypass this part of the setup.
-
(Optional) Link your Android phone with the provided code or hit the Skip option.
-
(Optional) Use the code to install OneDrive on your smartphone or click the Skip option.
-
If you prefer a browser other than Microsoft Edge, click the Not now button.
Clean install Windows 11 using Reset this PC local image
The recovery settings provide an additional approach to start anew with a clean version of Windows 11. Unlike the Media Creation Tool, bootable flash drive, and ISO file methods, this method is applicable only for reinstalling Windows 11 on a machine that is already running the same OS.
If you plan to upgrade a Windows 10, Windows 8.1, or Windows 7 device, you’ll need to use one of the previously mentioned methods.
To perform a clean install of Windows 11 (24H2 or 23H2) via the “Reset this PC” feature with a local image, follow these steps:
-
Access Settings.
-
Select System.
-
Choose Recovery on the right panel.
-
Press the Reset PC button in the “Reset this PC” settings under “Recovery options.”
-
Choose the Remove everything option for a fresh Windows 11 installation.
-
Opt for the Local reinstall option.
-
(Optional) Click the Change settings option.
-
Set up the reinstallation options:
- Clean data: If set to No (recommended), the setup will swiftly eradicate files, applications, and settings. Setting it to Yes ensures a thorough cleaning of the drive before OS installation, although it takes longer.
- Delete files from all drives: If set to No (recommended), only the installation drive will be cleaned. Setting this to Yes erases all drives’ data.
- Download Windows: Setting to No (recommended) will utilize the local image for installation. If set to Yes, the “Cloud download” option is activated.
-
Press the Confirm button.
-
Click the Next button.
-
Press the Reset button.
-
Hit the Next button.
-
Choose your region setting on the initial page of the out-of-the-box experience (OOBE) after installation.
-
Press Yes.
-
Choose your keyboard layout.
-
Hit the Yes button.
-
If a second layout isn’t required, click the Skip button.
-
The computer will connect to the network automatically via an Ethernet connection. Manual configuration is required for the wireless connection (a security key may be necessary).
-
(Optional) Verify a name for your computer.
Quick note: Naming is optional but recommended for easy identification on networks, within your Microsoft account, and during backup restoration. After this, the setup will reboot, implementing the new name while continuing from the prior step. -
Click the Next button. (The device will restart automatically.)
- Choose the “Set up for personal use” option for Windows 11 Pro; this option is unavailable for the “Home” edition.
-
Hit the Next button.
-
Press Sign in.
-
Input your Microsoft account email to establish a Windows 11 account.
-
Press the Next button.
-
Confirm your Microsoft account password.
-
Click the Next button.
-
Choose the Create PIN option.
-
Set your new four-digit Windows Hello PIN.
-
Select the OK button.
-
Toggle privacy settings per your preference and hit Next.
-
Select Next again.
-
Press the Accept button.
- Click on “More options.”
-
Select the “Set up as a new PC” option.
-
Click again on the “Set up as a new PC” option.
-
(Optional) On the “Let’s customize your experience”page, indicate how you plan to use the device to help the OS suggest tools and configurations throughout the experience.
-
Hit the Accept button or click Skip to bypass this part of the setup.
-
(Optional) You can use the code to connect your Android phone or click the Skip option.
-
(Optional) Use the code to download OneDrive on your phone or click Skip.
-
If you intend to use a browser other than Microsoft Edge, hit Not now.
Upon completing these steps, the recovery feature will continue the installation, utilizing the locally saved Windows 11 image. This method will restore factory settings if the computer originated from brands like HP, Dell, Acer, or others, meaning the manufacturer’s specifications, drivers, applications, and tools are included in the custom image.
If you prefer not to reinstall the manufacturer’s custom image, consider the “Cloud Download” option (refer to steps below).
Clean install Windows 11 using Reset this PC Cloud download
The “Reset this PC”utility also offers a “Cloud Download” solution, enabling you to reset a machine while obtaining a fresh installation, similar to the local image method but featuring files sourced from Microsoft servers.
This reinstall option is available if the local image fails or you wish to avoid the manufacturer’s settings. When selecting the “Cloud download,” the same version already present on the device is retrieved, but this method does not allow for upgrades to a more current version. Also, if the device utilized custom images, the new version too will lack those unique specifications, drivers, or applications.
To carry out a clean install of Windows 11 (24H2 or 23H2) via the “Reset this PC” feature using Cloud Download, follow these steps:
-
Launch Settings.
-
Click on System.
-
Select Recovery on the right panel.
-
Press the Reset PC button within the “Reset this PC” settings under “Recovery options.”
-
Choose the Remove everything option for a fresh Windows 11 installation.
-
Select the Cloud reinstall option.
-
(Optional) Click the Change settings option.
-
Set the reinstallation settings:
- Clean data: If set to No (recommended), the setup will quickly wipe files, applications, and settings. Setting to Yes ensures the drive is exhaustively cleansed prior to OS installation but takes longer.
- Delete files from all drives: Only the drive containing the installation will be erased if the setting is No (recommended). Setting to Yes will delete all drives on the device.
- Download Windows: If this option is set to Yes (recommended), “Cloud download” will be used for installation. Setting it to No means the local image will be utilized instead.
-
Select the Confirm button.
-
Click the Next button.
-
Press the Reset button.
-
Click the Next button.
-
Decide on your region settings on the initial page of the out-of-the-box experience (OOBE) after installation.
-
Press Yes.
-
Select your keyboard layout.
-
Hit the Yes button.
-
If you do not require a second layout, click the Skip button.
-
Your computer will seamlessly connect to the network through an Ethernet interface. Manual configuration will be required for wireless connections (thus, a security key may be needed).
-
(Optional) Verify your computer name.
Quick note: Naming your computer is not obligatory but ensures easier recognition on networks, within your Microsoft account, and during restoration processes. After finalizing this, the setup will restart to embed the new name while proceeding from where you left off. -
Click the Next button. (The device will restart automatically.)
- Choose the “Set up for personal use” option for Windows 11 Pro; this isn’t available for the “Home” version.
-
Press the Next button.
-
Click Sign in.
-
Input your Microsoft account email to set up your Windows 11 account.
-
Hit the Next button.
-
Confirm your Microsoft account password.
-
Click the Next button.
-
Press the Create PIN button.
-
Set a new four-digit PIN for Windows Hello.
-
Hit the OK button.
-
Modify privacy settings per your preference and press Next.
-
Hit Next again.
-
Press the Accept button.
- Click on “More options.”
-
Select the “Set up as a new PC” option.
-
Choose the “Set up as a new PC” option once more.
-
(Optional) On the “Let’s customize your experience”page, indicate possible uses for the device to allow the OS to recommend tools and services tailored during the journey.
-
Click the Accept button to continue or hit Skip to bypass this setup section.
-
(Optional) Link your Android device using the given code or click Skip.
-
(Optional) Download OneDrive on your phone using the provided number or click Skip.
-
If utilizing a different browser than Microsoft Edge, hit the Not now button.
After completing the installation process, a clean version of Windows 11 will be established on your system.
Clean install Windows 11 from WinRE
If your computer fails to boot normally, the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) integrates the same “Reset this PC”options.
Note that you can only use this option to reinstall the same version of Windows already present on your system. For upgrading to the latest release, implement the USB flash drive, Media Creation Tool, or ISO file pathways.
To perform a clean install of Windows 11 from WinRE, execute these steps:
-
Start your device.
-
Immediately after POST, press the Power button again to shut it down.
-
Repeat steps one and two twice; during the third restart, the operating system should access the Windows Recovery Environment (Windows RE).
Quick note: You can alternate methods to access the advanced startup settings in Windows 11 if the recovery environment isn’t readily accessible. -
Click the Advanced options button.
-
Select Troubleshoot.
-
Choose the Reset this PC option.
-
Select the Remove everything option.
-
Click either the Cloud download or Local reinstall option.Cloud download: Downloads a fresh copy from Microsoft servers for installation. Local reinstall: Utilizes the locally available image to install a clean version of Windows 11.
-
Select the “Only the drive where Windows is installed” option. (Opting for All drives will erase data across every drive; this setting is generally only advised for decommissioning purposes.)
-
Choose between the “Just remove my files” or “Full clean the drive” options:
- Just remove my files: Quickly deletes contents of the drive.
- Full clean the drive: Also removes everything but performs a secure erase taking several hours—ideal for devices being given away.
-
Click the Reset button.
-
Press Next.
-
Set your region settings on the initial page of the out-of-the-box experience (OOBE) after installation.
-
Hit the Yes button.
-
Choose your keyboard layout.
-
Click the Yes button.
-
If a second layout isn’t required, hit Skip.
-
Your computer will connect to the network via Ethernet automatically. Wireless connections need manual setup (a security key may be necessary).
-
(Optional) Verify a name for your computer.
Quick note: Naming your device enhances recognition on networks, on your Microsoft account, and during restoration. Completing this step will reboot the setup, applying the new name while continuing from where you left off. -
Hit Next. (The device will restart automatically.)
- Choose the “Set up for personal use” option for Windows 11 Pro; this option is unavailable on the “Home” edition.
-
Press Next.
-
Click Sign in.
-
Provide your Microsoft account email to create a new Windows 11 account.
-
Hit the Next button.
-
Confirm your Microsoft account password.
-
Click the Next button.
-
Hit the Create PIN button.
-
Establish your new four-digit Windows Hello PIN.
-
Press the OK button.
-
Customize privacy settings to suit your relaxations and hit Next.
-
Press Next again.
-
Click the Accept button.
- Click on “More options.”
-
Select the “Set up as a new PC” option.
-
Choose the “Set up as a new PC” option again.
-
(Optional) On the “Let’s customize your experience” page, indicate how you intend to use the device, enabling the OS to propose applicable tools and service adjustments throughout the experience.
-
Hit the Accept button to proceed. Or click Skip to pass this segment of the setup.
-
(Optional) You can link your Android device via the given code or hit the Skip option.
-
(Optional) Use the code to download OneDrive on your phone or select Skip.
-
If you prefer a browser other than Microsoft Edge, click the Not now button.
Upon completion of these steps, Windows 11 will restore and revive, addressing the previous issues. The time taken for completion will rely on your specific hardware setup and the reset criteria chosen.
Clean install Windows 11 using Media Creation Tool
The Media Creation Tool no longer possesses the functionality for direct clean installations or in-place upgrades. Its use is strictly limited to creating bootable media for USB flash drives or ISO files.
When using the Media Creation Tool, your first step is to develop installation media, and then you can run the setup from the USB flash drive.
To utilize the Media Creation Tool for creating a bootable USB installation media and subsequently proceed with the Windows 11 (24H2 or 23H2) setup, follow these steps:
-
Click the Download Now button in the “Create Windows 11 installation media” section.
-
Double-click the MediaCreationToolW11.exe file to launch the tool.
-
Press the Accept button.
-
Click Next.
Quick note: If you’re creating a Windows 11 USB for a different device, be sure to unselect the “Use the recommended options for this PC” setting to select the accurate language, architecture, and edition. -
Select the USB flash drive option.
-
Click the Next button.
-
Select the relevant USB flash drive from the list, ensuring it contains no critical files since the process will delete everything on it.
-
Hit the Next button.
-
Press the Finish button.
-
Open the installation media using File Explorer.
-
Double-click the Setup file to launch the Windows 11 installation.
-
(Optional) Hit the “Change how Windows Setup downloads updates” option.
-
Select the “Not right now” option.
-
Click Next.
-
Hit Accept to agree to the terms.
-
Click the “Change what to keep” option.
-
Select the Nothing option.
-
Hit the Next button.
-
Press the Install button.
-
Click Next.
-
Set your region on the first page of the out-of-the-box experience (OOBE) after installation.
-
Press the Yes button.
-
Choose your keyboard layout.
-
Click Yes once more.
-
If a second layout isn’t necessary, click the Skip button.
-
Your computer will connect to the network automatically through Ethernet. For wireless, it must be manually configured (and may require a security key).
-
(Optional) Verify the name for your computer.
Quick note: Naming your device fast-tracks identification on networks, within your Microsoft account, and during restoration tasks. This step will trigger a restart to incorporate the new name while proceeding from the last stage. -
Hit Next. (The device will restart on its own.)
- Select the “Set up for personal use” option for Windows 11 Pro; this is unavailable for the “Home” edition.
-
Press Next.
-
Click on Sign in.
-
Submit your Microsoft account email to create a Windows 11 account.
-
Hit Next button.
-
Confirm your Microsoft account password.
-
Press the Next button.
-
Press Create PIN button.
-
Design your new four-digit Windows Hello PIN.
-
Hit the OK button.
-
Tailor privacy settings according to your preferences and hit Next.
-
Click Next once more.
-
Press Accept button.
- Click on “More options.”
-
Select “Set up as a new PC” option.
-
Choose the “Set up as a new PC” option again.
-
(Optional) On the “Let’s customize your experience” page, specify one or more ways you plan to use the device to let the OS recommend tools and service configurations during this journey.
-
Press the Accept button to continue or hit Skip to bypass this section of the setup.
-
(Optional) Link your Android device using the provided code or click the Skip option.
-
(Optional) Download OneDrive on your phone with the provided code or click Skip.
-
If you plan to use a browser other than Microsoft Edge, hit the Not now button.
Following the completion of these steps, the installation will continue with a fresh setup of Windows 11, whether it’s version 24H2 or 23H2.
What installation method do you prefer? Any questions? Feel free to leave a comment below.
Update October 8, 2024: This guide has been refreshed to uphold accuracy and integrate process updates.
Leave a Reply