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How To Perform a Clean Install of Windows 10

February 16, 2026 5 minuten lezen Updated: February 16, 2026

Doing a clean install of Windows 10 can be a lifesaver if your system is crawling, riddled with bugs, or if you’re just looking to start fresh before selling the thing. It’s not super complicated, but there are a few quirks that can trip you up—for example, Secure Boot and Fast Boot can interfere with booting from your install media, and Windows tends to push for a Microsoft account if you’re online during setup. Also, if you’re not careful and don’t back up your files first, poof—everything’s gone. So, this guide aims to help you navigate the mess, with some tips and tricks I’ve picked up along the way.

How to Do a Clean Install of Windows 10

Before diving in, it’s smart to disable Secure Boot and Fast Boot in your BIOS/UEFI because some motherboards just don’t like booting from USB or DVD with those features turned on. Also, disconnect from the internet if you want to create a local account instead of a Microsoft one—Windows tends to force it if you’re online. And don’t forget: back up your files unless you’re okay with losing everything. Now, when you go through the process, expect some restarts and maybe a bit of patience. It’s worth it for a fresh start or fixing those stubborn errors.

Creating Windows 10 Installation Media

Method 1: Using Media Creation Tool

If you don’t already have an ISO or any fancy tools, Microsoft’s Media Creation Tool is the way to go. It’s straightforward, though it takes a few steps. Here’s the usual drill:

  • Head over to the Microsoft’s Windows 10 download page.
  • Click on Download tool now (that’s the Media Creation Tool).
  • Plug in a USB flash drive with at least 8 GB free space (if you’re planning for Windows 10, not older versions).
  • Launch the setup and accept UAC prompts. It’s normal to get some permission requests.
  • Choose Create installation media (USB flash drive, DVD, or ISO file) for another PC and click Next.
  • Set the preferred language, edition, and architecture (x86 or 64-bit).Usually, checking Use the recommended options for this PC works fine.
  • Pick USB flash drive and hit Next.
  • Select your USB drive from the list and click Next.
  • After some copying, it’ll tell you when you’re done. Click Finish.

Method 2: Using Diskpart and ISO Files

If you already have an ISO file — maybe downloaded elsewhere — the easiest way to get it onto a USB is with diskpart. This isn’t foolproof, but it worked for me on one setup and not so much on another. Here’s what to do:

  • Pop in your USB drive and open Run (Win + R).
  • Type diskpart and hit Enter. This opens the disk management CLI.
  • Type list disk to see all disks. Identify your USB by size, then select disk # (replace # with your disk number).
  • Type clean—this wipes the USB!
  • Now, make a new primary partition: create partition primary
  • Select it: select partition 1
  • Format quickly as FAT32: format fs=fat32 quick
  • Mark it active: active
  • Type exit to close diskpart.

Next, mount your ISO (double-click should do it if it’s in Windows).Copy all the files from the mounted ISO to the USB, and you’re basically set. It’s kinda clunky, but it does the job—just make sure you get all the files over.

Boot Into Your Installation Media

Now, restart your PC, but you need to get into the BIOS/UEFI and change the boot order:

  1. Hold Shift and click Restart from the power menu to jump into the Recovery environment.
  2. Navigate through Troubleshoot > Advanced options > UEFI Firmware Settings > Restart.

  3. In BIOS/UEFI, find the Boot tab.
  4. Move your USB drive to the top of the list — that’s usually done by highlighting it and selecting +/- keys or dragging icons, depending on your BIOS.
  5. Save and exit. The system should reboot into the installer from the USB. If told to press any key, do it.

Performing a Clean Windows 10 Install

Once booted from the USB, the Windows installer greets you. Here’s where the fun begins:

  1. Select your language, keyboard layout, and timezone, then hit Next.
  2. Click Install now.
  3. Input your product key unless you want to skip and activate later. You can always do it afterward via Settings > Activation.
  4. Accept the license agreement and click Next.
  5. Choose Custom: Install Windows only (advanced) — this is where all the wiping magic happens.
  6. You’ll see a list of partitions—select each and delete with Delete. Be cautious here; deleting the wrong partition can cause headaches.
  7. Once only unallocated space remains, select it and click Next. The setup will handle partitioning and formatting on its own.
  8. It’ll copy files, install, and eventually reboot. Sit tight and wait for the final boot.

Final Setup and Personalization

After reboot, Windows wants a few more details:

  • To bypass creating a Microsoft account, shut down by pressing and holding the power button, then start again, or use Shift + F10 to open Command Prompt and run C:\Windows\System32\shutdown -s -t 0 -f.
  • If you want to set up normally, just follow the prompts: pick region, layout, connect to Wi-Fi, and log in with your Microsoft account or choose to create a local account.
  • When prompted, skip any privacy options if you want to keep it minimal.

Let’s Bring It All Together: Drivers & Updates

Once Windows is installed, don’t forget to update. Hit Windows Update in Settings (Win + I) and check for updates. Sometimes, it’ll find optional driver updates—good idea to install those too. If any hardware isn’t behaving, head over to the manufacturer’s website. AMD’s support site (AMD Drivers and Support) or Intel’s download page (Intel Download Drivers & Software) are solid places to get the latest drivers. For GPU drivers, go straight to the GPU’s website—NVIDIA, AMD, or Intel.

Finally, make sure Windows is activated by visiting Settings > Update & Security > Activation. If you skipped entering a key, activation can sometimes be done after setup with a digital license linked to your hardware.