Step 1 – Back up your important files
Reinstalling can remove apps and data depending on the method you choose. Save important documents, photos, and files to an external drive or cloud storage before you begin.
Step 2 – Decide which reinstall method you want to use
You can reinstall Windows in two common ways:
Reset this PC (reinstalls Windows using built-in recovery options)
USB clean install (reinstalls Windows using installation media)
If you want the cleanest result, the USB method is usually the most thorough.
Step 3 – Option A: Reinstall using “Reset this PC”
This method is built into Windows.
Open Settings
Go to System > Recovery (Windows 11) or Update & Security > Recovery (Windows 10)
Select Reset this PC
Choose either:
Keep my files (keeps personal files but removes apps and settings), or
Remove everything (removes files, apps, and settings for a fresh start)
Follow the prompts and let Windows complete the process (your PC may restart multiple times)
Step 4 – Option B: Reinstall using a bootable USB (clean install)
Use this method if you want a fresh installation from scratch.
Prepare a USB drive (commonly 8GB or larger)
On a working PC, create a bootable Windows installation USB using Microsoft’s installation tool
Insert the USB into the PC you want to reinstall
Restart and open the boot menu (often F12 / F9 / ESC / DEL, depending on the device)
Select the USB drive to start Windows Setup
Choose your language and click Install now
When asked, enter your product key or skip and enter it later (depending on your setup options)
Select Custom: Install Windows only
Choose the target drive/partition and proceed with installation
For a full clean install, delete old Windows partitions on the target drive (only if you’re sure you no longer need the data)
Windows will copy files and restart several times
Step 5 – Complete first-time setup
After installation finishes, follow the on-screen steps to configure your device, sign in, and select basic settings.
Step 6 – Install updates and drivers
Once you reach the desktop:
Go to Settings > Windows Update
Install available updates and restart if needed
If anything isn’t working correctly (Wi-Fi, audio, graphics), install the latest drivers from your device manufacturer.
Step 7 – Activate Windows (if needed)
After reinstalling, activation may happen automatically. If it doesn’t:
Go to Settings > System > Activation
Select Change product key
Enter your 25-character product key and follow the prompts