Embedded Files
Information: Reinstalling Windows is a process of completely wiping your hard drive and installing a fresh copy of the Windows operating system. During the process, all your data, including personal files, documents, pictures, music, videos, and installed programs, will be deleted from the hard drive. It is important to note that reinstalling Windows does not differentiate between useful data and unwanted data, so everything will be wiped from the hard drive. Therefore, it is crucial to back up all important files before reinstalling Windows to avoid losing valuable data.
Back Up Your Windows Product Key
Information: This step is optional and not necessary for reinstalling Windows.
Download ProductKey to view and back up your Windows product key. Nirsoft's software is not malware, but it often gets flagged by antivirus programs because of the nature of its tools.
1. Download Media Creation Tool
Information: Using the official Media Creation tool for USB ISO flashing is preferable over selecting third-party alternatives like Rufus or Balena Etcher. This choice helps maintain the ISO's integrity and avoids potential tampering.
Download for Windows 10 or Windows 11.
2. Run Mediacreationtool.exe As Admin
Information: The Media Creation Tool is a software utility developed by Microsoft that allows users to create installation media for Windows operating systems, as well as upgrade their current version of Windows to a newer one.
3. Select Accept
4. Select Next
5. Ensure A "Disposable" USB Is Inserted
Important: All data on the USB will be deleted.
6. Select USB Flash Drive Then Select Next
7. Select The USB That Was Inserted then Select Next
8. Select Finish
9. Navigate To The Advanced Startup
Information: Advanced Startup is a Windows feature that provides a set of tools and options for troubleshooting and repairing a computer that is unable to start normally. It includes options such as booting into Safe Mode, restoring from a system image, resetting the computer, accessing the command prompt, and more.
10. Select Restart Now
11. Select Use A Device
12. Select Prepared/Inserted USB
Information: If your cursor doesn’t work, you can use Tab to jump between fields or buttons. The Arrow keys allow you to move within a menu or select options. Press Enter to confirm a selection, and use the Spacebar to check or uncheck boxes. Alternatively, connecting an external mouse often resolves cursor issues and makes navigation much easier. Cursor issues are often temporary and will typically be fixed by Windows Update after you reinstall and set up Windows.
13. Select Next
Information: If you want to debloat Windows or are following Debloat Windows, select English (World) in Time and Currency format.
Default
Debloated
14. Select Next
15. Check The Box And Select Next
16. Select I Don't Have A Product Key
17. Select Next
18. Select Accept
19. Delete All Drives With "Drive 0" In The Name. Select "Drive 0 Unallocated Space" Then Select Next.
Information: Deleting all drives is necessary when reinstalling Windows because the process involves completely wiping the existing operating system and data from the computer's hard drive. This is necessary to ensure that any existing issues or errors are completely removed before the new operating system is installed.
20. Select Install
21. You Are All Set. Do Not Unplug Your USB Until Your Computer Restarts.
Information: If you were following Debloat Windows or followed the debloat version at step 13, you can now return or go to the Debloat Windows page.
Important: Performing a reset or reinstallation of your operating system is an effective way to remove persistent malware from your system. However, it is important to note that secondary internal drives and external drives connected to your computer may also be infected. To prevent malware from spreading, it is recommended to scan or format these drives before accessing them again. This will help ensure that any malware present on these drives is removed and does not infect your newly reinstalled system.