How to do a clean install of Windows 11

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A fresh Windows 11 installation can revitalize your system. It removes unneeded files, improves efficiency, and lets you start over with Microsoft’s most recent operating system. This thorough guide explains how to perform a clean install of Windows 11, regardless of whether you’re upgrading from an older version of the operating system or installing it on a new computer.

What You Need Before You Start

There are a few prerequisites you should collect and things to think about before beginning a clean Windows 11 installation:

System Requirements

Verify that your PC satisfies Windows 11’s minimal system requirements.


  • Processor

    : 1 GHz or faster with at least 2 cores on a compatible 64-bit processor or system on a chip (SoC)

  • RAM

    : 4 GB or more

  • Storage

    : 64 GB or larger storage device

  • Firmware

    : UEFI, Secure Boot capable

  • TPM

    : Trusted Platform Module (TPM) version 2.0

  • Graphics Card

    : DirectX 12 compatible graphics / WDDM 2.x

  • Display

    : >9 with HD Resolution (720p)

  • Internet connection

    : Internet connectivity is necessary to perform updates and to download and take advantage of some features.

Backup Your Data

Backing up all of your key files—documents, photos, movies, and any other material you don’t want to lose—is essential before moving on. Think about utilizing USB flash drives, external hard drives, or online storage services like Dropbox, OneDrive, or Google Drive.

Tools You Will Need

Installation Media for Windows 11:

  • You can create a bootable USB drive using the Media Creation Tool from Microsoft.
  • A blank USB flash drive with at least 8 GB of space.

Product Number:

  • If you are upgrading from Windows 10, you can usually use your existing product key.
  • If you don t have a key, you ll need to purchase one.

Internet Access:

  • A stable internet connection is recommended for downloading installation files and updates.

Additional Considerations


  • Drivers

    : While Windows 11 attempts to find the appropriate drivers during installation, it s a good idea to download the latest drivers for your hardware ahead of time from the manufacturer s website.

  • Software

    : Make a list of any software applications you want to install after the clean installation and ensure you have the installation files available.

Step 1: Create Windows 11 Installation Media

A crucial initial step in achieving a clean setup is creating installation media:

Get the Media Creation Tool here:

  • Visit the official Microsoft download page for Windows 11 and download the Media Creation Tool.

Launch the tool:

  • Once downloaded, run the tool. It may take a few moments to initialize.

Accept the terms of the license:

  • You ll need to accept Microsoft s license terms to proceed.

Choose to Produce Installation Media:

  • Choose the option to create installation media (USB flash drive, DVD, or ISO file). Click Next .

Select the Architecture, Language, and Edition:

  • Select the language, edition (Windows 11), and architecture (64-bit) you want to install. Click Next .

Choose a USB flash drive.

  • Choose the USB flash drive option. Ensure your drive is connected and select it from the list.

Make the Media:

  • Click Next and let the tool download Windows 11 to your USB flash drive. This may take some time. Once completed, you ll have a bootable Windows 11 installation media.

Step 2: Prepare for Installation

You must boot from your installation CD before installing Windows 11:

Put the USB drive in:

  • Plug the USB flash drive into the computer where you want to install Windows 11.

Restart the computer:

  • Restart your computer and enter the BIOS/UEFI settings. To do this, you ll usually need to press a specific key (commonly F2, F10, DEL, or ESC) as the computer boots.

Modify the boot order:

  • In the BIOS/UEFI menu, find the boot order settings and set your USB drive as the primary boot device. Save changes and exit.

Step 3: Install Windows 11

You can now begin the installation procedure:

Start up using the USB drive:

  • Your computer will boot from the USB drive, and you will see the Windows setup screen.

Choose your keyboard, language, and time:

  • Choose your preferred language, time, and keyboard settings, then click Next .

Select “Install Now.”

  • You ll be prompted to install Windows 11; click the Install Now button.

Type the product key here:

  • Input your Windows 11 product key when prompted. You can also choose to activate later if you don t have a key.

Choose the Type of Installation:

  • Choose the option for Custom: Install Windows only (advanced) which is suitable for a clean installation.

Make a partition on your hard drive:

  • You will see a list of partitions. If you re replacing an existing operating system, you can delete the old Windows partition (make sure you have backed up your data first).
  • Delete the primary partition where Windows is installed (often labeled as Primary , System Reserved , etc.) and any other partitions on that drive if necessary.
  • Click on Unallocated Space and then click Next to allow Windows to create the necessary partitions for installation.

Step 4: Configure Windows 11 Settings

Your computer will restart multiple times once the installation process starts. You will need to put up a few initial settings after the installation is finished:

Select the Language and Region:

  • Select your region and language.

Establish a Network Connection:

  • You ll be prompted to connect to a Wi-Fi network. Ensure that you connect to the internet for the completion of the setup.

Create a Microsoft Account:

  • You can create a new Microsoft account or log in to existing one. This account will be used to access features like the Microsoft Store and OneDrive.

Select Privacy Preferences:

  • Review and configure your privacy settings according to your preference.

Choose Your Favorite Apps:

  • Windows will ask which apps you would like to use for various functions (like web browser, email, etc.). You can set these defaults now or skip this for later.

Complete Your Configuration:

  • Follow the on-screen prompts until the setup is completed. This process may take a few minutes.

You will be able to explore the new features and functionalities of Windows 11 after completing the configuration.

Step 5: Post-Installation Tasks

Following the installation of Windows 11, you should do the following actions to maximize system performance:

Update Windows

  • Go to Settings > Windows Update and check for updates. Download and install all critical and security updates. This will ensure that your system has the latest patches and improvements.

Install Drivers

  • Visit your hardware manufacturer s website to download the latest drivers for your system. Start with chipset drivers, followed by video and audio drivers, ensuring your hardware operates optimally.

Install Software Applications

  • As you planned earlier, install your preferred applications, such as browsers, office software, and any other productivity tools you use.

Backup System

  • After every installation is complete and your system is stable, create a restore point. Go to Control Panel > System and Security > System > System Protection and click Create under the System Protection tab.

Customize Your Settings

  • Change the desktop wallpaper, taskbar settings, and other aspects to suit your preferences. Explore Windows 11 s settings to make your experience tailored to your needs.

Familiarize Yourself With New Features

  • Take some time to explore Windows 11 s new features like the redesigned Start menu, Snap Layouts, virtual desktops, and Widgets. Familiarize yourself with the new user interface and functionalities that enhance productivity.

Conclusion

Rejuvenating your system by performing a clean install of Windows 11 will provide better speed and performance. Even while the procedure may initially appear overwhelming, it may be made simpler by following this guidance step-by-step. You can effectively utilize all of Windows 11’s capabilities by being well-prepared, backing up your data, and making sure your machine satisfies the criteria.

Always make sure you have backups of your important documents and apps because a clean install will remove everything from your hard drive. It is a great option whether you are upgrading, troubleshooting, or just looking to refresh your PC because a fresh installation allows you to enjoy a new, clutter-free computing experience. Cheers to computing!

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