Microsoft’s new Windows 10 operating system is now available in 190 countries. Microsoft announced on its official blog Thursday that more than 14 million devices are already running the latest OS, and there are “many more upgrades to go.” While many Windows 7 and Windows 8.1 users qualifying for Windows 10 are simply upgrading to the new OS, doing so may adversely affect the performance of your device. That’s because it brings along most of your system settings, apps and data to Windows 10.
If your computer still runs Windows 7 or 8.1
That’s why many people are trying to clean install Windows 10 instead of an upgrade. A clean install might erase all your data and the older OS. So, the first step is to completely back up your PC. You can create a backup to a USB drive or a DVD disc. Now find out the architecture (32-bit or 64-bit) and the edition of Windows OS your device currently runs.
The next step is to go to this link and download the media creation tool. You’ll see 32-bit and 64-bit versions. Download the one depending on whether your current PC is running on 32-bit or 64-bit Windows. If you are not sure, download both. Only one compatible with your device will run.
Now run the tool you just downloaded. You’ll be asked “What do you want to do?” choose the second option (Create installation media for another PC) and click ‘Next.’ On the next screen, select the language, architecture, and edition of Windows 10.
Next, you’ll be prompted to choose which media to use. If you choose an ISO file, you’ll have to later burn it to DVD. Choosing USB flash drive is a better option because a USB drive works with any PC. Now insert the USB drive into your PC’s empty USB port. Make sure that the USB drive is formatted and have at least 3GB of storage space (6GB in case you chose to make installation media for both 32-bit and 64-bit Windows).
Next, select the USB drive and the media creation tool will start downloading Windows 10. It may take a while depending on your Internet connectivity. When the download is complete, insert the USB drive in a computer you want to upgrade. Open the drive in File Explorer and run ‘Setup.exe.’ Now you’ll be asked to agree to Microsoft’s terms & conditions.
Once you agree to the T&C, you’ll be greeted with the ‘Ready to install’ dialog. Hit the “Change what to keep” and you’ll given three options regarding what to keep. Since it is a clean install, choose “Nothing” and click the ‘Next’ button. Then Windows 10 will start installing. Once it’s done, you’ll have a clean installation of Windows 10 on your device.
For devices already running Windows 10
If you have already upgraded your PC to Windows 10, the best way is to reset it. Go to Settings from Windows 10 Start menu and navigate to Update & Security. Then go to “Recovery” and under “Reset this PC” click “Get Started.”
Now you will be presented three options. Choose “Remove everything.” On the next screen, select “Just remove my files” and click on the reset button. The system will restart and you’ll have a clean installation of Windows 10.
