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Reinstall Windows – Guides

A clean Windows installation is the most reliable way to fix issues caused by corrupted system files, leftover drivers or misconfigured security setti…

A clean Windows installation is the most reliable way to fix issues caused by corrupted system files, leftover drivers or misconfigured security settings. This guide uses the official Microsoft Media Creation Tool.

What you need

  • A USB drive with at least 8 GB of free space: everything on it will be erased.
  • A working internet connection to download the installation files.
  • Your Windows product key, if your license is not linked to a Microsoft account or to your motherboard.

Step 1: download the Media Creation Tool

Download the tool from Microsoft for your version of Windows:

Windows 10 Media Creation Tool Windows 11 Media Creation Tool

Step 2: create the bootable USB

  1. Plug in your USB drive.
  2. Run the downloaded tool as administrator (right-click → Run as administrator).
  3. Accept the license terms.
  4. Select Create installation media for another PC and click Next.
  5. Choose your language, edition and architecture (64-bit), then click Next.
  6. Select USB flash drive and click Next.
  7. Select your USB drive in the list and click Next.
  8. Wait while the tool downloads Windows and writes it to the USB drive. It can take several minutes depending on your connection.
  9. Click Finish: your bootable USB is ready.

Step 3: boot from the USB

  1. Restart your PC and enter the BIOS/UEFI with the right key during startup (usually Del, F2 or F12: check your motherboard manual).
  2. Set the USB drive as the first boot device, or use the one-time boot menu (usually F11 or F12) to select it directly.
  3. Save and exit: your PC boots from the USB drive.

Step 4: install Windows

  1. Select your language and keyboard layout, then click Next.
  2. Click Install now.
  3. Enter your product key if asked, or click I don't have a product key if your license is linked to your Microsoft account or motherboard.
  4. Select the Windows edition you have a license for and click Next.
  5. Accept the license terms and click Next.
  6. Select Custom: Install Windows only (advanced).
  7. Select the partition where Windows is currently installed (usually the largest one, the C: drive), click Delete, then select the unallocated space and click New → Apply.
  8. Select the new partition and click Next.
  9. Windows installs and restarts automatically. Follow the on-screen setup to finish.
Deleting the partition erases everything on your C: drive. Back up your files before starting.

After the installation

Once Windows is set up, complete the full setup guide before using any of our products.

Disable ProtectionsHow to disable virtualization, Kernel DMA Protection and the other security features.