If your computer has been infected by a virus or it’s getting slow, you might want to reinstall Windows. As long as the hardware is intact, you can do a clean install or simply reinstall the OS by using this guide.Here’s how to reinstall Windows 10 on a PC.
How to Reinstall Windows from PC Settings
Windows 10 allows you to reinstall a new versionof your operating system over your current version. Doing this will allow youto keep your files or delete them for a fresh reinstall. Follow one of thethree steps below to begin the process:
- Click the Start button.This is the button in the bottom left corner of your screen with the Windows logo.
- Then click Settings. This is the gear icon just above the power button.
- Next, select Update & Security.
- Click Recovery in the left menu panel. The right panel will show you options for recovery.
- Under Reset this PC, click Get Started.
- Choose to keep your files or remove everything.
Note: Even if you choose to keep your files, only your personal files will be saved. All the apps and settings that you had on your PC will be removed.
- Finally, select Reset. Your computer will restart with a fresh install of your operating system (OS).
If your PC is not working, you will need to create a recovery drive. To do this, you need a USB flash drive with at least eight gigabytes (8GB) of storage.
How to Create a Windows 10 Recovery USB Drive
If you can’t reinstall your operating system(OS) using the reset settings, you might need to use a recovery drive. Here’show to create a Windows 10 recovery USB drive.
Warning: When you create a Recovery drive, you will lose all of your data on your USB hard drive. Don’t forget to back up your data first.
- Click on the Search button and type “recovery drive” in the search box. The search button is the magnifying glass on the bottom left corner of your screen.
- Open the recovery drive app and select your drive.
- Then click Create.
It will take several minutes for your recovery drive to be created.
How to Reinstall Windows From USB Recovery Drive
Now that you have a recovery drive, here’s howto reinstall Windows using your USB drive.
Note: When you recover from a USB drive, youwill lose all your files on your computer. A clean install will take place,giving you a fresh version of your operating system.
- Plug your USB recovery drive into the PC you want to reinstall Windows on.
- Reboot your PC. If it’s already switched on, you will need to reboot it again. When it starts, you will see a Choose an Option display.
- Select Troubleshoot.
- Then choose Recover from a Drive.
- Next, cick “Just remove my files.” If you plan on selling your computer, click Full clean the drive. This option will take longer, so make sure your computer is plugged in.
- Finally, set up Windows.
How to Reinstall Windows 10 on a Non-Working PC
If your PC won’trespond, you can try reinstalling Windows with Microsoft’s media creation tool.Here’s how.
- Download Microsoft’s media creation tool from a working computer.
- Open the downloaded tool. You can find the file in the Downloads folder.
- Select the “create installation media” option.
- Use the recommended options for this PC. This is where you can change the language, operating system version, and architecture of your recovery drive.
- Then select USB flash drive.
- Select your USB drive from the list. Wait for the media creation tool to download. This might take a few minutes.
- Plug the USB drive into the non-working computer.
- Reboot the computer. It will start from the inserted USB drive, and the install process will begin.
- Select your information and preferences and then click Next.
- Click Install now.
- Enter the Windows product key when prompted. You will find it on a sticker attached to your PC or laptop.
- In the terms page, click Next. You will then be taken to the rest of the steps for installing the OS. Follow the instructions until the process is complete. When the clean install is finished, you will be able to set up your PC or laptop as if it were new.
If you are having problems with your computer after upgrading, check out our article on how to downgrade Windows 10.
FAQs
Go to settings > update and security > recovery. Under "reset this pc," click "get started." Choose "remove everything" to reinstall Windows while removing your files or "keep my files" to reinstall without losing personal data.
How can I completely reinstall Windows? ›
Go to settings > update and security > recovery. Under "reset this pc," click "get started." Choose "remove everything" to reinstall Windows while removing your files or "keep my files" to reinstall without losing personal data.
How do I reinstall window installer? ›
If the Windows Installer service is corrupt, reinstalling it can help. Open Command Prompt with administrative privileges and execute these commands: `msiexec /unregister` followed by `msiexec /regserver`. Then attempt the installation again.
How do I reinstall WIFI device on Windows? ›
Right click the Windows logo in the lower left corner. Choose Device Manager. Double click Network Adapters and then right click on the network adapter to reinstall.
How do I reinstall a window on my computer? ›
Use the installation media to perform a clean install
- Select Start > Settings > System > Recovery . ...
- Next to Advanced startup, select Restart now.
- Select Use a device, and then choose the device corresponding to the external storage device you're using.
The simplest way is to use the Reset this PC option found in Settings > Update & Security > Recovery > Get started. If this didn't work, you can do a "clean install". This is the process of reinstalling Windows completely. You'll need a flash drive of at least 8 GB.
How to wipe hard drive and reinstall Windows? ›
How to completely wipe a PC
- Go to Settings → System (In Windows 10: Update & Security) → Recovery.
- Under Reset this PC, click Reset PC. ...
- Choose Remove everything. ...
- You will be prompted to choose to reinstall Windows via Cloud download or Local reinstall.
If you think that your Windows installation is corrupted, there are a few things you can do to try to fix it:
- Step 1: Try System Restore. The first thing you should try is system restore. ...
- Step 2: Scan for Viruses/Malware. ...
- Step 3: Use the SFC /scannow command. ...
- Step 4: Reinstall Your Operating System.
To reset your PC, go to Start > Settings > Update & Security > Recovery > Reset this PC > Get Started.
How do I uninstall and install Windows Installer? ›
Method 2: Uninstall Windows Installer Clean-Up via Apps and Features/Programs and Features. Look for Windows Installer Clean-Up in the list and click on it. The next step is to click on uninstall, so you can initiate the uninstallation.
Reinstall the device driver
- In the search box on the taskbar, enter device manager, then select Device Manager.
- Right-click (or press and hold) the name of the device, and then select Uninstall.
- Restart your PC.
- Windows will attempt to reinstall the driver.
Network reset removes any network adapters you have installed and the settings for them. After your PC restarts, any network adapters are reinstalled, and the settings for them are set to the defaults. Select Start > Settings > Network & internet > Advanced network settings > Network reset.
How to repair network drivers? ›
How to Fix Problems With Windows 10 Network Drivers
- Restart the computer. ...
- Use the Network Troubleshooter. ...
- Reinstall Ethernet drivers automatically. ...
- Reinstall Ethernet drivers manually. ...
- Reset the network adapter. ...
- Reset the Winsock.
How to Reinstall Windows from PC Settings
- Click the Start button. ...
- Then click Settings. ...
- Next, select Update & Security.
- Click Recovery in the left menu panel. ...
- Under Reset this PC, click Get Started.
- Choose to keep your files or remove everything. ...
- Finally, select Reset.
- Type and search [Reset this PC] in the Windows search bar①, then click [Open]②.
- Click [Reset PC]③ in Reset this PC field.
- Select [Remove everything]④.
- Select [Local reinstall]⑤. ...
- Click [Change settings]⑥.
- Based on your request, select the appropriate settings⑦, then click [Confirm]⑧.
In the Control Panel search box, type recovery. Select Recovery > Open System Restore. In the Restore system files and setting box, select Next. Select the restore point that you want to use in the list of results, and then select Scan for affected programs.
Does reinstalling Windows 10 delete everything? ›
This reset option will reinstall the Windows operating system and preserve your personal files, such as photos, music, videos, and personal documents. It will remove installed applications and drivers, as well as revert any changes you made to the settings.
How do I fix corrupted Windows 10 installation? ›
If you think that your Windows installation is corrupted, there are a few things you can do to try to fix it:
- Step 1: Try System Restore. The first thing you should try is system restore. ...
- Step 2: Scan for Viruses/Malware. ...
- Step 3: Use the SFC /scannow command. ...
- Step 4: Reinstall Your Operating System.
To reset your PC, go to Start > Settings > Update & Security > Recovery > Reset this PC > Get Started. Then, select Keep my files, choose cloud or local, change your settings, and set Restore preinstalled apps? to No.
How do I reinstall Windows before selling? ›
Reset a Windows 10/11 device
Under Reset this PC, select Get started, and then follow the instructions on the screen. Resetting your device removes your files, settings, and apps, then reinstalls Windows.
