Windows 10 is one of the most popular operating systems today. If you’re having trouble with your current system or just want a fresh start, reinstalling Windows 10 might be the solution you’re looking for. In this article, we’ll show you how to reinstall Windows 10 using a flash drive.
How to Reinstall Windows 10 Using a Flash Drive
Before we begin, it’s important to note that reinstalling Windows 10 will erase all data on your computer. Make sure you have backed up all important documents, pictures, and files before proceeding. Additionally, you’ll need a USB flash drive with at least 8GB of storage space and a Windows 10 ISO file. Here are the steps:
Step 1: Create Windows 10 Installation Media
The first step is to create a bootable USB drive with the Windows 10 installation files. Follow these steps:
- Go to the Microsoft website and download the Windows 10 Media Creation Tool.
- Open the Media Creation Tool and follow the on-screen instructions to create a bootable USB drive. Make sure to select “Create installation media (USB flash drive, DVD, or ISO file) for another PC” and choose the language, edition, and architecture of Windows 10 you want to install.
- Insert the USB flash drive into your computer and select it as the destination for the Windows 10 installation files.
- Wait for the Windows 10 Media Creation Tool to download and transfer the installation files to the USB flash drive. This may take some time depending on your internet connection and the speed of your USB drive.
Step 2: Boot from the USB Drive
Now that you have a bootable USB drive with the Windows 10 installation files, you’ll need to boot from it to start the installation process. Follow these steps:
- Insert the USB flash drive into the computer you want to reinstall Windows 10 on.
- Restart the computer and enter the BIOS or UEFI settings. This is usually done by pressing a specific key (such as F2, Del, or Esc) during startup. Consult your computer’s manual or the manufacturer’s website for instructions.
- Set the USB flash drive as the primary boot device in the BIOS or UEFI settings. This will vary depending on your computer, but it should be under the Boot or Boot Options menu.
- Save the changes and exit the BIOS or UEFI settings. Your computer will now boot from the USB flash drive.
Step 3: Install Windows 10
With the USB drive as the primary boot device, your computer should now start the Windows 10 installation process. Follow these steps:
- On the Windows Setup screen, select your language, time zone, and other preferences. Click “Next” to continue.
- Click “Install now” to start the installation process.
- Enter your Windows 10 product key if prompted. If you don’t have a product key, click “I don’t have a product key” to skip this step.
- Accept the license terms and click “Next”.
- Select “Custom: Install Windows only (advanced)”.
- Select the drive you want to install Windows 10 on and click “Next”.
- Wait for Windows 10 to install. This may take some time depending on your computer’s specifications.
- Once the installation is complete, follow the on-screen instructions to set up Windows 10.
FAQ
Q: Will reinstalling Windows 10 delete all my files?
A: Yes, reinstalling Windows 10 will erase all data on your computer. Make sure to back up all important files before proceeding.
Q: Do I need a product key to reinstall Windows 10?
A: If you’ve previously activated Windows 10 on your computer, you shouldn’t need a product key to reinstall it. However, if you’re reinstalling Windows 10 on a new computer or have made significant hardware changes to your current computer, you may need a new product key.
Video Tutorial
If you prefer a visual guide, check out this video tutorial on how to reinstall Windows 10:
Conclusion
Reinstalling Windows 10 can be a great way to fix issues with your current system or start with a fresh installation. However, it’s important to back up all important files before proceeding, as reinstalling Windows 10 will erase all data on your computer. Follow the steps in this article or watch our video tutorial to easily reinstall Windows 10 using a USB flash drive.
