Looking for a way to install Windows 10 on your device? Whether you want to perform a clean install, use a flash drive, or reinstall without a CD or DVD driver, we’ve got you covered. Check out our guide below for step-by-step instructions and helpful images.
Clean Install Windows 10
If you’re upgrading to Windows 10 or installing it for the first time, a clean install is the best way to ensure a fresh start with the operating system. Follow the steps below for a successful clean install:
- Create a Windows 10 installation USB drive with at least 8 GB of space. This can be done using the official Media Creation Tool from Microsoft.
- Turn off your computer and insert the USB drive.
- Turn on your computer and press the key to access the BIOS or UEFI settings (this key may differ depending on your device, but it’s often F2, Del, Esc, or F10). Change the boot order so that the USB drive is the first option.
- Save and exit the BIOS/UEFI settings.
- Your computer will now boot from the USB drive. Select language, time and currency, and keyboard inputs, then click “Next”.
- Click “Install Now” and accept the license terms.
- Select the “Custom: Install Windows only (advanced)” option.
- Select the drive where you want to install Windows 10.
- Click “Next” and wait while the installation process completes.
- After your computer restarts, go through the setup process like you would with a new device. This includes signing in with your Microsoft account, configuring your settings, and installing drivers and software.
Install Windows 10 with a Flash Drive
If you don’t have a CD/DVD drive on your computer or just prefer using a flash drive, you can use the following steps to install Windows 10:
- Create a Windows 10 installation USB drive with at least 8 GB of space. This can be done using the official Media Creation Tool from Microsoft.
- Turn off your computer and insert the USB drive.
- Turn on your computer and press the key to access the BIOS or UEFI settings (this key may differ depending on your device, but it’s often F2, Del, Esc, or F10). Change the boot order so that the USB drive is the first option.
- Save and exit the BIOS/UEFI settings.
- Your computer will now boot from the USB drive. Select language, time and currency, and keyboard inputs, then click “Next”.
- Click “Install Now” and accept the license terms.
- Select the “Custom: Install Windows only (advanced)” option.
- Select the drive where you want to install Windows 10.
- Click “Next” and wait while the installation process completes.
- After your computer restarts, go through the setup process like you would with a new device. This includes signing in with your Microsoft account, configuring your settings, and installing drivers and software.
Reinstall Windows 10 without a CD/DVD Driver or Flash Drive
If you need to reinstall Windows 10 but don’t have access to a CD/DVD driver or flash drive, you can still do so. Follow the steps below:
- Turn on your computer and press the key to access the BIOS or UEFI settings (this key may differ depending on your device, but it’s often F2, Del, Esc, or F10). Change the boot order so that the hard drive is the first option.
- Save and exit the BIOS/UEFI settings.
- Windows 10 should begin to load. When you see the Windows logo, press and hold the power button to turn off your device.
- Turn your device back on and let it try to boot again. This time, Windows Recovery Environment should appear.
- Select “Troubleshoot” and then “Reset this PC”.
- Select “Remove everything” and then “Just remove my files”.
- Click “Next” and follow the prompts to complete the reinstallation process.
- After your computer restarts, go through the setup process like you would with a new device. This includes signing in with your Microsoft account, configuring your settings, and installing drivers and software.
FAQ
What’s the difference between a clean install and a regular upgrade?
A clean install is a fresh installation of an operating system that removes all data and software from the hard drive. This gives you a completely new start with the operating system. An upgrade, on the other hand, keeps your data and software intact while updating the operating system.
Do I need to backup my data before performing a clean install or reinstall?
Yes, it’s always a good idea to backup important data before performing any major changes to your device, including a clean install or reinstall. This ensures that you don’t lose any important data during the process.
