How to Tell a Clean Install of 10

F

Freerunner

Member
I've been following the posts and see that one common thread is to preform a clean install of Win 10. I just upgraded from Win 7 using Microsoft's invitation. I know that I have 30 days, but I also know that I won't go back. Did I actually do a clean install? How can I tell? What happens after 30 days; will I need to reinstall?
 
No, you did not do a clean install if you did an upgrade. A clean install is when you install an operating system from the start on a partition, not using any data from an previous operating systems. For example booting from windows 10 usb and installing it, formatting any previous operating systems if there were any.
 
OK, in a previous post I found these 2 suggestions for performing a clean install. Which one should I use?

When you're in Windows 10, you can search Cortana for "Reset this PC". From there's a button that says "Get Started". Then select "Remove Everything". It should handle the rest. If you want to keep any of your files you need to make a backup of your stuff to a separate hard drive or flash drive. Doing this reset will function as a clean install without having to go through making a bootable USB drive and installing it the "normal" way. I did this with my laptop and it worked flawlessly.


Either that or updgrade normally, activate. Then you can go back and use the Windows Media Creation Tool to download your Windows 10 ISO and install as a normal install. Simply skip any key requests and when you have finished it will automatically been activated. The activation requires a HAL link to MS following upgrade.
 
If you have never done a clean install before then maybe the first option will be easiest for you. So you understand this will delete everything, all your files, all your programs, drivers and you will be back at the start with nothing. You will need re-install everything and remember to back up everything you want to keep, so it can be moved back onto your clean install.

From what I'm reading now, I see when you go to 'reset my pc' you will be given the option to backup your files, though I would still prefer to back them up myself just to be certain, especially if you have very important data you need to keep. Also if you do this you won't be able to undo the upgrade and go back to your previous windows.
 
Got it, thanks. Yeah familiar with the need to back up everything. I did it once when I did the first upgrade to 10. Pretty easy to do and not concerned about going back. Everything I'm reading on this site is pretty much positive about 10. Thanks for your help.
 
Reset your PC is functionally the same as wiping it and installing fresh. That's what I've done on my laptop and it worked beautifully.
 
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