A clean install erases your drive completely and installs a fresh copy of Windows 10 from a USB drive. It’s the most thorough way to wipe a PC: it removes all files, apps, manufacturer software, and hidden malware, and it can fix problems that Windows’ built-in Reset this PC can’t. This guide walks through preparing, creating the installer, wiping the drive during setup, and what to do afterward.
Quick Answer
Back up your files, then create a Windows 10 USB installer with Microsoft’s Media Creation Tool on any working PC. Boot the PC from the USB drive, choose Custom: Install Windows only, delete all partitions on the Windows drive, select the Unallocated Space, and click Next. Windows installs onto the empty drive.
Clean Install vs. Reset This PC
| Clean install (USB) | Reset this PC | |
|---|---|---|
| Needs a USB drive | Yes (8 GB or larger) | No |
| Removes manufacturer software | Yes | Often reinstalls it |
| Wipes all partitions | Yes | No |
| Works if Windows won’t start or recovery is broken | Yes | Sometimes |
If you just want a fresh start without a USB drive, Reset this PC > Remove everything is simpler.
Step 1: Prepare
- Back up everything you want to keep: documents, photos, browser data, game saves, and license keys. The clean install erases the whole drive.
- Check your license: PCs that ran activated Windows 10 have a digital license that reactivates automatically. Sign in with your Microsoft account beforehand so the license is linked to it.
- Save BitLocker recovery keys for any other encrypted drives.
- Download network drivers for your PC to the USB drive or another drive, in case Windows doesn’t include them.
- Unplug other drives (external drives, and secondary internal drives if possible) to avoid wiping the wrong one.
Step 2: Create a Windows 10 USB Installer
- On a working PC, download the Media Creation Tool from Microsoft’s Windows 10 download page. Microsoft may change or limit availability now that Windows 10 is past end of support.
- Run it, accept the terms, and choose Create installation media (USB flash drive, DVD, or ISO file) for another PC.
- Choose language, edition, and 64-bit, then select USB flash drive. Everything on the USB drive is erased.
- Wait for the download and setup to finish.
Step 3: Boot From the USB Drive
- Plug the USB drive into the PC you’re wiping and restart it.
- Press the boot menu key during startup (commonly F12, F11, F9, F8, or Esc) and choose the USB drive. If it doesn’t appear, enable USB boot in the BIOS/UEFI.
Step 4: Wipe the Drive and Install
- Choose your language and keyboard, then click Next > Install now.
- On the product key screen, click I don’t have a product key if the PC previously ran activated Windows 10.
- Choose the edition that matches your license (Home or Pro).
- Accept the terms and choose Custom: Install Windows only (advanced).
- Select each partition on the drive where Windows is installed (usually Drive 0) and click Delete. Delete them all until only Drive 0 Unallocated Space remains. Don’t touch other drives unless you mean to erase them.
- Select the unallocated space and click Next. Windows creates the partitions it needs and installs.
The PC restarts a few times. Remove the USB drive when you see the setup screens (region and keyboard) so it doesn’t boot from USB again.
Step 5: After Installing
- Complete setup and sign in.
- Check activation in Settings > Update & Security > Activation.
- Run Windows Update repeatedly until it’s current; it installs most drivers.
- Install remaining drivers from your PC maker’s support site.
- Restore your files and reinstall apps.
Wiping a PC to Sell or Donate
For extra security when giving the PC away, you can stop at the setup screen after installation, or use Reset this PC with Clean data turned on after installing, which overwrites free space so old files can’t easily be recovered. For SSDs, the drive maker’s secure erase tool is another option.
Related: Factory reset Windows 10 with Reset this PC.
Related: Wipe the hard drive and reinstall Windows.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a product key?
Not if the PC was activated on Windows 10 before; it reactivates automatically online.
How long does a clean install take?
Usually 20 to 60 minutes, plus time for updates and drivers.
Should I install Windows 11 instead?
If your PC is eligible, Windows 11 is worth considering, since Windows 10 no longer receives regular security updates. The steps are almost identical using Windows 11 installation media.
Summary
- Back up files and link your license to your Microsoft account.
- Create a USB installer with the Media Creation Tool.
- Boot from USB, choose Custom, and delete all partitions on the Windows drive.
- Install onto unallocated space, then update Windows and drivers.
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.