Windows 10 Reset vs Clean Install
Should I Reset or Clean Install Windows 10?
You've upgraded your laptop from Windows 7 to Windows 10, but are experiencing performance issues. To get a fresh start, you're considering either resetting Windows 10 or doing a clean install. A reset will remove all installed apps and return your system to a like-new state, while a clean install will erase everything, including your files, and start from scratch. Think about which option is best for your situation. If you want to keep your files and apps, but start fresh, a reset might be the way to go. If you're willing to start from a blank slate, a clean install could be the better choice.
If Windows 10 fails to work due to system file corruption or malware, Microsoft offers two solutions: resetting Windows 10 or doing a clean install. Users often wonder if resetting Windows 10 works the same as a clean install, but they are actually two different processes with distinct outcomes. A system reset returns Windows 10 to its original state, removing all installed applications and user settings, while a clean install completely wipes the operating system and reinstalls it from scratch, erasing all data on the computer. The choice between the two depends on the severity of the issue and the user's preferences.
Differences between Windows 10 Reset and Clean Install
The features of Windows 10 reset and clean install are often indistinguishable, making it difficult for users to choose between the two. However, understanding their differences can help users decide which option is best for them. By examining the characteristics of each, users can determine which one to choose.
Windows 10 Reset Reinstall Windows 10 by restoring to the factory default configuration from the recovery image created when you first installed Windows on your computer, which can fix most common OS issues without affecting personal files or requiring an internet connection. However, this process may sometimes fail and display a "there was a problem resetting your PC" error.
Clean Install To reinstall Windows 10, download the latest installation files from Microsoft and burn them to a USB, which will give you a fresh system without any hidden problems or corruption. This clean install will remove all non-standard apps, including Microsoft Office, as well as most apps installed by your PC's manufacturer, such as support apps and drivers.
Windows 10 Reset and Clean Install are two different methods to troubleshoot and resolve system issues. Windows 10 Reset is a basic troubleshooting method that can help resolve minor problems, while a Clean Install is an advanced solution for more complex issues. If you're unsure which method to use, start with Windows Reset, and if it doesn't work, proceed with a Clean Install after backing up your data.
How to Make A Windows 10 Reset
To make a Windows Reset, follow these detailed steps approved by Microsoft's official support: Go to Settings, then Update & Security, and finally Recovery. In the Recovery section, click on "Reset this PC" and select the option to keep your files or remove everything. If you choose to keep your files, you'll be asked to confirm that you want to keep them, and then you'll be given the option to choose what to keep, such as your personal files, apps, and settings.
Step 1. Type "Settings" and click the best match to enter Windows Settings.
Step 2. Click "Update & Security".
Step 3. Find and choose "Recovery".
Step 4. There are two ways to reset your computer. The first one, "Reset this PC", is used to refresh your computer when it isn't running well, and can be started by clicking "Get Started".
Step 5. You can choose to remove all the apps and settings, keeping your personal files, by selecting the first option when Windows prompts you. This will allow you to start fresh with a clean slate while preserving your important files.
How to Clean Install Windows 10
If resetting Windows 10 doesn't solve the issue, a clean installation might be necessary, which will erase all apps, personal files, and data. It's recommended to make a full backup before proceeding.
Backup files before Windows 10 clean install
To avoid losing your installed programs and settings, download a backup software like Qiling to create a backup image of your data and applications before resetting or reinstalling Windows 10.
Step 1: Open Qiling Backup and select "File backup" as the backup mode.
You have a lot of important data like documents, pictures, music, and videos that need to be protected. It's a good idea to back up your files regularly to avoid losing them unexpectedly. File Backup is a reliable option for this purpose.
Step 2: Select the files that you want to back up.
To customize your backup settings, select the "User Defined" option at the top left corner. From there, you can browse to select specific file types from your computer or external storage device to back up.
Step 3: Select a destination to save your backup file.
If you don't save the backup file in a separate storage media or drive, there is a risk of it getting corrupted or destroyed.
Step 4: Click "Proceed" to execute your operation.
Steps to make a clean install
Step 1. Download the Refresh Windows Tool from Microsoft: Download from Here.
Step 2. Launch the tool. Review and Accept the Licence Terms.
Step 3. Choose the Keep personal files only option or if you want to remove everything, choose the Nothing option.
Step 4. The installation process will automatically start after selecting the "OK" button, but you can postpone it until your PC reboots if needed.
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