How do I fresh install Windows 10?

Fresh Install of Windows 10: A Step-by-Step Guide

What is a Fresh Install?

A fresh install of Windows 10 is a process of completely reinstalling the operating system from scratch, without the use of an existing installation media. This is in contrast to a clean install, which replaces the existing installation with a new copy of the operating system. A fresh install is a good option when you want to:

• Remove any previous operating system installations, including the existing Windows 10 installation
• Start with a clean slate, free from any existing issues or malware
• Install a new version of Windows 10, with the latest features and security updates

Pre-Installation Checklist

Before starting the fresh install process, make sure you have:

• A valid license key for Windows 10
• A supported Windows 10 hardware configuration (e.g., CPU, RAM, and graphics card)
• A enough free disk space to complete the installation (at least 20 GB)
• A Windows 10 password (for verification purposes)

Step-by-Step Guide to Fresh Install of Windows 10

Step 1: Download the Installation Media

1. Go to the Microsoft Windows website (www.microsoft.com/en-us/windows) and download the latest version of Windows 10 for your hardware configuration.
2. Download the installation media in the form of an ISO file.

Step 2: Prepare the Install Media

1. Extract the contents of the ISO file to a directory on your computer (e.g., C:Windows10ISO).
2. Create a bootable USB drive or CD/DVD using the ISO file (Note: This step requires administrative privileges).

Step 3: Enable Bootable Media

1. In your system’s boot options, add the bootable media (USB drive or CD/DVD) to the list of boot devices.
2. Save the changes and restart your computer.

Step 4: Create a System File Check (SFC) and Update

1. Go to the Command Prompt (as an administrator) and run the following command: sfc /scannow. This will run a system file check to detect and replace any corrupted system files.
2. Once the scan is complete, restart your computer and wait for the system to boot.

Step 5: Set Up Security Updates

1. Go to the Microsoft Safety Scanner website (www.microsoft.com/en-us/security-scorer) and follow the installation prompts.
2. Set up the Windows Defender Firewall and Windows Update to prioritize security updates.

Step 6: Install Language and Editions

1. Go to the Microsoft Education Center website (www.microsoft.com/en-us/windowseducation) and select the language and edition you want to install.
2. Follow the installation prompts to complete the installation.

Step 7: Set Up Devices and Printing

1. Go to the Device Manager (as an administrator) and expand each device to view its properties.
2. Restart your computer to ensure the changes take effect.

Step 8: Activate Windows 10

1. Go to the Microsoft Store and purchase a license for Windows 10.
2. Enter the license key and follow the prompts to activate Windows 10.

Post-Installation Steps

1. Configure the User Account Control (UAC) to Full Control: Go to the Control Panel and click on User Account Control (UAC) settings.
2. Set the notification levels: Choose the level of notifications you want to receive from Windows 10 (e.g., " Notify me when someone tries to log on as another account").
3. Set up Windows 10 Settings: Go to the Settings app and configure your settings, such as notification preferences, power plan, and security settings.

Important Notes and Considerations

• Windows 10 Installation Limitations: Windows 10 is designed to install on Windows 10 devices only. If you have a Windows 7 or 8 device, you will not be able to install Windows 10.
• Hardware Requirements: Make sure your device meets the minimum hardware requirements for Windows 10 installation (e.g., CPU, RAM, and graphics card).
• System Requirements: Check the System Requirements website for the latest details on the hardware and software requirements for Windows 10.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

• Windows 10 Not Booting: Check the Boot Order in the BIOS settings to ensure that Windows 10 is set as the first boot device.
• Failed Installation: Check the Windows 10 installation logs to identify the error message and troubleshoot the issue.
• Windows 10 Not Activated: Check the activation status and follow the prompts to activate Windows 10.

Conclusion

Fresh installing Windows 10 is a straightforward process that requires careful planning and execution. By following this step-by-step guide, you can ensure a smooth and successful installation of Windows 10 on your device. Remember to keep your device and operating system up to date with the latest security patches and updates.