How to Clean Install Windows 10 with USB
Introduction
Cleaning install, also known as a clean install, is a process where you install Windows 10 on a new device without using an existing installation media. This method is useful when you need to start fresh with a new device, or when you want to try a different version of Windows 10. In this article, we will guide you through the steps to clean install Windows 10 with USB.
Preparation
Before you start, make sure you have the following:
- A new device with a USB port
- A USB drive with at least 8GB of free space (Windows 10 installation media)
- A valid Windows 10 product key
- A computer with internet connection
Step 1: Create a Bootable USB Drive
To clean install Windows 10, you need to create a bootable USB drive. Here’s how:
- Create a bootable USB drive:
- Download the Windows 10 USB drive creation tool from the Microsoft website.
- Run the tool and select the USB drive you want to use.
- Follow the prompts to create a bootable USB drive.
- Format the USB drive:
- Insert the USB drive into your computer.
- Open the Disk Management tool (Press Win + R, type "diskmgmt.msc", and press Enter).
- Right-click on the USB drive and select "Format".
- Select "Quick Format" and set the file system to NTFS.
Step 2: Download the Windows 10 ISO File
To clean install Windows 10, you need to download the ISO file. Here’s how:
- Download the Windows 10 ISO file:
- Go to the Microsoft website and download the Windows 10 ISO file.
- Select the version of Windows 10 you want to install (e.g., Windows 10 Home).
- Download the ISO file and save it to a location on your computer.
Step 3: Create a Bootable USB Drive with the ISO File
To create a bootable USB drive with the ISO file, follow these steps:
- Create a bootable USB drive with the ISO file:
- Download the Windows 10 USB drive creation tool from the Microsoft website.
- Run the tool and select the ISO file you downloaded earlier.
- Follow the prompts to create a bootable USB drive.
- Format the USB drive:
- Insert the USB drive into your computer.
- Open the Disk Management tool (Press Win + R, type "diskmgmt.msc", and press Enter).
- Right-click on the USB drive and select "Format".
- Select "Quick Format" and set the file system to NTFS.
Step 4: Boot from the USB Drive
To boot from the USB drive, follow these steps:
- Boot from the USB drive:
- Insert the USB drive into your computer.
- Restart your computer and press the key to boot from the USB drive (usually F12, F2, or Del).
- Select the USB drive as the boot device.
Step 5: Install Windows 10
To install Windows 10, follow these steps:
- Install Windows 10:
- Follow the prompts to install Windows 10.
- Select the language, time zone, and keyboard layout.
- Select the installation media (USB drive).
- Follow the prompts to complete the installation.
Step 6: Activate Windows 10
To activate Windows 10, follow these steps:
- Activate Windows 10:
- Go to the Microsoft website and sign in with your Microsoft account.
- Click on "Account" and then "Sign in with your Microsoft account".
- Click on "Get started" and follow the prompts to activate Windows 10.
- Enter the product key you purchased.
Troubleshooting
- Error 0x80070005: This error occurs when the USB drive is not recognized by the computer. Try using a different USB port or a different USB drive.
- Error 0x80070005 (repeated): This error occurs when the USB drive is not recognized by the computer after multiple attempts. Try using a different USB port or a different USB drive.
- Error 0x80070005 (repeated) (repeated): This error occurs when the USB drive is not recognized by the computer after multiple attempts. Try using a different USB port or a different USB drive.
Conclusion
Cleaning install Windows 10 with USB is a straightforward process that requires some basic steps. By following these steps, you can create a bootable USB drive with the ISO file and install Windows 10 on a new device. Remember to activate Windows 10 after installation to ensure you have a valid license.
Important Notes
- Backup your data: Before cleaning installing Windows 10, make sure to backup your data to an external drive or cloud storage.
- Check compatibility: Make sure your device is compatible with Windows 10 and that you have the necessary hardware and software requirements.
- Be patient: Cleaning install Windows 10 can take some time, so be patient and follow the prompts carefully.
By following these steps, you can successfully clean install Windows 10 with USB. Remember to backup your data and check compatibility before starting the process.