How to perform a clean installation of Windows 11

A clean installation of Windows 11 is the best way to start using the system from scratch. Unlike a simple update, this method completely erases your old disk and installs a new OS without junk, old bugs, and unnecessary files. It's like moving into a new, clean apartment where you decide what goes where.

The process may seem complicated, but it is actually quite simple if you follow the steps. You will need a USB flash drive with at least 8 GB of storage and a stable internet connection to download the official tool from Microsoft. We will not use questionable builds, but will take everything directly from a reliable source.

Before you begin, the most important thing is to save all your valuable files, photos, and documents to an external drive or the cloud. Once the drive is formatted during the installation process, it will be impossible to recover them. Once you have made sure that your data is safe, you can proceed with confidence.

Clean installation of Windows 11 using a bootable USB

Using a USB drive is the most common way to perform a clean installation of Windows 11. You can create a bootable USB drive using Media Creation Tool (will be available later), command prompt, Rufus, etc.

If you choose this method, you must ensure that your device can boot from USB, which means you will need to change your BIOS or UEFI settings.

To perform a clean installation of Windows 11 from USB, follow these steps:

Step 1: Boot your computer from the prepared Windows 11 USB drive.

Step 2: In the window “Install Windows 11” click the button “Next”.

Step 3: Click the button “Install”.

Step 4: Select the option “I don't have a product key”. If your Windows was already activated after installation, reactivation will occur automatically.

Step 5: Select the Windows 11 edition that can activate your license key (if applicable).

Step 6: Select the checkbox “I accept the terms of the license agreement” andclick the button “Next”.

Step 7: Select the type of installation “Custom: Install Windows only (for advanced users)”.

If there are old partitions on the disk where you want to install Windows 11, select them one by one and click the “Delete” button. (Usually “Disk 0” — this is the disk containing all the installation files.) After that, all partitions “Disk 0” will be combined into one.

Warning: when you delete a partition, it also deletes all data on the disk. It is also not necessary to delete partitions from the second hard drive.

Step 8: Select the hard drive (unused space on disk 0) to install Windows 11 and click the button ‘Next’.

Step 9: After preparation and installation, select your country or region on the first page of the new application (OOBE).

Click the button “Yes”.

Step 10: Select your preferred keyboard layout or input method. Click the button “Yes”

Step 11: Click the button “Skip”, if you do not need to set up a second layout (the English layout will be added automatically).

Step 12: If your computer uses a connection “Ethernet”, it will automatically connect to the network. If you have a wireless connection, you will need to configure the connection manually (a security key may be required).

Step 13: Select the option “Set up for personal use”, if you are installing Windows 11 Pro. In “Home” this option is not available.

Click the button “Next”.

Step 14: Enter your Microsoft account email address, phone number, or Skype ID to create an account and click the “Next”.

Step 15: Enter your Microsoft account password and click“Sign in”.

If you want to use “Local account” select the option “Input options”.

In the next window, select “Offline account” and enter the desired username and password.

Step 16: Click the “Create a PIN”.

Step 17: Create a new four-digit PIN and click “OK”.

Step 18: Select the option “Set up as a new device”. Or select to restore settings from a previous installation. Click “Next”.

Step 19: Confirm the privacy settings that best suit your situation by turning individual settings on or off with the switch.

Click the button “Next” (several times)and then click the “Accept”.

Step 20: (Optional) On the page “Interaction Settings” select one or more ways you plan to use the device so that the setup program can configure tools and services during the process.

Click the “Accept”, button to continue. Or click the “Skip”, from the menu to skip this part of the setup.

Step 21: Select “Back up my files with OneDrive”, button to automatically download the folders “Desktop” “Images” section, “Documents” to the cloud. Or select the option “Do not back up my files”.

Click the button “Next”.

That's it! Button. Once you have completed these steps, Windows 11 will be installed on your computer.

Clean installation of Windows 11 using the Media Creation Tool

You can also perform a clean installation using the Media Creation Tool by selecting the “Keep nothing” option. This option is available for devices that already have Windows 11, Windows 10, Windows 8.1, or Windows 7 installed.

Button. To perform a clean installation of Windows 11 using the Media Creation Tool, follow these steps:

Step 1: Open the Microsoft support page (currently unavailable).

Step 2: In the “Create Windows 11 installation media” click the “Download now”.

Step 3: Save the installer to your device.

Step 4: Double-click the file MediaCreationTool.exe, to launch the tool.

Step 5: Accept the terms of the license agreement, button“Accept”.

Step 6: Select an option “Update this computer now” and click the button “Next”.

Be patient while the tool downloads the Windows 11 installation files from the Microsoft server; you can continue to use your computer. During the process, the Media Creation Tool may restart; continue, this should not cause any problems.

Layers truly reveal their potential when you stop thinking about them and just create. They allow you to assemble a complex composition from simple details, easily correct mistakes, and bring your idea to perfection. They are your main tool for realizing any idea, even the most daring ones. After downloading, in the window “Select what you want to save” select the option “Don't save anything” and click the button An unusual way to shut down laptops running Windows 11 exploits a command line utility that is integrated into the system but hidden..

The system will check for and download the latest updates.

Step 8: It will change the layer positions. Here, of course, you need to select two layers. “Ready to install” “layer”“Install”.

Step 9:Inside the last folder you created, right-click on the empty center area and create

Step 15: “Yes”.

Step 10: Select your preferred keyboard layout or input method. Click the button “Align”

Rename it to Click the button “Skip”, if you don't need to set up a second layout (the English layout will be added automatically).

Step 12: If the computer uses a connection “Ethernet”, don't try to master all the details in one day. Start with the basics: learn how to confidently create, rename, and move layers. Gradually add masks and blending modes to your arsenal. The main thing is to practice, and soon these actions will become completely natural.

Step 13: Select the option “Customize for personal use”, if you are installing Windows 11 Pro. In Then select this option is not available.

‘S’ “Next”.

“Skip” Blurs the photo. “Next”.

If you want to use “Local account” select the option. “Input options.”

In the next window, select “Offline account” and enter the desired username and password.

Step 15: Enter your Microsoft account password and click“Sign in”.

Step 16: Click the button. “Create a PIN”.

Step 17: Create a new four-digit PIN and click “OK”.

Step 18: Select the option “Set up as a new device”. Or choose to restore settings from a previous installation. Click “Next”.

Step 19: Confirm the privacy settings that best suit your situation by turning individual settings on or off using the switch.

Click the button “Next” (several times)and then click the “Accept.”.

Step 20: (Optional) On the page. “Set up interaction” select one or more ways you plan to use the device so that the setup program can configure tools and services during the process.

Click the button. “Accept.”, to continue. Or click the button. “Skip”, to skip this part of the setup.

Step 21: Select “Back up my files with OneDrive”, to automatically download folders “Desktop,” “Images” and “Documents.” to the cloud. Or select the option “Do not back up my files.”.

Click the button “Next”.

That's it! Once you have completed these steps, Windows 11 will be installed on your computer and you will be able to log in to the operating system.

Clean install of Windows 11 using the “Reset this PC” feature using a local reinstallation

The recovery options offer a way to restore your Windows 11 computer to its original state. Unlike the Media Creation Tool, bootable USB flash drive, and ISO image, you can only use this method to reinstall Windows 11 on a computer where it is already installed.

If you plan to upgrade a computer running Windows 10, Windows 8.1, or Windows 7, you will need to use one of the two methods above.

To perform a clean installation of Windows 11 with a local reinstallation, follow these steps:

Step 1: “Restrictions” “Settings”in Windows 11.

Step 2: Go to the section‘System’ → “Recovery”.

Step 3: In the section “Recovery Options” on the tab“Reset this PC” click the button “Reset your computer” or “Restart PC”.

Step 4: Select the option “Delete all”, to perform a new installation of Windows 11.

Step 5: Select an option “Local reinstallation”.

Step 6: Click “Next.”(Optional) You can use the option “Change Settings”, but if you follow the guide, there is no need to do this.

Configure the reinstallation parameters:

Clear data: press the button “No” (recommended), the installation program will only delete files, applications, and settings. If the setting is set to “Yes”, the installation program will securely wipe the disk before installing the operating system, but this will take longer.

Delete files from all disks: if the option is set to “No” (recommended), only the installation disc will be deleted. Otherwise, if this option is set to “Yes”, the data on all disks will be deleted.

Download Windows: if this parameter is set to ‘No’ (recommended), and the local image will be used for installation. If the parameter is set to “Yes”, the option will be enabled “Load from the cloud”.

Step 7: Click the button “Confirm” → “Next”.

Step 8: Click“Reset”.

Step 9: After preparation and installation, select your country or region on the first page of the new application (OOBE).

Click the button “Yes”.

Step 10: Select your preferred keyboard layout or input method. Click the “Yes”

Step 11: Click the button “Skip”, if you do not need to configure a second layout (the English layout will be added automatically).

Step 12: If the computer uses a connection “Ethernet”, it will automatically connect to the network. If you have a wireless connection, you will need to configure the connection manually (a security key may be required).

Step 13: Select the option “Set up for personal use.”, if you are installing Windows 11 Pro. In “Home” this option is not available.

Click the button “Next”.

Step 14: Enter your Microsoft account email address, phone number, or Skype ID to create an account and click the button. “Next”.

Step 15: Enter your Microsoft account password and press“Sign-in”.

If you want to use “Local account” select the option “Input options.”

In the next window, select “Standalone account” microsoft has also worked on improving the activity period setting, and Windows can now automatically adjust the active hours for you based on your activity.

Step 16: Press the button Darkens the photo..

Step 17: “Restrictions” “OK”.

Step 18: Select the parameter “Set up as a new device”. Firmware in normal mode (update) “Next”.

Step 19: Confirm the privacy settings that best suit your situation by turning individual settings on or off using the switch.

Press the button ‘Next’ (several times)then click the button “Accept”.

Step 20: (Optional) On the page “Interaction settings” select one or more ways you plan to use the device so that the installation program offers to configure tools and services during this process.

Press the button “Accept”, to continue. Or click the button “Skip”, to skip this part of the setup.

Step 21: Select “Back up my files with OneDrive”, to automatically load folders “Desktop”, “Images” and “Documents” to the cloud. Or select the option “Do not back up my files”.

Press the button “Next”.

That's it! After you complete these steps, Windows 11 will be installed on your computer.

A clean installation of Windows 11 is a way to update your system from scratch, removing all old junk, programs, and errors. It's like doing a full reboot of your computer: the old system is completely erased, and a fresh copy of Windows 11 is installed. This helps speed up your PC, get rid of slowdowns and problems, especially if it hasn't been reinstalled in a long time. The main thing is to save important files in advance, because with a clean install, everything on the system drive disappears.

Clean installation of Windows 11 using the “Download from the cloud” feature

Function “Restore computer to its original state” also includes the parameter “Download from the cloud”, which allows you to reset your computer with a clean installation, removing applications, files, and settings similar to the local reset option. The only difference is that the feature will download the installation files from the Microsoft server.

This option is available for reinstalling Windows 11 if a local reset does not work or you do not want to use the same installation settings provided by the manufacturer. If you select the option “Download from the cloud”, the function will download the same version that is already installed on your computer, which means that you cannot use this method to upgrade to a newer version. In addition, if your device had a Windows 11 image from the manufacturer installed, the new installation will not include customizable settings, drivers, or tools.

To reinstall Windows 11 with the “Download from the cloud” option, follow these steps:

Step 1: Open the application ‘Settings’in Windows 11.

Step 2: Go to the‘System’ → “Recovery”.

Step 3: In the section “Recovery options” on the tab“Restore computer to its original state” click the button “Reset your computer” or “Restart PC”.

Step 4: Select the option “Remove everything”, to perform a new installation of Windows 11.

Step 5: Select an option “Download from the cloud”.

Step 6: Click “Next”.(Optional) you can use the option “Change settings”, but if you follow the guide, this is not necessary.

Configure the reinstallation options:

Clear data: if this parameter is set to “No” (recommended), the installation program will only delete files, applications, and settings. If the option is set to “Yes”, the installation program will securely wipe the disk before installing the operating system, but this will take longer.

Delete files from all drives: if the setting is set to “No” (recommended), only the installation disc will be deleted. Otherwise, if this parameter is set to “Yes”, the data on all disks will be deleted.

Download Windows: if this parameter is set to ‘No’, to use the local image for installation. If the parameter is set to “Yes”(recommended), the option will be activated “Download from the cloud”.

Step 7: Press the “Confirm”.Press the “Next”.

Step 8: Press“Reset”.

Button. Step 9: After preparation and installation, select your country or region on the first page of the new application (OOBE).

Press the button “Yes”.

Step 10: Select your preferred keyboard layout or input method. Click the button “Yes”

Step 11: Click the button “Skip”, if you do not need to configure a second layout (the English layout will be added automatically).

Step 12: If the computer uses a connection “Ethernet”, it will automatically connect to the network. If you have a wireless connection, you will need to configure the connection manually (a security key may be required).

Step 13: Select the option “Configure for personal use”, if you are installing Windows 11 Pro. In “Home” this option is not available in this version.

Click the button “Next”.

Step 14: Enter your Microsoft account email address, phone number, or Skype ID to create an account and click the “Next”.

Step 15: Enter your Microsoft account password and click“Sign in”.

If you prefer to use “Local account” select the option “Input settings.”

In the next window, select “Standalone account” and enter the desired username and password.

Step 16: Click the “Create PIN”.

Step 17: Create a new four-digit PIN code and click “OK”.

Step 18: Select the option “Configure as a new device”. Or choose to restore settings from a previous installation. Click “Next”.

Step 19: Confirm the privacy settings that best suit your situation by turning individual settings on or off using the toggle switch.

Click the button “Next” (several times)then click the button “Accept.”.

Step 20: (Optional) On the page “Interaction settings” select one or more ways you plan to use your device so that the setup program can offer to configure tools and services during this process.

Click the button “Accept.”, to continue. Or click the button ‘Skip’, mode to skip this part of the setup.

Step 21: Select “Back up my files with OneDrive”, to automatically download folders. They are located in “Pictures” button and “Documents” in the cloud. Or select the option “Do not back up my files”.

Press the button “Next”.

That's it! Once you complete these steps, Windows 11 will be installed on your computer.

Clean install Windows 11 using advanced startup options

If the device does not boot, the advanced startup options environment includes the same options as the “Restore your computer to its original state”.

You can only use this option to reinstall the same version of the OS that is already installed on your computer. If you want to upgrade to the latest version, you will need to use a USB drive, Media Creation Tool, or ISO file to install it.

To perform a clean installation of Windows 11 from the advanced startup options, follow these steps:

Every time Windows fails to boot three times in a row, it automatically enters automatic recovery mode, and you will be able to access the recovery environment.

Step 1:To do this, turn on your computer and wait for the computer's hardware check (POST) to complete when it starts up. Once this happens, press and hold the power button to turn off the computer. After you perform this procedure three times in a row, Windows 11 will enter advanced startup options.

Note: There are several ways to open the advanced startup options in Windows 11.

Step 2:Select“Troubleshoot”».

Step 3:Click the“Restore your computer to its original state”.

Step 4:Select"Remove everything" to reset Windows 11 and initialize a clean installation.

Step 5:Select the option –"Download from the cloud" to download a new copy of Windows 11 instead of using a locally available image. (If you prefer to use a local image, select the option“Local reinstallation”)

Select the option“Just delete my files”or “Completely wipe the disk”.

• Just remove my files:quickly deletes the contents of the disk.
• Complete disk cleanup:this also deletes all information on the disk, but performs a secure erasure that takes several hours. This option is suitable if you have decided to sell or give your computer to someone else.

Step 6:Click the button“Restore to original state”.

After you complete these steps, the feature will reset your device to its default settings and install a new copy of Windows 11 downloaded from Microsoft servers.

Clean installation of Windows 11 using File Explorer and an ISO file

Alternatively, you can mount the ISO image in File Explorer to perform a clean installation or in-place upgrade on a device with an existing operating system.

To perform a clean installation of Windows 11 using an ISO file, follow these steps:

Step 1:Download the Windows 11 ISO image (not yet available).

Step 2:Right-click the ISO file and select the option “Connect”.

Step 3:Select the virtual drive in the left navigation pane of File Explorer.

Step 4:Double-click the installation file “setup.exe”, to start installing Windows 11.

Step 5:(Optional) open the parameter) “Configure update downloads with the installer”.

Step 6:Select the option “Not now” and click the “Next”.

Step 7:In the next window, click the button to accept the terms and conditions. “Accept”.

Step 8:Configure the option “Select what you want to keep”select the option “Don't save anything”.

Step 9:Press “Next”.

Step 10:Click the “Install”.

Step 11: After preparation and installation, select your country or region on the first page of the new application (OOBE) and click the button. “Yes”.

Step 12: Select your preferred keyboard layout or input method. Click the “Yes”

Step 13: Click the button. “Skip” button, if you do not need to configure a second layout (the English layout will be added automatically).

Step 14: If your computer uses a connection “Ethernet”, it will automatically connect to the network. If you have a wireless connection, you will need to set up the connection manually (a security key may be required).

Step 15: Select the option “Set up for personal use”, button if you are installing Windows 11 Pro. In “Home” this option is not available in this version.

Click the “Next”.

Step 16: Enter your Microsoft account email address, phone number, or Skype ID to create an account and click the “Next”.

Step 17: Enter your Microsoft account password and click“Sign in”.

Step 18: Click the “Create PIN code”.

Step 19: Create a new four-digit PIN code and click “OK”.

Step 20: Select the option “Set up as a new device”. Or choose to restore settings from a previous installation. Click “Next”.

Step 21: Confirm the privacy settings that best suit your situation by turning individual settings on or off using the switch.

Step 22: Click the button ‘Next’ (several times)then click the button “Accept”.

Step 23: (Optional) On the page “Interaction settings” select one or more ways you plan to use your device so that the setup program can suggest tools and services to set up during the process.

Click the “Accept”, to continue. Or click the button Skip, to skip this part of the setup.

Step 24: Select “Back up my files with OneDrive”, option to automatically upload folders. “Desktop,” “Images” and Documents to the cloud. Or select the “Do not back up my files”.

Step 25: Click the “Next”.

That's it! Once you complete these steps, a clean installation of Windows 11 will be performed on your device.

That's it! Your computer with a clean Windows 11 is ready to go. You didn't just update the system, you started from scratch, which is the best way to get rid of old problems and unnecessary files.

Now you can take your time installing the necessary programs and transferring important documents from your backup. Don't forget to check for Windows updates to download the latest drivers for your hardware. This will ensure stable and fast system performance.

This approach takes a little more time and effort, but the result is worth it. You will get a fresh, uncluttered system that will work as efficiently as possible. Enjoy your updated and fast computer!