Perform clean install of Windows 11 (2025)

• To clean install Windows 11, start the PC using a USB bootable flash drive, continue with on-screen directions, and select the “Install Windows 11” option for a clean installation. Continue choosing the setup drive, click “Install,” and complete the out-of-the-box experience (OOBE).
• Alternatively, you can perform a clean installation of Windows 11 with the Media Creation Tool, the Reset this PC feature, WinRE, or an ISO file.

UPDATED 10/23/2025: A clean installation of Windows 11 means wiping your hard drive and installing a fresh copy of the operating system, whether it’s version 25H2 or 24H2. This process removes everything, including custom settings, drivers, apps, and personal files, giving your laptop or desktop a fresh start.

A clean install is often the best way to upgrade to the latest version of Windows 11 on compatible hardware. It helps prevent installation errors and fixes existing system issues. If your computer has been running the same setup for a long time, a clean installation can resolve performance slowdowns, boot and shutdown problems, memory issues, and app crashes. It’s also the preferred method when upgrading from an older version of the operating system, such as Windows 10, 8.1, or 7. Furthermore, a clean install allows you to remove annoying bloatware that may have been preloaded in the default setup by your manufacturer.

Will I lose your files?

Yes, since a clean installation erases everything, you will lose all your personal files, apps, and settings unless you back them up first. To avoid losing important data:

• Back up your files — Save personal documents, photos, and other important data to an external drive or cloud storage (such as OneDrive or Google Drive). You can also perform a full backup of the current setup to an external storage.
• Note your installed apps – Generate a list of essential programs so you can reinstall them later.
• Save your product keys and passwords – Ensure you have access to software licenses, email accounts, and other important credentials.

Will Windows 11 remain activated?

Yes. If your Windows 10 computer was previously activated, Windows 11 will reactivate automatically after installation. You do not need to enter a product key.

Related

8 essential things to do before installing Windows 11

How to install Windows 11 on unsupported hardware

6 working methods to bypass Microsoft Account in OOBE on Windows 11

Ways to perform a clean installation

Microsoft supports multiple ways to perform a clean install of Windows 11:

• Bootable USB drive – Ideal for installing Windows 11 on an SSD (Solid-State Drive).
• Reset this PC – A built-in feature that reinstalls the operating system without extra tools.
• Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) – Useful if your device won’t start correctly due to setup issues.
• ISO file – You can mount it in File Explorer and launch the setup directly.

In this guide, I will cover every step to install Windows 11 25H2 and version 24H2 on your computer. 

• Clean install Windows 11 from USB
• Clean install Windows 11 from ISO file
• Clean install Windows 11 using Reset this PC local image
• Clean install Windows 11 using Reset this PC Cloud Download
• Clean install Windows 11 from WinRE
• Clean install Windows 11 using Media Creation Tool
• FAQs about the Windows 11 clean install process

Clean install Windows 11 from USB

Using a USB flash drive is the easiest and most reliable way to perform a clean installation of Windows 11. You can create a bootable USB using the Media Creation Tool, Command Prompt, Rufus, or other third-party tools.

If you choose this method, you’ll also need to ensure that your computer can boot from a USB flash drive. This requires changing the UEFI (also known as BIOS) settings. Since every computer is different, check your manufacturer’s support website for specific steps on accessing and adjusting these settings.

Starting with Windows 11 24H2, Microsoft has updated the Windows Setup experience with a new design. While most of the process remains the same, some steps look different depending on the version you’re installing. However, this only applies if you’re booting from USB to start the setup.

Related

How to create bootable Windows 11 25H2 USB install media

How to download Windows 11 24H2 ISO file after 25H2 releases

Perform clean install of Windows 11 23H2 (2025)

I highly recommend this installation method. Although it takes a little more time to set up, it helps minimize potential issues and ensures your system runs smoothly after installation.

To do a clean install of Windows 11 (version 25H2 or higher) from a USB, use these steps:  

1. Start the PC with the Windows 11 25H2 USB flash drive.

2. Press any key to continue.

3. Choose the installation language and format.

   

4. Click the Next button.

5. Choose the keyboard and input method.

   

6. Click the Next button.

7. Select the “Install Windows 11” option.

   

8. Check the “I agree everything will be deleted including files, apps, and settings” option to confirm this process will delete everything on the computer.

9. Click the Next button.

10. Click the “I don’t have a product key” option.

    

    Quick note: The computer will activate automatically when a reinstallation is performed. If this is a new computer, you will have to provide a product key. You can always provide the product key to activate later through the Settings app.

11. Select the edition of “Windows 11” your license key activates (if applicable).

    

12. Click the Next button.

13. Click the Accept button

14. Select each partition on the hard drive where you want to install Windows 11 and click the Delete button. (Usually, “Drive 0” is the drive that contains all the installation files.)

    

15. Select the hard drive (Drive 0 Unallocated Space) to install the operating system.

    

16. Click the Next button.

17. Click the Install button.

    

18. Choose your region setting on the first page of the out-of-the-box experience (OOBE) after the installation.

    Quick note: Microsoft is always making changes and testing new ways to complete the initial setup. For this reason, some of the following steps may appear in a different order, and you may encounter additional screens.

    

19. Click the Yes button.

20. Select your keyboard layout setting.

    

21. Click the Yes button.

22. Click the Skip button if you do not need to configure a second layout.

23. The computer will automatically connect to the network using an Ethernet connection. You must set up the connection manually on a wireless connection (a security key may be required).

24. (Optional) Confirm a name for the computer.

    

    Quick note: This is an optional step, but it’s highly recommended to set a name to make it easier to identify the device in the network, on your Microsoft account, and when restoring your computer from backup. Also, after completing this step, the setup will restart to apply the new name, but it’ll start where you left off to continue with the settings.

25. Click the Next button. (The device will restart automatically.)

26. Select the “Set up for personal use” option for Windows 11 Pro. This option is not available for the “Home” edition.

    

    Quick tip: Use the “Set up for work or school” option to skip the Microsoft account and create a local account.

27. Click the Next button.

28. Click the Sign in button.

29. Confirm your Microsoft account email to create a Windows 11 account.

    

30. Click the Next button.

31. Confirm your Microsoft account password.

32. Click the Next button.

33. Click the Create PIN button.

34. Create a new four-digit Windows Hello PIN.

    

35. Click the OK button.

36. Turn on or off the toggle switch for each privacy setting to confirm the one that best suits your situation.

37. Click the Next button.

38. Click the Next button again.

39. Click the Accept button.

    

40. Click the More options setting.

    

    Quick tip: You can also click the “Restore from this PC” button to restore your files, apps, settings, and credentials from the system backup available in your OneDrive account. You can learn more about the Windows Backup app in this guide.

41. Click the “Set up as a new PC” option.

    

42. Click the “Set up as a new PC” option again.

43. (Optional) On the “Let’s customize your experience” page, select one or more ways you plan to use the device to allow the operating system to suggest tools and service customization during this experience.

    

44. Click the Accept button to continue. Or click the Skip button to skip this part of the setup.

45. (Optional) Use the code to link your Android phone or click the Skip option.

46. (Optional) Use the code to download the OneDrive app on your phone or click the Skip option.

47. Click the “Not now” button if you will be using a browser other than Microsoft Edge.

    

Once you complete the steps, Windows 11 25H2 will finish the clean installation on the computer.

Related

How to clean install Windows 11 from USB

Clean install Windows 11 from ISO file

Alternatively, you can mount the ISO in File Explorer to launch a clean install or an in-place upgrade on a device with the operating system already installed.

To clean install Windows 11 with an ISO file, use these steps:

1. Open the Microsoft Support website.

2. Select the Windows 11 option under the “Download Windows 11 Disk Image (ISO)” section.

3. Click the Download button.

4. Select the installation language.

5. Click the Confirm button.

6. Click the Download button to save the Windows 11 ISO file on the device.

7. Right-click the ISO file and select the Mount option.

   

   [/tbx]Quick tip: If the option isn’t available, select the “Open with” menu and choose the “Windows Explorer” option.[/tbx]

8. Select the virtual drive from the left navigation pane.

9. Double-click the Setup.exe file to begin the Windows 11 installation.

10. (Optional) Click the “Change how Windows Setup downloads updates” option.

    

11. Select the “Not right now” option.

    

12. Click the Next button.

13. Click the Accept button to agree to the terms.

14. Click the “Change what to keep” option.

    

15. Select the Nothing option.

    

16. Click the Next button.

17. Click the Install button.

    

18. Click the Next button.

19. Choose your region setting on the first page of the out-of-the-box experience (OOBE) after the installation.

    

20. Click the Yes button.

21. Select your keyboard layout setting.

    

22. Click the Yes button.

23. Click the Skip button if you do not need to configure a second layout.

24. The computer will automatically connect to the network using an Ethernet connection. You must set up the connection manually on a wireless connection (a security key may be required).

25. (Optional) Confirm a name for the computer.

    

    Quick note: This is an optional step, but it’s highly recommended to set a name to make it easier to identify the device in the network, on your Microsoft account, and when restoring your computer from backup. Additionally, after completing this step, the setup will restart to apply the new name, and it’ll resume where you left off to continue with the settings.

26. Click the Next button. (The device will restart automatically.)

27. Select the “Set up for personal use” option for Windows 11 Pro. This option is not available for the “Home” edition.

    

    Quick tip: Use the “Set up for work or school” option to skip the Microsoft account and create a local account.

28. Click the Next button.

29. Click the Sign in button.

30. Confirm your Microsoft account email to create a Windows 11 account.

    

31. Click the Next button.

32. Confirm your Microsoft account password.

33. Click the Next button.

34. Click the Create PIN button.

35. Create a new four-digit Windows Hello PIN.

    

36. Click the OK button.

37. Turn on or off the toggle switch for each privacy setting to confirm the one that best suits your situation.

38. Click the Next button.

39. Click the Next button again.

40. Click the Accept button.

    

41. Click the More options setting.

    

    Quick tip: You can also click the “Restore from this PC” button to restore your files, apps, settings, and credentials from the system backup available in your OneDrive account. You can learn more about the Windows Backup app in this guide.

42. Click the “Set up as a new PC” option.

    

43. Click the “Set up as a new PC” option again.

44. (Optional) On the “Let’s customize your experience” page, select one or more ways you plan to use the device to allow the operating system to suggest tools and service customization during this experience.

    

45. Click the Accept button to continue. Or click the Skip button to skip this part of the setup.

46. (Optional) Use the code to link your Android phone, or click the “Skip” option.

47. (Optional) Use the code to download the OneDrive app on your phone or click the “Skip” option.

48. Click the “Not now” button if you will be using a browser other than Microsoft Edge.

    

Once you complete the steps, the clean installation process will begin, similar to using the Media Creation Tools or a USB flash drive to upgrade the system.

Clean install Windows 11 using Reset this PC local image

The recovery settings offer an alternative method for reinstalling a fresh copy of Windows 11. Unlike using the Media Creation Tool, a bootable USB, or an ISO file, this method is only available if your computer is already running Windows 11.

If you’re upgrading from Windows 10, 8.1, or 7, you’ll need to use a USB installer or ISO file instead. The Recovery option is not available for these versions.

To clean install Windows 11 25H2 or version 24H2 with the “Reset this PC” feature with local image, use these steps:

1. Open Settings.

2. Click on System.

3. Click on Recovery on the right side.

4. Click the Reset PC button in the “Reset this PC” setting under the “Recovery options” section.

   

5. Click the Remove everything option to perform a fresh install of Windows 11.

   

6. Click the Local reinstall option.

   

7. (Optional) Click the Change settings option. 

   

8. Configure the reinstallation options:

   • Clean data: If set to No (recommended), the setup will quickly delete files, apps, and settings without securely wiping the drive. If set to Yes, Windows will thoroughly erase the drive before reinstalling the operating system, which takes longer but ensures that all data is completely removed.

   • Delete files from all drives: If set to No (recommended), only the installation drive (usually the C: drive) will be erased. If set to Yes, all drives on the device will be wiped, so be sure to back up any important data before choosing this option.

   • Download Windows: If set to No (recommended), Windows will use the local installation files already on your device. If set to Yes, the setup will download the latest version of Windows 11 from the cloud, ensuring you get the most up-to-date installation.

9. Click the Confirm button.

   

10. Click the Next button.

11. Click the Reset button.

    

12. Click the Next button.

13. Choose your region setting on the first page of the out-of-the-box experience (OOBE) after the installation.

    

14. Click the Yes button.

15. Select your keyboard layout setting.

    

16. Click the Yes button.

17. Click the Skip button if you do not need to configure a second layout.

18. The computer will automatically connect to the network using an Ethernet connection. You must set up the connection manually on a wireless connection (a security key may be required).

19. (Optional) Confirm a name for the computer.

    

    Quick note: This is an optional step, but it’s highly recommended to set a name to make it easier to identify the device in the network, on your Microsoft account, and when restoring your computer from backup. Additionally, after completing this step, the setup will restart to apply the new name, and it’ll resume where you left off to continue with the settings.

20. Click the Next button. (The device will restart automatically.)

21. Select the “Set up for personal use” option for Windows 11 Pro. This option is not available for the “Home” edition.

    

    Quick tip: Use the “Set up for work or school” option to skip the Microsoft account and create a local account.

22. Click the Next button.

23. Click the Sign in button.

24. Confirm your Microsoft account email to create a Windows 11 account.

    

25. Click the Next button.

26. Confirm your Microsoft account password.

27. Click the Next button.

28. Click the Create PIN button.

29. Create a new four-digit Windows Hello PIN.

    

30. Click the OK button.

31. Turn on or off the toggle switch for each privacy setting to confirm the one that best suits your situation.

32. Click the Next button.

33. Click the Next button again.

34. Click the Accept button.

    

35. Click the More options setting.

    

    Quick tip: You can also click the “Restore from this PC” button to restore your files, apps, settings, and credentials from the system backup available in your OneDrive account. You can learn more about the Windows Backup app in this guide.

36. Click the “Set up as a new PC” option.

    

37. Click the “Set up as a new PC” option again.

38. (Optional) On the “Let’s customize your experience” page, select one or more ways you plan to use the device to allow the operating system to suggest tools and service customization during this experience.

    

39. Click the Accept button to continue. Or click the Skip button to skip this part of the setup.

40. (Optional) Use the code to link your Android phone, or click the “Skip” option.

41. (Optional) Use the code to download the OneDrive app on your phone or click the Skip option.

42. Click the “Not now” button if you will be using a browser other than Microsoft Edge.

    

Once you complete the steps, the recovery feature will automatically kick in and reinstall Windows 11 using a local copy of the setup image stored on your computer. 

If you have a computer from a big name like HP, Dell, Acer, or similar, this process will restore it to its original factory settings. That means it will reinstall all the software, drivers, and tools that came with it when you first bought it. 

However, if you don’t want to restore the factory setup and prefer a clean Windows 11 install, you have another option. Instead of using the local image, you can choose the “Cloud Download” option. I’ll show you how to do that in the steps below.

Clean install Windows 11 using Reset this PC Cloud download

The Reset this PC feature includes the “Cloud Download” option, which lets you reinstall Windows 11 with a clean installation, removing apps, files, and settings, just like the local reinstall option. The key difference is that this option downloads fresh installation files directly from Microsoft’s servers, rather than using existing files.

This option is useful when the local installation files are corrupted or if you want a cleaner setup without the manufacturer’s preinstalled software and settings. However, keep in mind that:

• Cloud Download reinstalls the same version of Windows 11 that is currently on your device. It does not upgrade you to a newer release.
• If your computer originally came with a custom manufacturer image, this process won’t restore the preloaded drivers, apps, or settings.

To perform a clean installation of Windows 11 (25H2 or 24H2) with the “Cloud Download” option, use these steps:

1. Open Settings.

2. Click on System.

3. Click on Recovery on the right side.

4. Click the Reset PC button in the “Reset this PC” setting under the “Recovery options” section.

   

5. Click the Remove everything option to perform a fresh install of Windows 11.

   

6. Click the Cloud reinstall option.

   

7. (Optional) Click the Change settings option. 

   

8. Configure the reinstallation options:

   • Clean data: If set to No (recommended), the setup will quickly delete files, apps, and settings without securely wiping the drive. If set to Yes, Windows will thoroughly erase the drive before reinstalling the operating system, which takes longer but ensures that all data is completely removed.

   • Delete files from all drives: If set to No (recommended), only the installation drive (usually the C: drive) will be erased. If set to Yes, all drives on the device will be wiped, so be sure to back up any important data before choosing this option.

   • Download Windows: If set to No (recommended), Windows will use the local installation files already on your device. If set to Yes, the setup will download the latest version of Windows 11 from the cloud, ensuring you get the most up-to-date installation.

9. Click the Confirm button.

   

10. Click the Next button.

11. Click the Reset button.

    

12. Click the Next button.

13. Choose your region setting on the first page of the out-of-the-box experience (OOBE) after the installation.

    

14. Click the Yes button.

15. Select your keyboard layout setting.

    

16. Click the Yes button.

17. Click the Skip button if you do not need to configure a second layout.

18. The computer will automatically connect to the network using an Ethernet connection. You must set up the connection manually on a wireless connection (a security key may be required).

19. (Optional) Confirm a name for the computer.

    

    Quick note: This is an optional step, but it’s highly recommended to set a name to make it easier to identify the device in the network, on your Microsoft account, and when restoring your computer from backup. Also, after completing this step, the setup will restart to apply the new name, but it’ll start where you left off to continue with the settings.

20. Click the Next button. (The device will restart automatically.)

21. Select the “Set up for personal use” option for Windows 11 Pro. This option is not available for the “Home” edition.

    

    Quick tip: Use the “Set up for work or school” option to skip the Microsoft account and create a local account.

22. Click the Next button.

23. Click the Sign in button.

24. Confirm your Microsoft account email to create a Windows 11 account.

    

25. Click the Next button.

26. Confirm your Microsoft account password.

27. Click the Next button.

28. Click the Create PIN button.

29. Create a new four-digit Windows Hello PIN.

    

30. Click the OK button.

31. Turn on or off the toggle switch for each privacy setting to confirm the one that best suits your situation.

32. Click the Next button.

33. Click the Next button again.

34. Click the Accept button.

    

35. Click the More options setting.

    

    Quick tip: You can also click the “Restore from this PC” button to restore your files, apps, settings, and credentials from the system backup available in your OneDrive account. You can learn more about the Windows Backup app in this guide.

36. Click the “Set up as a new PC” option.

    

37. Click the “Set up as a new PC” option again.

38. (Optional) On the “Let’s customize your experience” page, select one or more ways you plan to use the device to allow the operating system to suggest tools and service customization during this experience.

    

39. Click the Accept button to continue. Or click the Skip button to skip this part of the setup.

40. (Optional) Use the code to link your Android phone, or click the “Skip” option.

41. (Optional) Use the code to download the OneDrive app on your phone or click the “Skip” option.

42. Click the “Not now” button if you will be using a browser other than Microsoft Edge.

    

After you complete the steps, the feature will reset the computer by erasing and reinstalling a fresh copy of Windows 11 downloaded from the cloud.

Clean install Windows 11 from WinRE

If your computer doesn’t boot, you can use the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) to access the same Reset this PC option. This allows you to reinstall Windows 11 even when the system won’t start normally.

However, WinRE can only reinstall the same version of Windows on your device. To upgrade to the latest version, you’ll need to use a USB flash drive, the Media Creation Tool, or an ISO file.

To clean install Windows 11 from WinRE, use these steps:

1. Power on the device.

2. Immediately after the Power-On Self-Test (POST), press the Power button again to shut down.

3. Repeat steps 1 and 2 twice, and in the third restart, the operating system should enter the Windows Recovery Environment (Windows RE).

   Quick note: Windows 11 has multiple ways to open the Advanced startup settings. You can use these alternative options if you are unable to access the recovery environment.

4. Click the Advanced options button.

   

5. Click on Troubleshoot.

   

6. Click on Reset this PC option.

   

7. Select the Remove everything option.

   

8. Click Cloud Download or Local Reinstall to continue:

   • Cloud Download – Downloads a fresh copy of Windows 11 from Microsoft’s servers and performs a clean installation. This option ensures you receive the latest files, but it requires an internet connection.

   • Local Reinstall – Uses the existing installation files on your computer to reinstall Windows 11. This option is faster and doesn’t require an internet connection, but it may not work if the local files are corrupted.

   

9. Select the “Only the drive where Windows is installed” option. (The All drives option will delete the data on all drives. This option is usually recommended only when you have to decommission the device.)

   

10. Select the “Just remove my files” or “Full clean the drive” option.

    • Just remove my files – Quickly deletes all files from the drive, but doesn’t securely erase them. This is faster but less secure.

    • Fully clean the drive – Erases everything and securely wipes the drive, which can take several hours. This option is best if you’re giving away or selling your device to ensure no data can be recovered.

    

11. Click the Reset button.

    

12. Click the Next button.

13. Choose your region setting on the first page of the out-of-the-box experience (OOBE) after the installation.

    

14. Click the Yes button.

15. Select your keyboard layout setting.

    

16. Click the Yes button.

17. Click the Skip button if you do not need to configure a second layout.

18. The computer will automatically connect to the network using an Ethernet connection. You must set up the connection manually on a wireless connection (a security key may be required).

19. (Optional) Confirm a name for the computer.

    

    Quick note: This is an optional step, but it’s highly recommended to set a name to make it easier to identify the device in the network, on your Microsoft account, and when restoring your computer from backup. Additionally, after completing this step, the setup will restart to apply the new name, and it’ll resume where you left off to continue with the settings.

20. Click the Next button. (The device will restart automatically.)

21. Select the “Set up for personal use” option for Windows 11 Pro. This option is not available for the “Home” edition.

    

    Quick tip: Use the “Set up for work or school” option to skip the Microsoft account and create a local account.

22. Click the Next button.

23. Click the Sign in button.

24. Confirm your Microsoft account email to create a Windows 11 account.

    

25. Click the Next button.

26. Confirm your Microsoft account password.

27. Click the Next button.

28. Click the Create PIN button.

29. Create a new four-digit Windows Hello PIN.

    

30. Click the OK button.

31. Turn on or off the toggle switch for each privacy setting to confirm the one that best suits your situation.

32. Click the Next button.

33. Click the Next button again.

34. Click the Accept button.

    

35. Click the More options setting.

    

    Quick tip: You can also click the “Restore from this PC” button to restore your files, apps, settings, and credentials from the system backup available in your OneDrive account. You can learn more about the Windows Backup app in this guide.

36. Click the “Set up as a new PC” option.

    

37. Click the “Set up as a new PC” option again.

38. (Optional) On the “Let’s customize your experience” page, select one or more ways you plan to use the device to allow the operating system to suggest tools and service customization during this experience.

    

39. Click the Accept button to continue. Or click the Skip button to skip this part of the setup.

40. (Optional) Use the code to link your Android phone, or click the “Skip” option.

41. (Optional) Use the code to download the OneDrive app on your phone, or click the “Skip” option.

42. Click the “Not now” button if you will be using a browser other than Microsoft Edge.

    

Once you complete the steps, Windows 11 will reinstall, resolving the existing problems. The completion time will depend on your computer hardware configuration and the selected reset configuration.

Clean install Windows 11 using Media Creation Tool

The Media Creation Tool no longer includes an option to perform a clean installation or in-place upgrade. You can only use the tool to create bootable media for installation using a USB flash drive or ISO file.

If you want to proceed with the Media Creation Tool, you can create an installation media and launch the setup from the USB flash drive.

To use the Media Creation Tool to create a bootable USB install media and proceed with the Windows 11 setup, use these steps:

1. Open Microsoft support website.

2. Click the Download Now button under the “Create Windows 11 installation media” section.

3. Double-click the MediaCrationToolW11.exe file to launch the tool.

4. Click the Accept button.

5. Click the Next button.

   

   Quick note: If you create a Windows 11 USB for another device, you can also clear the “Use the recommended options for this PC” option to select the correct language, architecture, and edition.

6. Select the USB flash drive option.

   

7. Click the Next button.

8. Select the USB flash drive from the list, but ensure it has no important files, as this process will erase everything on it.

   

9. Click the Next button.

10. Click the Finish button.

11. Open the installation media with File Explorer.

12. Double-click the Setup.exe file to begin the Windows 11 installation.

    

13. (Optional) Click the “Change how Windows Setup downloads updates” option.

    

14. Select the “Not right now” option.

    

15. Click the Next button.

16. Click the Accept button to agree to the terms.

17. Click the “Change what to keep” option.

    

18. Select the Nothing option.

    

19. Click the Next button.

20. Click the Install button.

    

21. Click the Next button.

22. Choose your region setting on the first page of the out-of-the-box experience (OOBE) after the installation.

    

23. Click the Yes button.

24. Select your keyboard layout setting.

    

25. Click the Yes button.

26. Click the Skip button if you do not need to configure a second layout.

27. The computer will automatically connect to the network using an Ethernet connection. You must set up the connection manually on a wireless connection (a security key may be required).

28. (Optional) Confirm a name for the computer.

    

    Quick note: This is an optional step, but it’s highly recommended to set a name to make it easier to identify the device in the network, on your Microsoft account, and when restoring your computer from backup. Additionally, after completing this step, the setup will restart to apply the new name, and it’ll resume where you left off to continue with the settings.

29. Click the Next button. (The device will restart automatically.)

30. Select the “Set up for personal use” option for Windows 11 Pro. This option is not available for the “Home” edition.

    

    Quick tip: Use the “Set up for work or school” option to skip the Microsoft account and create a local account.

31. Click the Next button.

32. Click the Sign in button.

33. Confirm your Microsoft account email to create a Windows 11 account.

    

34. Click the Next button.

35. Confirm your Microsoft account password.

36. Click the Next button.

37. Click the Create PIN button.

38. Create a new four-digit Windows Hello PIN.

    

39. Click the OK button.

40. Turn on or off the toggle switch for each privacy setting to confirm the one that best suits your situation.

41. Click the Next button.

42. Click the Next button again.

43. Click the Accept button.

    

44. Click the More options setting.

    

    Quick tip: You can also click the “Restore from this PC” button to restore your files, apps, settings, and credentials from the system backup available in your OneDrive account. You can learn more about the Windows Backup app in this guide.

45. Click the “Set up as a new PC” option.

    

46. Click the “Set up as a new PC” option again.

47. (Optional) On the “Let’s customize your experience” page, select one or more ways you plan to use the device to allow the operating system to suggest tools and service customization during this experience.

    

48. Click the Accept button to continue. Or click the Skip button to skip this part of the setup.

49. (Optional) Use the code to link your Android phone, or click the “Skip” option.

50. (Optional) Use the code to download the OneDrive app on your phone or click the “Skip” option.

51. Click the “Not now” button if you will be using a browser other than Microsoft Edge.

    

After you complete the steps, the setup will continue with the fresh installation of Windows 11, whether that is version 25H2, 24H2, or 23H2.

Related

Perform clean install of Windows 10 (2025)

FAQs about the Windows 11 clean install process

Here’s a list of common questions and answers about the process for performing a clean install of the operating system.

What should I do if my computer doesn’t boot from the USB drive?

If the device doesn’t start from the USB bootable media, you must configure the UEFI (BIOS) and change the boot order to start from USB. Some devices also feature a boot menu that you can open during startup using one of the functions or the ESC key, allowing you to start the device from a USB bootable media. 

If the computer is configured to boot from USB, but you can’t access the Windows Setup, it’s likely that the installation media or USB flash drive is broken. In this case, you can recreate the bootable media using another flash drive.

How can I ensure all data is completely erased before installing Windows 11?

To ensure that the data is completely erased, you must reformat the drive. You don’t need any special tools. The easiest way to do this is by using any of the “Reset this PC” options and choosing the “Clean data” option. If you’re using the USB bootable media, after deleting the partition, create a new partition using the entire space and then use the “Format Partition” option.

Are there any risks associated with doing a clean install of Windows 11?

Yes, when you perform a clean installation, everything on the hard drive will be deleted. This means that if you don’t create a backup of your files, you won’t be able to recover them unless you use a cloud storage service.

You cannot undo the process. Once you start the installation, the setup will delete all existing files. The only way to recover is to use a full backup that you may have created before proceeding with these steps.

How do I reset the TPM after a clean install of Windows 11?

Typically, you don’t need to reset the Trusted Platform Module (TPM) chip in the computer’s firmware. Actually, during the installation, the system will enable encryption automatically, and the Windows Hello information will be saved automatically inside the TPM.

What’s the difference between a clean install and an upgrade?

A clean installation removes everything from your hard drive (apps, files, settings, and drivers) before reinstalling Windows 11, giving you a completely fresh system. An upgrade keeps your files and apps while installing a newer version of Windows. A clean install is preferred if you want maximum stability or to fix deep system issues.

Can I perform a clean install of Windows 11 without losing activation?

Yes. If Windows 11 (or Windows 10) was previously activated on your device, it will reactivate automatically once you connect to the internet after reinstalling. You don’t need to re-enter your product key.

Do I need a product key for a clean installation?

Only if the device has never been activated with Windows 10 or 11 before. Otherwise, your digital license stored on Microsoft’s servers will automatically reactivate the system.

Can I do a clean install without a USB drive?

Yes. You can reinstall Windows 11 using the “Reset this PC” feature or by mounting the ISO file in File Explorer. However, using a bootable USB drive is still the most reliable and universal method.

Is using “Reset this PC” the same as a clean install?

No, based on user experience, it often restores from the existing image and may retain manufacturer bloat or unresolved issues, making a fresh installation via USB or ISO preferable.

What’s the difference between Local reinstall and Cloud download?

A local reinstall uses the setup files already on your computer to reinstall Windows 11. It’s faster, but may reuse corrupted files. On the other hand, the cloud download option fetches the latest image directly from Microsoft’s servers. It’s slower but ensures a cleaner, up-to-date installation.

Do I need to delete all partitions during setup?

You only need to delete partitions from the drive where the operating system will be installed (usually Drive 0). Deleting all partitions ensures a completely clean install, but make sure you’ve backed up your files first.

What happens if I skip entering a product key?

You can skip entering the product key during setup. Windows 11 will install and run, but you’ll need to activate it later to unlock full personalization options (like wallpaper and theme changes). If you already have a digital license, activation happens automatically after installation.

How long does a clean install of Windows 11 take?

The installation itself usually takes between 20 and 45 minutes, depending on your storage speed and system performance. Completing the out-of-box setup (OOBE) adds another 5 to 10 minutes.

Can I use a Windows 10 product key to activate Windows 11?

Yes. Windows 10 and Windows 11 share the same activation infrastructure. You can enter a Windows 10 key during or after installation to activate Windows 11.

Does a clean install fix performance issues or malware infections?

Yes. A clean installation removes corrupted system files, registry issues, malware, and unwanted programs. It’s often the best way to restore full system performance and stability.

Will I need to reinstall drivers after a clean install?

Windows 11 will automatically detect and install most drivers. However, it’s recommended to download specific hardware drivers (graphics, chipset, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth) from your manufacturer’s support site after installation for best performance.

Can I clean install an older version like 23H2 or 24H2?

Yes, as long as you have the ISO file for that specific version. However, it’s recommended to install the latest available release (such as version 25H2) to ensure better security and compatibility.

Can I switch from Windows 10 to Windows 11 using a clean install?

Absolutely. Performing a clean install from Windows 10 to Windows 11 is often the best upgrade method, especially if your current installation has stability issues or accumulated clutter over time.

Should I use third-party debloat tools after installing Windows 11?

You can, but you shouldn’t. While tempting, using debloat tools or heavy scripts can cause future update or stability issues.

What happens to my Microsoft 365 (Office) and OneDrive data after a clean install?

You generally don’t need to deactivate Office or OneDrive before a clean install. Your subscription remains intact, and OneDrive data stays in the cloud—just reinstall and sign in.

Do I have to clean install when upgrading to Windows 11, or can I just upgrade in place?

You don’t have to. An in-place upgrade works for many users. However, a clean install is frequently recommended for best performance, fewer leftover issues, and minimal “legacy baggage.”

What method are you using? Do you have any questions? Let me know in the comments.

Update October 23, 2025: This guide has been updated to ensure accuracy and reflect changes to the process.