How to Reinstall Windows

Easily refresh your computer by reinstalling Windows

This wikiHow teaches you how to reinstall Windows 10 from the Settings menu, from a recovery drive, or by using installation media.

Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Reinstalling Windows 10 from Settings

PDF download Download Article
  1. It’s usually at the bottom-left corner of the screen.
    • If you’re using a laptop, make sure you plug it into a power source before starting the installation.
    • If you’re unable to access the Windows desktop and you created a recovery drive, see this method .
    • If you can’t access the Windows desktop and haven’t created a recovery drive, see this method .
  2. It’s at the bottom-left corner of the Start menu.
    Advertisement
  3. It’s the icon of two curved arrows.
  4. It’s in the left panel.
  5. It’s near the top of the right panel. A pop-up will appear. [1]
    • Click Keep my files to avoid losing personal data. Though any apps you’ve installed since you got your computer will be removed, your personal files (such as images and documents) will remain intact.
    • Click Remove everything to erase all data on the computer, including your personal files, before reinstalling Windows.
  7. The options vary depending on your setup, but you’ll always be notified of which types of files will be removed and which will remain. Once you click Reset , the PC will reboot and begin to reinstall Windows.
    • If you chose to remove everything, you’ll be asked if you want to clean the hard drive in addition to deleting your files (a good idea if you’re giving the computer to someone else), select Remove files and clean the drive if so. [2]
    8. Advertisement
Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Reinstalling Windows 10 with a Recovery Drive

PDF download Download Article
  1. If you created a recovery drive when the PC was working properly, you can use it to reinstall Windows.
  2. If the computer was already on, reboot it now that the USB drive is attached. The PC will then boot from the recovery drive to the “Choose an option” screen. [3]
  3. A list of options will appear.
  4. This will wipe all data off the PC and install a fresh version of Windows 10.
  5. Once Windows is reinstalled, you’ll be prompted to set the computer up as if it were new.
    6. Advertisement
Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Reinstalling Windows 10 with Installation Media

PDF download Download Article
  1. Go to the Microsoft software download site on a working computer. If you’re unable to boot your computer and don’t have a recovery drive, you can download installation media from Microsoft and create your own installation disc or flash drive. [4]
    • You’ll need either a blank USB flash drive with at least 8 GB of storage OR a blank DVD (Dual Layer preferred) and DVD burner drive.
    • If you’re using a laptop, make sure you plug it into a power source before starting the installation.
  2. It’s the blue button near the center of the page. A file manager window will appear.
  3. It may take several minutes for the download to complete.
  4. It’s called “MediaCreationTool1809.exe” (the number at the end may vary). It should be in the Downloads folder.
    • You may have to click Yes or Allow to run the tool.
  5. After a few seconds, you’ll be asked what you want to do.
  6. Windows 10 will now download to the computer.
  7. This downloads additional updates for the installation media.
  8. You’ll be prompted to select the type of media you’re creating (USB flash drive or DVD), and then walked through the media creation process. Once the media is created, remove the drive or DVD from the working computer.
  9. Connect the USB flash drive or insert the DVD, depending on the type of media you created.
  10. If the computer was already on, reboot it now that the USB drive is attached (or DVD is inserted). The PC will boot from the inserted media and start the install process.
  11. The options may vary depending on your location.
  12. You’ll be prompted to enter the Windows product key, which you’ll usually find on a sticker that's attached to your PC.
    • If you upgraded to Windows 10 from an earlier version for free or purchased Windows from the Microsoft Store, click Skip. Windows will activate itself automatically once installed. [5]
  13. The remaining steps will walk you through the installation process.
  14. You’ll be asked if you want to format the hard drive in addition to reinstalling—this is up to you, but it’s typically only necessary if you’re going to be giving the computer to someone else. Once Windows is reinstalled, you’ll be prompted to set the computer up as if it were new.
    15. Advertisement

Community Q&A

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    Does installing Windows in one partition erase data from the other partition (i.e., the whole hard drive), or only on that partition where it is being installed?
    Community Answer
    It depends on the settings that you choose. In the most cases, only the partition where it is being installed will be erased.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 4 Helpful 2
  • Question
    UEFI boot: how does that actually work?
    Aasim
    Top Answerer
    The UEFI is a more modern form of BIOS that uses the TPM to validate the master boot record before it boots. Basically, it protects your computer against bootkits by ensuring that only the authentic boot is loaded.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 2 Helpful 1
  • Question
    How to reinstall the USB port?
    Markpenguin8232
    Community Answer
    You cannot simply "reinstall" a USB port, unless you are talking about hardware,which I assume you are not. What I'm going to assume yo meant is "how to erase the USB after flashing the ISO to it". In which case, hit Windows+R, type "diskmgmt.msc", press Enter, select the disk which says "Removable" under it, and press the Del key on every partition on the disk that isn't allocated. The USB should only have unallocated space, now right-click on the unallocated space, and click "New Simple Volume". Keep clicking "Next" until you see "Finish". You may want to change the settings, in which case stop at a menu and change the settings. Changing the volume label is on the last screen.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 4 Helpful 2
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Tips

      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Check if a Hard Drive is an SSD or HDD on a Windows PC
      How to
      Install a Hard Drive: HDD, SSD, and M.2
      How to
      Clean Drive C for More Space
      How to
      Reformat an External Hard Drive on Windows or Mac
      How to
      Destroy a Hard Drive
      How to
      Check Free Hard Disc Space on PCs, Macs, iPhones & Androids
      How to
      Recover Data from the Hard Drive of a Dead Laptop
      How to
      Remove a Hard Drive
      How to
      Tell if a USB Cable Supports Hi Speed & Fast Charging
      How to
      Open a Seagate External Hard Drive
      How to
      Find out the Size of a Hard Drive
      How to
      Convert an Internal Hard Drive to External Via HD Enclosure
      How to
      Unpartition a Hard Drive
      How to
      Wipe an External Hard Drive: 3 Easy Methods
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/4026528/windows-reset-or-reinstall-windows-10
      2. ↑ https://www.itpro.co.uk/operating-systems/28288/how-to-factory-reset-windows-10
      3. ↑ https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/12415
      4. ↑ https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows10
      5. ↑ https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/12415

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      To reinstall Windows 10 from your settings, click the Start menu, which is usually located at the bottom-left corner of the screen. From there, click the Setting button or the gear icon, which should be at the bottom-left corner of the Start menu. Select “Update and Security,” which has an icon that looks like 2 curved arrows. When you’re ready to update, click “Recovery,” then “Get Started” under “Reset this PC.” Follow the on-screen prompts, then click “Reset.” If you’re using a laptop, remember to plug it in before you get started! Keep reading to learn how to reinstall Windows from a recovery drive.

      Did this summary help you?
      In other languages
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 153,513 times.

      Is this article up to date?

      Advertisement