(The backup process should be similar on Windows 11, 10, and 8.1.) Backup entire system Unless, of course, you do not have anything important you want to keep. You should always have an updated backup of the entire device before proceeding with a clean installation to have a way to recover in case something goes wrong.
The device can start from a USB flash drive, and you disconnected non-essential peripherals, then you can skip this part to the bootable media creation and a clean install process.
You have an activation key, or the current setup is activated correctly. If you already have a backup of the computer and files.
How to prepare PC for clean install of Windows 11Ī clean installation deletes everything on the target drive, which means that taking the necessary precautions to minimize the chances of issues and data loss is a must.
If you have a new computer, wiping out the current setup and doing a fresh installation is an excellent solution to deal with bloatware that comes preloaded with the original manufacturer image. Furthermore, and perhaps more importantly, a Windows 11 clean install can improve battery life and is the best method to get rid of viruses and other types of malware. For example, to fix memory, shut down, startup, apps, stability, and performance issues. Or you can use this method to resolve issues with an existing setup. A clean installation of Windows 11 is the process of completely erasing the computer's hard drive and applying a fresh copy of the OS to configure a new laptop or desktop computer.