Reinstalling Windows is often necessary to refresh your operating system and fix underlying problems. However, many Windows users no longer have a Windows installation CD. This leaves them wondering how to reinstall Windows without a CD.
Fortunately, several effective methods exist to reinstall Windows without the original CD. This article explains three easy ways to reinstall Windows without CD: a USB drive, network boot, or recovery partition.
Before Reinstalling: Backing Up Your Data
Before reinstalling Windows, it is crucial to back up your computer data. A Windows reinstallation will likely erase everything on your hard drive. You want to preserve all important files, photos, documents and other data.
Here are some tips for properly backing up your data before reinstalling Windows:
Use the built-in Windows Backup and Restore utility. This allows you to create a system image file that contains your programs, system settings, and files.
Copy important files to an external hard drive or cloud storage. Services like Google Drive or Dropbox provide secure cloud backup.
Ensure you have backups of essential data like documents, photos, downloads, desktop files, favorites, and email messages.
Create a full system backup if you want to save applications, system images, and all personal files. Use built-in Windows tools or third-party software for full backup.
No one wants to lose their precious files. Take time to fully back up your system before reinstalling Windows.
Method 1: Using a USB Drive
Using a bootable USB drive is often the quickest and simplest way to reinstall Windows without a CD.
To create a bootable USB drive for Windows installation, you need:
A USB flash drive with at least 8 GB of storage space
A computer with an internet connection
A tool like Rufus or Media Creation Tool
Here are the steps to reinstall Windows using a USB flash drive:
Step 1: Visit the official website of the tool you want to use, such as Rufus, and download it from there. For Rufus, go to https://rufus.ie/vi/.
Step 2: After installing Rufus, insert the USB flash drive into your computer.
Step 3: Select the USB flash drive.
Step 4: In Boot selection, select Disk or ISO image.
Step 5: Choose Select to browse for an ISO file or Download from the list to install Windows.
Step 6: Choose the preferred version of Windows for downloading and then proceed to click the Download button.
Step 7: Choose where you want to save the .ISO file then click Save.
Step 8: After that, wait for the download process to finish.
Step 9: Once Rufus downloads the .ISO file, you can modify the Volume label, File system type, or Cluster size. Click START when you're done.
Step 10: You can personalize your Windows experience by creating a local account with a specific username. Click OK to continue.
Step 11: Click OK.
Step 12: Rufus will transfer the Windows installation files to the USB flash drive. Wait until the process is finished, then close the application.
Step 13: Turn off your new PC and insert the bootable USB drive into a USB port.
Step 14: Turn on your new PC and press the key to enter BIOS or UEFI (such as F2, F10, or Del).
Step 15: In BIOS or UEFI, access the Boot menu and modify the boot sequence to prioritize the USB flash drive.
Step 16: Save changes and exit BIOS/UEFI to restart PC from USB drive.
Step 17: This will launch the Windows setup wizard from your USB drive. Follow the on-screen prompts to reformat your PC's hard drive and reinstall Windows.
This USB method is quick, convenient, and eliminates the need for a Windows installation CD. However, you will need access to a working computer to create the bootable USB initially.
Method 2: Using Network Boot
Network boot is an advanced reinstallation option that works well in corporate environments. It requires Windows Deployment Services (WDS) server and some configuration.
To successfully install Windows from WDS via PXE boot, your WDS server must have both an install and a boot image. The boot image will allow you to boot from the network, while the install image is the actual OS image that will be installed. Additionally, it's important to have a DHCP server with a scope set up specifically for PXE.
Here is how to use network boot for reinstalling Windows:
Step 1: Install and configure Windows Deployment Services (WDS) on a server. This allows you to host the Windows image and make it available over the network. Refer to this guide on setting up WDS.
Step 2: On the client PC, boot into BIOS and set the boot order to boot from network first. Save changes and exit BIOS.
Step 3: The client will boot into the PXE environment. Press Enter at the prompt to initiate network boot.
Step 4: Select the correct locale and keyboard layout. Click Next.
Step 5: Enter credentials in Domain\Username format to authenticate with WDS. Enter password and click OK.
Step 6: Select the Windows install image on the next screen. Click Next.
Step 7: Select the target disk to install Windows. Click Next.
Step 8: Wait for the OS installation to complete. The PC will automatically reboot after installing Windows 10 from the network.
This network boot approach is more complex than using a USB. It also depends on having an existing WDS environment already configured. However, it allows you to reinstall Windows on multiple PCs over a network.
Method 3: Using Recovery Partition
Many PCs have a recovery partition on the hard drive that can reinstall Windows without a CD.
Here is how to reinstall Windows 10 using the recovery partition:
Step 1: Connect a USB drive or insert a DVD into your computer.
Step 2: To access the Recovery Drive in Windows, simply type "Recovery Drive" in the search field and click on it.
Step 3: When the Create a recovery drive window appears, select Back up system files to the recovery drive and then click Next.
Step 4: Choose the USB drive or DVD and click on Next to proceed. Please note that all data on the recovery drive will be erased, so ensure that no important files are present on the USB drive or DVD.
Step 5: Restart and boot your computer from the USB drive or DVD instead of your hard drive
Step 6: Choose the Reset from a drive option.
Step 7: Follow the prompts to reset Windows. Ensure you choose Fully clean the drive to wipe all data and reinstall Windows fresh.
Step 8: Click Recover.
Step 9: The recovery partition will download the required files and walk you through reinstalling Windows on your computer.
The recovery partition method is convenient since everything you need is already on your hard drive. However, resetting Windows from recovery will wipe all user data. Make sure your files are backed up first.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Reinstalling Windows
Reinstalling Windows seems straightforward, but there are some easy mistakes to avoid:
Forgetting product key - Ensure you have Windows product key before reinstalling. Keyfinders can help retrieve it.
No backups - Reinstalling Windows erases data, so backup files and images.
Skipping updates - Fully update Windows after reinstalling before resuming everyday use.
Incompatible hardware - Some hardware won't work properly after reinstalling. Check compatibility or consult a hardware vendor.
Keeping files - "Reset and keep files" sounds appealing but often fails or reintroduces problems. Best to wipe the drive thoroughly.
Choosing the wrong method - Pick a reinstallation method that matches your skill level and resources. Recovery partition is easiest for casual users.
Entering wrong info - When prompted during reinstallation, carefully enter correct info like product key, computer name, user name, etc.
Take measures to avoid these common mistakes when reinstalling Windows without a CD. Being prepared will save you headaches down the road.
Choose WPS Office After Reinstalling Windows
After reinstalling Windows, you'll need to install software applications again. For office software, consider choosing the free WPS Office suite. WPS Office provides free word processing, spreadsheets, and presentations software. It is fully compatible with Microsoft Office files.
Here are some of the benefits of using WPS Office:
Free to download and use on Windows and Mac
Very lightweight - takes up minimal hard drive space
Quick loading times for documents compared to Microsoft Office
Ribbon layout similar to MS Office for easy switching
Supports editing and exporting PDF files
Over 200 free templates for documents, spreadsheets and slides
WPS Office is a full-featured office suite that can replace Microsoft Office. It is popular among users for its small size and excellent compatibility with Office file formats. After a fresh Windows installation, WPS Office is one of the first programs that many users download to restore their document editing capabilities.
How to Download WPS Office for Free?
Downloading and installing WPS Office on your Windows 10 PC is quick and easy:
Step 1: Go to the official WPS Office website https://www.wps.com/
Step 2: Click on Free Download.
Step 3: The .exe installer file will download. Double-click to run it.
Step 4: Click Install Now and follow the setup wizard prompts to install WPS Office on your PC.
Step 5: After installation completes, WPS Office is ready to use! The suite integrates smoothly into Windows, with start menu shortcuts for Writer, Presentation and Spreadsheets.
For Windows users without Office, WPS Office is an excellent free alternative for editing documents and spreadsheets after reinstalling your OS.
FAQs
How do I factory reset Windows 10 without settings?
You can factory reset Windows 10 from the login screen. Hold Shift while clicking the Power button and select Troubleshoot > Reset this PC. This will reinstall Windows 10 and wipe all files.
How to reinstall Windows 10 without the original disk?
Use a bootable USB created with the Media Creation Tool or reinstall from the recovery partition. See the methods in this article for reinstalling without disk.
How to repair Windows 10 without reinstalling?
Run SFC and DISM scans to check and repair system file errors. Reset the Windows Update components to fix update issues. Use System Restore to roll back system changes.
How to factory reset Windows 10 with command prompt?
In command prompt window, type “systemreset –factoryreset”. Then, hit Enter. Next, select "Keep My Files" or "Remove Everything" based on your preference for retaining personal files.
Summary
Reinstalling Windows without a setup CD is easy using the methods in this guide. Be sure to back up your data first fully. Creating a bootable USB drive is the simplest approach for most users. Network boot works for corporate networks. Recovery partitions also enable reinstallation without a CD. Avoid common mistakes like insufficient backups, skipping updates, and keeping old files. After reinstalling, equip your PC with free Office software like WPS Office for an efficient and cost-effective desktop environment.
