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How to clean install windows 11 (easy & quick)

November 1, 2023 1.2K views

People want to learn how a clean install Windows 11 clean, how it can benefit your computer's performance, and how to do it correctly. They might be confused about the Windows 11 clean install process and about data loss.

You may want to know what is a clean install of Windows 11 and if you will lose your files during the clean installation. The following article will provide you with useful information.

Part 1: What Is a Clean Install?

A clean install is a term that is commonly known by people who use different software. It refers to when you install a new version of the software and its previous one is removed. It means that when you clean and install windows 11, any previous version is removed.

One must keep in mind that clean installation refers to the beginning of a new journey with no past. Hence, you may not be able to view, access, or retrieve your old files after clean install Windows 11.

Part 2: Why Should I Consider a Clean Install of Windows 11?

Windows 11 reading


Millions of people worldwide consider clean install Windows 11 for their computers. This process is very important because it enables users to regain control over their system by eliminating harmful or useless files. Hence, clean install windows can pave a fresh path for users to ensure that they have a decluttered system ready for use.

Hence, a clean install of Windows 11 can allow you to add only the files that you need in your system. However, users only consider clean install Windows 11 when the damage is irreversible. This means that they may never be able to view or alter the lost files.

Here are some of the reasons you may want to consider a clean install Windows 11.

  • Better Performance

A clean install Windows 11 gives you the opportunity to remove all temporary and other unnecessary files from your system. This removal of load can help improve the overall performance of your system.

  • More Stability

A clean install Windows 11 can help you get rid of unnecessary and corrupted files from your computer. This way, the chances of errors and system crashes can also be reduced to enhance the stability of your home.

  • Enhanced Security

When you clean install Windows 11 in your system, you are making sure that all malware and viruses get out of your system. This way, you can enhance the security of your system and protect your personal data.

  • Customization Opportunity

Everyone wants full control of their system. A clean install Windows 11 gives you an opportunity to customize your system the way you want. This way, you can also choose the apps and programs you want to install.

  • Fresh Start

The best part about clean install Windows 11 is that it is a fresh start. It means that you can have full control over your system without worrying about any malware or annoying data from the past version of Windows.

Part 3: Preparation for the Clean Installation of Windows 11

There are many reasons for people to consider clean install Windows 11 on their system. There are some system requirements that they must follow to successfully install Windows 11 on their computer and take a fresh start.

Here are some important things you must do before you consider clean install Windows 11 on you system. Once you are confident about all these steps, you can consider installing clean Windows 11 on your system.

  1. Data Backup

One of the most important things you must know before clean install Windows 11 is that you will wipe your data. Hence, you must back up all the useful data before you proceed with the process.

  1. Use Bootable USB

A bootable USB drive is necessary for a clean install of Windows 11. It enables a clean installation process that may use third-party software or the Windows 11 Media Creation Tools.

  1. Review the System Requirements

Your system must meet the minimum requirements for the clean install Windows 11. You must check the processor, RAM, storage, graphic card requirements, and other factors to ensure that your system is compatible with Windows 11.

  1. Download Drivers

Your system needs the latest driver requirements for a clean install Windows 11. These drivers may include graphic cards, sound cards, network cards, and so on. These drivers can ensure that your system runs smoothly after a clean install Windows 11.

  1. Disable Secure Boot

You can go to the BIOS settings of your computer to disable the secure boot and fast startup option of your computer. It can prevent issues during and after the clean install Windows 11 on your system.

Part 4: Step-by-Step Guide for the Clean Install Process

Here is a step-by-step guide to cleaning and installing Windows 11 on your system. You can use these steps easily and create a path to your new start-up for Windows. It can ease your work on your system.

  1. Using USB

Here are some essential steps that can help you clean install windows 11 with USB.

Step 1: Go to Microsoft.com and download the PC Health Check App by Microsoft.

Health PC App


Step 2: Once the application is installed, run it on your computer to see if it meets the minimum requirements for clean install windows 11.

WIndows 11 requirments


Step 3: If your system meets the minimum requirement for clean install Windows 11, you can go to the official website of Microsoft Office and download the Windows 11 installation media.

Download Windows 11 Installation


Step 4: After that, go to the download location and open the application.

Media creation tool


Step 5: Accept the license agreement to proceed.

Accept terms and conditions


Step 6: Once you accept the privacy statement, plug in your USB and go to the Windows 11 setup.

Step 7: Now, you can choose a USB device option. Make sure that your USB is at least 8 GB or more.

USB flash option


Step 8: Select your USB device from the given options and wait for the process to complete. Once it is completed, you can click on Finish. You can eject your flash drive now.

WIndows 11 downloading

Step 9: Go to the BIOS setting of your computer to start the Windows setup. Once it is completed, you can enter the clean install Windows 11.

WIndows 11 set up


  1. Without a CD or USB

Many people worry that they may not be able to clean install Windows 11 without a USB drive or a CD. However, you do not have to worry about anything because it is not impossible. You can do so easily by following the given steps.

Step 1: Go to Microsoft.com and look for the Windows 11 download action option. Here, you can click on create Windows 11 installation media and wait for the download to show in your files.

Media creation tool download


Step 2: You can open the file when it is downloaded to launch a Windows 11 prompt.

Download now windows


Step 3: Now, you can select the language and edition. For this step, make sure that you let this prompt use the recommended options.

Language and Edition selection


Step 4: Since you do not have a USB, you may want to use the ISO file option to download the needed file on your computer.

ISO file


Step 5: You can save the Windows file on your desired location and launch the file. It will take a few minutes for Windows 11 to be downloaded. Make sure that you have a steady internet connection through this time.

Windows file save option


Step 6: While the Windows 11 downloads, you can go to the Windows menu and look for My PC. After that, click on manage.

Manage This PC


Step 7: Go to Disk Management and look for the part of your hard disk you can shrink. Right-click on the drive and click on shrink volume.

Shrink Disk volume

Step 8: After that, you can give the desired weightage to your drive. This way, you can reassign value to your drive.

Disk Volume readjustment


Step 9: Now you can create a new partition and assign a name to it.

Creating a new partition


Step 10: Now you can go back to the download prompt of clean install Windows 11. Here you can click finish and go back to the downloaded file. Make a right click and press extract all.

extract files with WinRar


Step 11: Now you can choose the destination for your clean install Windows 11. You must choose the destination of the new partition that we created.

Windows 11 clean install


Step 12: It will take a few minutes for the files to be downloaded on your PC. Give it some time to complete.

Windows 11 downloading

Step 13: Restart your computer and a prompt will appear. Choose Windows 11 clean install to start the installation

Window 11 clean install start up

Step 14: Choose the language and other needed information to set up and clean install Windows 11 on your system.

WIndows 11 set up

Step 15: Choose the custom install option. You can delete the unnecessary partition after you clean install Windows 11.

Install option for windows

User Feedback and Experience

Most users find it easier to clean and install Windows 11 with the help of a USB. After all, not everyone likes dealing with complicated partitions. Therefore, it is better to get a USB of at least 8GB and use that to clean and install Windows 11.

In addition, clean installing Windows 11 also gives you the opportunity to back up your data so it is not lost after the cleanup. If you do not back up your data, you may be unable to retrieve the lost data again.

Your Perfect Companion for Windows 11 - WPS Office

WPS Office homepage

With millions of users around the world, WPS Office is a user-friendly and feature-rich platform for you to create, view, and edit documents. With a variety of features, it is an ideal productivity partner for yourevery dayeverydayand day-to-day needs.

While many people choose Microsoft Word to go with their clean install Windows 11, it is better to look for reliable alternatives such as WPS. There are many reasons, such as free installation, cloud services, ease of use, and thousands of format options that set WPS Office apart from Microsoft.

From Spreadsheets to a dedicated platform forpresentationsand many tools, WPS Office is an idealproductivitypartner for millions of people worldwide. It is an ideal partner for people using differing platforms, including Windows 11.

You can visit wps.com and download the free version for your desktop, it is compatible with Windows. iOS, Linux, Android, and many other operating systems. You can find your productivity partner for free today.

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FAQs

Here are some answers to the most frequently asked questions about clean install Windows 11.

  1. Will I lose everything if I do a clean install of Windows 11?

In most cases, people do lose their data when they clean install Windows 11. However, you can save your data by choosing the right way to install your clean Windows 11. Your files are at a higher risk of being deleted if you download a Media Creation Tool or DVD for Windows 11 installation.

On the contrary, you may lose all data if you create a partition. That is why, it is best to back up all data prior to the clean install of windows 11 before you proceed without a USB device.

  1. How long does a clean install of Windows 11 take?

If you use an up-to-date SSD, it may take 10-20 minutes to install Windows 11 on your device. However, older versions and slower systems may take more time. it can also depend on your internet connection and system speed.

  1. Can I clean install Windows 11 for free?

If you are already using Windows 10, Windows 11 is a free upgrade for you. Your Windows 10 installation must be activated for this to work. You can upgrade or perform a clean install Windows 11 without much hassle.

Best Companion for Windows 11- WPS Office

Most people go with Microsoft Office when they clean and install Windows 11. However, it can be costly to afford and hard to use. Hence, everyone appreciates a better alternative that can fulfill their productivity needs and offer better support.

With millions of users around the world, WPS Office is one of the widely used platforms that is free of cost and user-friendly. It is compatible with many operating systems such as Linux, Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, and much more. You can visit wps.com today and explore all possible options.


15 years of office industry experience, tech lover and copywriter. Follow me for product reviews, comparisons, and recommendations for new apps and software.