If you are facing performance issues with your Windows 11 computer or your system has been affected by viruses or malware, you should reinstall Windows 11. Reinstalling Windows 11 will perform a fresh installation of Windows on your system and resolve all performance-related issues. The question is how to reinstall Windows 11.
In this article, we will craft a step-by-step guide on how to reinstall Windows 11 in simple and easy steps. Stay with us!
Part 1. Reinstall Windows 11 Preparation
A fresh installation of Windows 11 will erase all your files and folders stored in the Windows drive and on the desktop. You should perform the following steps before making a fresh Windows 11 installation.
1. Backup Your Files
You should create a complete backup of all your files and folders before installing Windows 11. You can backup your files using any of the following methods.
Method 1. Using the System Image Option
This method creates an image of the entire system. You can store this image on an external hard disk, DVD, or a network location. You can use this image to recover the entire data of your system.
Method 2. Using OneDrive
You can also backup your files to Microsoft OneDrive. OneDrive is a cloud storage platform. If you are logged in with a Microsoft account on your system, your files are automatically synced with OneDrive. You can also set up OneDrive from system settings.
2. Check Activation of Windows
If you are using a licensed version of Windows, your fresh installation of Windows will also be activated automatically. Otherwise, you should get a license to start a fresh Windows 11 installation. To check whether your Windows is activated, go to the Settings → System → Activation → Activation State.
3. Note The Current Windows 11 Edition
Before making a fresh installation, take note of the current Windows 11 edition you are using. You can find this information from Settings→ System → About.
4. Download Essential Drivers
Usually, Windows 11 will automatically install all device drivers for your system. However, downloading essential drivers (Wi-Fi, ethernet, and graphics) is good. In case Windows 11 is unable to install the device drivers automatically, you can install them manually.
Part 2. How to Reinstall Windows 11?
You can make a fresh installation of Windows 11 with the help of a USB or without USB. You will need a USB, DVD, or an external HDD for reinstalling Windows 11. We have discussed these methods in detail in the following paragraphs.
1. With a USB Drive
Before using this method, ensure a good internet connection and a blank USB drive with 8 GB of storage space. Follow the below steps to create a Windows 11 installation media.
Step 1: Plug your USB into your computer and go to this page to download the Media Creation Tool.
Step 2: Open the downloaded file to run the Media Creation Tool on your system. You need administrative privileges to run this tool.
Step 3: Accept the license terms if you agree.
Step 4: Uncheck Use the recommended options for this PC to change language and Windows edition.
Step 5: Select the USB flash drive option and click Next.
Step 6: The USB will be formatted, and the Windows will start downloading on the USB drive.
Step 7: After downloading, your USB is ready as a bootable Windows 11 installation media.
Step 8: Restart your PC while holding the Shift key. The system will boot in the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE). Once in the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE), choose to boot from USB.
Step 9: Select your language, time, and keyboard preferences on the Windows setup page.
Step 10: Click the Install Now button.
Step 11: If you reinstall Windows 11, select I don't have a product key on the Activate Windows page. The Windows will automatically activate once you log in with your Microsoft account.
Step 12: Choose the same edition of Windows you already noted, Select the operating system you want to install page, and select Next.
Step 13: Accept the license terms and click the Next button.
Step 14: Select Custom: Install Windows only (advanced) as the install type.
Step 15: Choose the hard drive where you want to install the Windows and click the Next button. Do not delete or format the Windows drive if you want to install Windows without losing data. You can format the Windows drive if you want to make a fresh installation.
Step 16: Your PC will restart after the Windows installation. Wait for the necessary device setup to be completed. Here is your fresh Windows 11 installation completed.
2. Without USB Drive
If you do not have a USB drive, you can also use an ISO image for fresh installation of Windows. Follow these steps to reinstall Windows 11 from ISO.
Step 1: Go to the Microsoft Website, then Download Windows 11 Disk Image (ISO) for x64 devices section, select Windows 11, and click the Download button.
Step 2: Choose the product language and click the confirm button.
Step 3: Click the 64-bit Download button to download the ISO image.
Step 4: When the download is complete, right-click the downloaded ISO image file and select the Mount option.
Step 5: Select the virtual drive of the ISO image from the left pane and double-click the Setup file to begin the installation. Click the Next button on the setup page.
Step 6: Select the Not right now option on the next page and hit the Next button.
Step 7: Accept the license terms to begin the installation.
Step 7: On the Ready to Install page, click Change what to keep, if you do not want to keep your files.
Step 8: Select the Nothing option on the next page and click the Next button.
Step 9: Click the Install button on the next page.
Step 10: Select the hard drive on which you want to install Windows and click the Next button again.
Step 11: Your computer will restart after the Windows installation. You can configure the necessary settings as per your choice after the restart.
Both these methods are used to reinstall Windows 11. You can select a method at your convenience. Both methods are easy and simple.
Part 3. Windows 11 Tips & Tricks
Windows 11 comes with unique features to make your life easier. Here are some tips and tricks to increase productivity, customize your device, and organize your desktop.
1. Talk Instead of Type
Use the Windows + H shortcut to convert the spoken words to text and use the speech recognition feature.
2. Quickly change settings
Use Windows + A to go to the commonly used settings e.g. volume, brightness, and Wifi.
3. Open the Xbox Game Bar over your game
Use Windows + G to open the game bar to chat with your friends or see your game achievements.
4. Stay up-to-date with Windows 11 continuous innovation
Windows 11 continuously checks for updates to provide you with the best experience. You can manually check for updates by going to Start → Settings → Windows Update and pressing the refresh button.
5. Keep your kids safer online
Open Edge, select your profile and select Browse in Kids mode to keep your kids safer online. Kids mode only shows appropriate content and has specific privacy controls.
6. Manage passwords with Microsoft Edge
Microsoft Edge has a feature to store all your login credentials used to log in on different websites. You can easily manage your saved passwords by going to Settings → Profiles → Passwords.
7. Digitize your physical files
You can scan your physical files and store them in OneDrive to easily access them on multiple devices.
8. Scan your PC for viruses
You can quickly scan for viruses by going to Start → Settings → Privacy & security → Windows Security → Virus & threat protection → Quick scan.
9. Search for anything
Use Windows + S to get personalized search results for people, emails, and files on local and shared sites or from the web.
10. Take a screenshot
Press the Windows logo key + Shift + S to capture and select a particular or all area and save it as a picture on your PC.
Part 4. Best Free Office Suite on Your PC- WPS Office
What is WPS Office?
WPS Office is an all-in-one office productivity suit, used by millions of people worldwide. It is the best alternative to Microsoft Office due to its excellent and compelling features. You can open, edit, and customize all your Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and PDF documents using WPS Office. Following are some of the powerful features of WPS Office.
Free To Use
WPS is free to use for everyone. You can download the free version of WPS Office from its official website. There is no subscription cost associated with it.
Multi-Platform Availability
WPS Office is available for all major operating systems. You can conveniently use WPS Office on Windows, Linux, Mac, Android, and iOS devices.
All-in-one Office Solution
WPS Office is an all-in-one office solution for all your office needs. You can easily open all Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and PDF files using WPS Office. WPS Office has a Writer, Sheets, Presentation, and PDF software to open, edit, and design different documents.
I had a wonderful experience using WPS Office. I can easily access all my opened documents in different tabs using a single window. The file conversion option is awesome. There is no need for third party software to convert your files to different formats. The Screen Recorder option helps me to record the screen for making tutorials.
FAQs
1. Can You Reinstall Windows from BIOS?
No, you can not reinstall Windows from BIOS. However, BIOS helps you to boot your computer from the boot files. You can install Windows from a bootable USB, DVD, or network with the necessary Windows setup.
2. Will reinstalling Windows 11 delete everything?
If you are upgrading to Windows 11 from Windows 10, it will not delete anything. However, if you clean install Windows 11, it will delete everything from your hard drive. It is recommended to back up your data before installing Windows 11.
3. Can I install Windows 11 on my computer?
You can install Windows 11 on your computer if it meets the minimum hardware requirements to install Windows 11. You can check these requirements by using the PC Health Check application.
How to reinstall Windows 11 - Wrap-Up
This article discussed different methods regarding how to reinstall Windows 11. You can reinstall Windows 11 from a USB drive or without USB. WPS Office is the best office suite for Windows 11. It is compatible with all file formats of Microsoft Office 365. You can get WPS Office from its official website for free.
