A clean install is a software installation in which any previous version is eradicated. The alternative to a clean install is an upgrade, in which elements of a previous version remain. The terms are often heard in reference to operating systems (OSes) and software applications.
Whenever an OS is installed on a new computer, or an application is installed for the first time, the installation is considered a "clean" install. With a clean install, the hard disk contains only the new OS. Any existing OS and user files are removed during installation because the hard disk is formatted and completely erased.
Since existing data will be lost after the clean install, the user should back up all data and files beforehand to an external hard drive, another computer or to an online/cloud location to prevent inadvertent loss. It is also a good idea to check the backup to ensure that it contains all the data and files that the user wants to retain and potentially access at a later time.
A clean install differs from an upgrade -- also known as in-place upgrade or in-place install --in which the existing version of the OS or application is retained but updated with the addition of new elements. In an upgrade, user data, files and settings are retained.
If the clean install is for a newer version of an existing software that's already running on the computer, it is known as a clean upgrade.
Both Windows and Mac OS X systems allow a clean install for the OS. Usually, the installation Wizard provides the user with a choice at the beginning of the installation process to select either a standard upgrade (the default option) or a clean install.
A clean install can be a time-consuming process that requires some technical skills and knowledge. In many cases, a clean install is not required to upgrade the OS or application. At such times, it can be easier and safer to opt for a standard upgrade and install. However, there are some situations where a clean install is necessary.
For example, a clean install is preferable when a new user is assigned to a computer (e.g., because the previous owner sold it to a new owner), and also when the OS is installed on a new hard drive.
Here are other situations where a clean install is required:
When an OS upgrade is not possible, due to corrupted or lost files, a clean install may be the only option available to the user.
Similarly, if there are concerns that the previous OS could negatively affect the newly installed OS, a clean install is better than an upgrade.
If a software program or an OS stops working and troubleshooting fails -- including trying the reset feature offered by many OSes -- a clean install is necessary. However, a clean install should only be done if there are serious problems with the OS. This is because all the data on the primary hard drive partition gets erased during the clean install process, and cannot be retrieved later.
A clean install enables users to regain control over the system by eliminating programs and files that have not been used for a long time, if ever. It paves the way for a fresh start with a clean Windows registry and a decluttered system that includes only has the apps the user needs.
A clean install can improve computer performance and speed, which may not be possible with an in-place upgrade, especially on an old system that's been running the same version for a long time.
A full, clean reinstall of Windows is not the same as the "Reset your PC" option in the OS. The latter simply sets the PC back to its factory-default state, which may include some vendor-installed applications or bloatware. With a clean install, the user starts over with a new Windows OS.
A clean install of Windows 10 helps declutter the computer, frees up space, and eliminates performance and speed issues. It also helps remove viruses, Trojans, malware and bloatware from the system, and eliminates system problems like blue screen errors.
Before performing a clean install on Windows 10, it's imperative to back up the entire system, or at least all crucial files, partitioned drives and the recovery drive. It's also important to list which programs need to be reinstalled. For reinstallation, the original installation disks/drivers and/or information about program setup are required.
There are two methods to perform a clean install in Windows 10. They include:
The steps involved in performing a clean install for Windows 10 by this method include:
Here are the steps to perform a clean install via an installation media like a flash drive:
See everything you need to know about Windows 11 and the differences between Windows 11 and Windows 10.
10 Feb 2022