How to do a clean installation of Windows 11
A clean installation of Windows 11 is the process of completely erasing the reckoner'southward difficult drive and applying a fresh copy of the Bone to configure a new laptop or desktop computer. Or you can use this method to resolve bug with an existing setup. For instance, to fix memory, shut down, startup, apps, stability, and performance issues. Furthermore, and perhaps more importantly, a Windows 11 make clean install tin improve battery life and is the best method to become rid of viruses and other types of malware.
If yous 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. This method allows y'all to decommission the device safely without giving away your personal files. Also, this is typically the approach you will apply to install Windows 11 when replacing the difficult drive.
If yous have had the aforementioned configuration for a long time, this would be the preferred option to upgrade from an older version (such equally Windows 10 or Windows viii.1) while minimizing the chances of issues during and later the procedure.
In this Windows eleven guide, we volition walk you through the complete process to exercise a clean installation, whether you are setting up a new computer or upgrading from Windows 10 or an older version.
- How to prepare calculator for make clean install of Windows 11
- How to create USB bootable media to clean install of Windows 11
- How to perform clean install of Windows xi
- How to consummate setup after clean install of Windows 11
How to prepare PC for clean install of Windows 11
A 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 yous already accept a backup of the figurer and files. You lot have an activation cardinal, or the current setup is activated correctly. The device tin can start from a USB flash drive, and you disconnected not-essential peripherals, then you can skip this role to the bootable media creation and a clean install process.
Create backup
You should e'er accept an updated backup of the entire device before proceeding with a clean installation to have a fashion to recover in case something goes wrong. Unless, of grade, you do not have anything important you want to keep. (The backup procedure should be similar on Windows 11, 10, and 8.1.)
Backup unabridged arrangement
On Windows eleven or Windows ten, you can cull from many solutions. However, the easiest way to create a total backup is to use the legacy Organisation Image Backup tool. The tool is also available for Windows 8.i and older versions.
Backup files to OneDrive
If y'all need to fill-in your documents, pictures, and other important files, you can upload the data to OneDrive or another deject storage service.
In the example of OneDrive, y'all tin can also utilise the fill-in settings page to sync your profile folders (Documents, Pictures, and Desktop) to the cloud automatically.
To configure OneDrive fill-in, utilise these steps:
- Click the OneDrive (cloud) button from the notification expanse.
- Click the Help & Settings carte du jour.
-
Select the Settings pick.
- Click on Backup.
-
Click the Manage fill-in button.
- (Optional) Click to clear the binder you don't want to backup in the deject.
-
Click the Start fill-in button.
Once you consummate the steps, OneDrive will fill-in the files inside the user profile folders into the cloud and beyond computers.
Backup files to external storage
In the example that you accept a lot of files, uploading to the cloud be expensive and it could take a long time. If this is the case, the culling all-time option would exist copying the files to an external USB hard drive.
To create a file backup manually, connect a bulldoze with plenty storage, and use these steps:
- Open up File Explorer.
-
Type the following path in the accost bar and press Enter:
%HOMEPATH%
Quick tip: You lot tin access other profiles folders from C:\Users.
- Utilize the Ctrl + A keyboard shortcut or use the mouse to select all the folders.
-
Right-click the option and choose the Copy option.
- Navigate to the external USB storage.
-
Right-click on an empty space and select the Paste pick.
After you complete the steps, repeat the instructions to backup the remaining accounts (if applicable).
In addition to making a copy of your files, it'southward besides recommended to create a list of the installed programs with their respective production keys (if applicable) to know which apps you demand to reinstall in the new setup.
If you usually do non sync passwords and bookmarks with an online service, this is a good time to export your browser credentials and links.
If yous are in the market for a new external storage, nosotros recommend the Western Digital My Book Desktop because of its portability, capacity, and price.
Cheque Windows 10 activation
One time Windows 11 or Windows 10 has been properly activated, the product key is no longer necessary in future installations for the same computer. After the installation, Windows will (at some bespeak) reactivate automatically.
To ostend if Windows ten is correctly activated, utilise these steps:
- Open up Settings.
- Click on Update & Security.
- Click on Activation.
-
Under the "Windows" section, confirm the activation. If the device has been properly activated, you lot'll encounter 1 of these messages:
- Windows is activated with a digital license: The installation has been activated, simply information technology isn't linked to your Microsoft account.
- Windows is activated with a digital license linked to your Microsoft account: The installation has been activated, and the license is linked to your Microsoft account.
After you consummate the steps, Windows xi should automatically reactivate after the clean installation.
Check Windows xi activation
If you already have Windows 11, you can utilise these steps to confirm the activation:
- Open up Settings.
- Click on System.
- Click the Activation page on the right-side.
-
Click the Activation state setting:
- Windows is activated with a digital license: The installation has been activated, but information technology isn't linked to your Microsoft business relationship.
- Windows is activated with a digital license linked to your Microsoft account: The installation has been activated, and the license is linked to your Microsoft account.
Once y'all complete the steps, the new installation will reactivate automatically.
Cheque Windows 8.1 activation
If y'all are still running Windows viii.ane, you lot tin can use these steps to ostend the activation:
- Open PC settings.
- Click on PC and devices.
- Click on PC info.
-
Confirm activation.
Once you complete the steps, Windows 11 will reactivate automatically. Microsoft does not support the upgrade path from Windows viii.ane (or even Windows 7) to Windows 11, but you can nevertheless setup the new OS as long as the device meets the minimum requirements.
Obtain Windows 11 genuine key
When setting up a new device that had never any version of Windows, yous will have buy a valid license from the Microsoft Store, Amazon, or another retailer. (You should be able to activate the installation with a Windows 11, 10, eight.1, or 7 product key.)
Download essential drivers
Although Windows 11 does a adept task detecting and installing device drivers automatically, information technology's also recommended to download the essential ones before the process (for instance, Ethernet, Wi-Fi, and graphics) equally a precaution if the installation fails to add these drivers correctly. This is typically not an result with branded devices (Dell, HP, etc.), only this could exist a problem for custom builds.
You can utilise our guide to install device drivers on Windows 10.
Hither'southward a listing of websites from the nearly pop manufacturers to download the latest device drivers.
- Dell
- HP
- Lenovo
- ASUS
- Acer
- Samsung
- MSI
Since Windows eleven is based on Windows 10, nigh any driver designed for the latest version of Windows 10 should exist theoretically compatible with Windows 11.
Confirm Windows eleven requirements
Although you lot may take a reckoner already running Windows ten, information technology does non necessarily mean that it will run Windows 11. Microsoft is increasing the minimum hardware requirements to ensure security, performance, and stability this time effectually.
Here are the minimum requirements to install Windows xi:
- CPU: 1GHz or faster or Arrangement on a Chip (SoC) with two cores minimum.
- RAM: 4GB.
- Storage: 64GB or larger.
- Firmware: UEFI with Secure Boot capable.
- TPM: Trusted Platform Module (TPM) version 2.0.
- Graphics: Compatible with DirectX 12 or after with WDDM 2.0 driver.
- Display resolution: Loftier definition (720p) display greater than 9-inch diagonally, 8 bits per color channel.
In addition to the requirements, if yous upgrade to Windows xi Dwelling house, yous will too need an net connection to consummate the initial setup.
Manually compatibility check
To check the basic hardware specs, use these steps:
- Open Settings.
- Click on System.
- Click on Most.
-
Confirm the processor, memory, and system type.
Quick note: The retentiveness should exist greater than 4GB, and the processor must be an Intel's 7th Get 7820HQ, Core Ten, Xeon W, or 8th Gen or newer or an AMD Zen 2 or newer. Y'all tin find more information on the processor compatibility in this guide. Also, the organization blazon must exist 64-bit. Windows 11 does not come in 32-flake.
- Click on Storage.
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Confirm the main drive is greater than 64GB.
You can also cheque your laptop or desktop hardware specification on the manufacturer'south back up website.
In addition, you volition also need to make sure that the computer has enabled the Trusted Platform Module (TPM) version two.0. You tin complete this chore with these instructions.
Secure Boot is also a requirement, and it must be enabled to run Windows 11. You can utilise this guide to check the feature state and the steps to turn it on as necessary.
PC Health Bank check app
Alternatively, you lot tin can likewise apply the PC Health Check app to decide if your device can run Windows 11.
To check if your estimator will run Windows 11, use these steps:
-
Open PC Health Cheque download folio.
Quick notation: The download selection is at the bottom of the page.
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Under the "Check for compatibility" section, click the Download PC Health Cheque App button.
- Double-click the WindowsPCHealthCheckSetup.msi file.
- Click the I take the terms in the License Agreement option.
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Click the Install button.
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Check the Open up Windows PC Wellness Check option (if applicable).
- Click the Stop button.
- Nether the "Introducing Windows 11" department, click the Bank check at present button.
-
Click the See all results push button to brandish the final study.
After yous consummate the steps, yous will know if your PC can handle the new version. If at that place'south a check that the computer didn't pass, use the available links in the app to find out what you tin can practise to remedy the block.
Change kicking lodge on firmware and enable TPM and Secure Boot
You also have to make sure the computer tin start from a USB flash bulldoze. If this is not the case, you lot will demand to change the Unified Extensible Firmware Interface (UEFI) on the motherboard. Also, if necessary, you lot can apply these steps to enable TPM and Secure Boot.
Modify boot order using UEFI
On devices already running Windows 11, x, or viii.one, y'all tin can access the settings to change the kicking society from within the desktop environment.
UEFI settings on Windows 11
To change the UEFI boot settings on Windows xi, apply these steps:
- Open up Settings.
- Click on System.
- Click the Recovery folio on the right side.
-
Nether the "Recovery options" section, click the Restart now button for the "Advanced startup" setting.
- Click the Restart now butto again.
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Click the Troubleshoot push.
- Click on Avant-garde options.
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Click the UEFI Firmware Settings selection.
- Click the Restart push.
- While in the motherboard firmware settings, open the Boot page.
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Set the boot order to showtime from the USB flash drive with the Windows 11 installation files.
- Relieve the changes.
Once yous complete the steps, the device will be able tos tart from the USB bootable media, and then you lot can proceed with the setup.
UEFI settings on Windows 10
To change the UEFI boot settings on Windows 10, use these steps:
- Open Settings.
- Click on Update & Security.
- Click on Recovery.
-
Under the "Advanced Startup" section, click the Restart now button.
-
Click the Troubleshoot button.
- Click on Advanced options.
-
Click the UEFI Firmware Settings option.
- Click the Restart button.
- While in the motherboard firmware settings, open up the Boot page.
-
Set the kick order to start from the USB flash drive with the Windows 11 installation files.
- (Optional) Open the Security folio.
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Enable the Trusted Platform Module (TPM) option (if applicable).
- (Optional) Enable the Secure Boot option (if applicable).
- Save the changes.
After you complete the steps, the reckoner should at present be able to start from a USB bootable media.
UEFI settings on Windows 8.1
To alter the UEFI boot settings on Windows 8.1, use these steps:
- Open Settings.
- Click on Update and recovery.
- Click on Recovery.
-
Under the "Avant-garde Startup" section, click the Restart now button.
-
Click the Troubleshoot option.
- Click on Avant-garde options.
-
Click the UEFI Firmware Settings option.
- Click the Restart button.
- While in the motherboard firmware settings, open up the Boot page.
-
Gear up the boot order to kickoff from the USB media with the Windows xi installation files.
- (Optional) Open the Security page.
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Enable the Trusted Platform Module (TPM) pick (if applicable).
- (Optional) Enable the Secure Boot option (if applicable).
- Salvage the changes.
After you lot complete the steps, the computer can kickoff from the bootable USB bulldoze to go along with the clean installation procedure.
Configure kick order using UEFI
If you do not accept access to the desktop environment of Windows, y'all tin change the boot lodge with these steps:
- Start the computer.
- Equally soon every bit the computer starts booting up, press one of the part keys (F1, F2, F3, F10, or F12), the ESC, or the Delete primal.
- While in the motherboard firmware settings, open the Boot page.
-
Set the boot order to start from the USB media with the Windows 11 installation files.
- (Optional) Open up the Security folio.
-
Enable the Trusted Platform Module (TPM) selection (if applicative).
- (Optional) Enable the Secure Kick option (if applicative).
- Salvage the changes.
Once you complete the steps, the computer should be able to kick from the Windows 11 USB flash drive.
Disconnect non-essential peripherals
Peripherals connected to the computer tin cause problems during the installation process. If yous have non-essential peripherals (such as removable storage and other USB and Bluetooth devices as well as printers, scanners, cameras, and others), information technology is recommended to remove them.
During the make clean installation of Windows 11, you only need a monitor, keyboard, mouse, and internet connection. Later on the setup, you can reconnect the peripherals (1 at a time) to ensure they do not cause whatsoever issues.
How to create USB for clean install of Windows xi
On Windows 11, yous volition need a USB bootable media to perform a clean installation, which you tin easily create using many tools, including the Microsoft Media Cosmos Tool and Rufus.
Create Windows 11 USB with Media Cosmos Tool
To create an installation media using the Media Creation Tool, connect a USB flash drive of at least 8GB of infinite, and use these steps:
- Open Windows 11 download page.
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Under the "Create Windows 11 Installation Media" section, click the Download now button to save the file on the device.
- Double-click the MediaCreationToolW11.exe file to launch the tool.
- Click the Take button to agree to the terms.
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(Optional) Articulate the Utilize the recommended options for this PC option.
- Select the correct language and edition of Windows 11.
- Click the Next button.
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Select the USB flash drive option.
- Click the Next push
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Select the USB flash bulldoze.
Quick tip: If the device is non in the list, click the "Refresh drive list" option to brand it available.
- Click the Next push.
- Click the Finish button.
After you complete the steps, the application volition download the files and create an installation media, which you can then utilise to boot the device and proceed with a fresh re-create of Windows 11.
Create Windows 11 USB with Rufus
You can also use the Rufus tool to create the installation media. Rufus is a free tool with many options to help you create a bootable media of Windows eleven, x, or eight.1 faster. However, it's important to remember that information technology's a third-party option, which Microsoft does not back up. Every bit such, utilise it at your ain risk.
To use Rufus to create a Windows 11 USB installer, connect a flash drive of at least 8GB of space, and then use these steps:
- Open Rufus download page.
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Under the "Download" section, click the link to save the latest release on your device.
- Double-click the Rufus-10.xx.exe file to launch the tool.
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Click the Settings push button (tertiary button from the left) at the bottom of the page.
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Under the "Settings" department, use the Check for updates drop-down carte du jour and select the Daily selection.
Quick tip: These steps are necessary to enable the ISO download characteristic.
- Click the Close push.
- Close the Rufus tool.
- Relaunch the Rufus tool.
- Nether the "Device" department, utilise the drop-down bill of fare to select the USB flash drive.
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Under the "Boot selection" section, click the down pointer button on the right and select the Download option.
Quick tip: If you already have an ISO file, click the Select button, select the Windows eleven ISO file, and continue with pace No. 24.
- Click the Download button.
- Utilize the "Version" drop-downwards menu and select the Windows 11 option.
- Click the Proceed push button.
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Select the latest build – for example, 21H2 (build 22000.194 - 2022.ten).
- Click the Keep button.
- Utilize the "Edition" drop-down carte and select the Windows eleven Home/Pro option.
- Click the Continue button.
-
Utilize the "Language" drop-downwards menu and select your installation language.
Quick tip: If you are in the United states of america, select the "English" option, not "English International."
- Click the Continue button.
- Use the "Compages" driblet-downward carte and select the 64-flake since Windows 11 doesn't come up in 32-bit.
- Click the Download button.
- Select a binder location to download the ISO file.
- Click the Save push button.
- Use the "Prototype option" driblet-down menu to select the Standard Windows installation option.
- Use the "Sectionalization scheme" driblet-down menu to select the GPT option.
-
Use the "Target system" drop-down menu to select the UEFI (non CSM) option.
- Under the "Show Advanced drive properties" section, don't modify the default settings.
- Nether the "Volume label" field, enter a descriptive name for the drive — for instance, "win11_usb."
- Don't alter the default settings under the "File arrangement" and "Cluster size" sections.
- Click the Show avant-garde format options button.
- Select the Quick format and Create extended label and icon files options.
- Click the Start push button.
- Click the OK button to confirm.
- Click the Shut button.
Once you consummate the steps, Rufus volition download the ISO file from the Microsoft servers and create the bootable installation media.
How to perform make clean install of Windows eleven
The Windows 11 installation has 2 parts, similar on Windows ten. First is the setup, and second is the out-of-box feel (OOBE). In the showtime part, you will configure some basic settings, select the target drive, configure the partitions, and brainstorm the clean installation process.
The 2nd part happens after the installation, and information technology is where you will cull your settings (such as region, keyboard, network), create an account, and confirm your privacy settings.
Windows xi clean install process
After the preparation instructions, y'all can proceed with the make clean install of Windows 11, which is straightforward.
Alarm: This is some other friendly reminder that this process will erase everything on the estimator. Before proceeding, it's always recommended to brand a temporary full fill-in of your PC.
To do a make clean installation of Windows 11, utilize these steps:
- First the PC with Windows 11 USB flash drive.
- On prompt, press whatever key to kick from the device.
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On the "Windows Setup," click the Next button.
Quick tip: If your language, fourth dimension and currency, and keyboard are different from the default selections, make sure to select the correct settings before continuing.
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Click the Install now push.
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If this is a reinstallation, click the I don't take a product central option to continue. Otherwise, in the case that this is your commencement time installing Windows 11, enter the product key.
Quick tip: In either case, you can always complete the installation and so actuate using the Settings app.
- Click the Next push button.
-
Select the edition of Windows 11 (If applicative).
Quick note: The selection has to lucifer the edition that the product key activates. If you lot do not select the correct edition, Windows 11 won't activate, and you will have to redo the entire procedure again.
- Click the Next button.
- Select the I accept the license terms selection to continue.
- Click the Next button.
-
Click the Custom: Install Windows only (Advanced) selection to continue with a clean installation.
-
Select the partitioning with the current installation (usually "Bulldoze 0"), and click the Delete button.
Quick tip: If "Bulldoze 0" has multiple partitions, you have to select and delete each sectionalization to allow the setup to employ the entire difficult drive for the new setup. The Windows 11 setup will create the required partitions automatically during the process. Also, it is not necessary to delete the partitions on secondary drives.
- Click the Yes button.
-
Select the empty bulldoze (Drive 0 Unallocated Space).
- Click the Adjacent button.
Subsequently you complete the steps, the setup volition install a fresh re-create of Windows 11 on the laptop or desktop computer.
If you plan to get rid of the device, yous tin can finish now and let the new owner go through the out-of-box experience. Yet, yous are upgrading the system, continue with the instructions below.
Windows eleven out-of-box experience
After the installation, yous have to continue with the OOBE to cull your preferences and create a new account.
To complete the out-of-box experience on Windows 11, utilise these steps:
-
Select your region.
- Click the Next push.
-
Select your keyboard layout setting.
- Click the Yeah push.
-
Click the Skip button unless you need to select a second layout.
-
Connect to the Wi-Fi network (if applicable).
Quick notation: If you are using an Ethernet connexion, the device will connect automatically.
-
(Optional) Confirm a proper noun for the device.
-
Click the Next button.
Quick note: If you keep with this step, the device will restart automatically, just you volition exist able to option up where you left off.
-
Select the Gear up up for personal use selection on Windows 11 Pro. Windows 11 Habitation does not take this option.
- Click the Adjacent button.
-
Ostend your Microsoft account to create an account.
- Click the Next button.
- Confirm your account password.
- Click the Next push.
-
Click the Create PIN push button.
-
Create a four-digit Pin to log in without a password.
- Click the OK push.
-
Select the Gear up as new device choice.
Quick note: If you lot use the same Microsoft account associated with other Windows installations, you lot can select to restore your settings from a previous installation. Withal, if you want to start fresh, you should choose to prepare a new device.
- Click the Side by side button.
- Cull your privacy settings.
-
Click the Next button.
- Click the Next button again.
- Click the Take button.
- Select one or more than means you plan to use the device to allow the setup to advise tools, services, and ads throughout your Windows 11 experience.
-
Click the Accept or Skip push button to skip this configuration.
-
Select the Back up my files with OneDrive option to automatically upload the Desktop, Pictures, and Documents folders to the deject. Or Select the Only salve file to this PC choice to keep your files on your device.
- Click the Side by side button.
-
Click the No, thanks button to skip the Microsoft Office installation unless you lot have a subscription.
One time y'all complete the steps, the process will continue and end setting up the computer automatically.
How to complete setup later install of Windows 11
After the installation, y'all should download whatever available organisation and driver updates and confirm that Windows eleven is properly activated.
Install updates
To check for updates on Windows xi, use these steps:
- Open Settings.
- Click on Windows Update.
-
Click the Check for updates button.
One time you complete the steps, the bachelor updates volition download and install automatically.
Cheque missing drivers
To make up one's mind whether device drivers are missing, use these steps:
- Open Beginning.
- Search for Device Manager and click the top effect to open the app.
-
Ostend that none of the devices have a xanthous or ruby-red marking, and make sure cipher is listed as unknown.
If multiple devices have problems, yous may need to manually download and install the latest drivers from your computer manufacturer's support website.
Install missing drivers
Windows Update may also include updates for drivers, but these might be optional installs. If the device is missing one or multiple drivers, you may be able to download them from Windows Update.
To download missing drivers using Windows Update, use these steps:
- Open Settings.
- Click on Windows Update.
- Click the Advanced options page.
-
Under the "Additional options" section, click the Optional updates choice.
Quick tip: If the selection isn't bachelor, it ways that Windows Update doesn't have whatever commuter updates for your device at that time.
- Click the Commuter updates department.
- Select the missing driver.
- Click the Download and install button.
Later on yous complete the steps, Windows Update volition download and install the missing drivers automatically.
Confirm activation
To confirm Windows 11 was activated correctly, use these steps:
- Open Settings.
- Click on Arrangement.
- Click the Activation page on the right-side.
- Click the Activation state setting.
-
If Windows 11 is activated successfully, one of the following letters would appear:
- Windows is activated with a digital license: The installation has been activated, merely it isn't linked to your Microsoft account.
- Windows is activated with a digital license linked to your Microsoft account: The installation has been activated, and the license is linked to your Microsoft account.
If the installation is not activated, the arrangement volition endeavour to reactivate at a after time.
Reinstall apps
Once you consummate the mail service-installation steps, information technology's fourth dimension to reinstall your applications, including your favorite web browser, such every bit Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, or Opera to browse the web if different from Microsoft Edge.
If y'all utilize Spotify or iTunes to mind to tunes while working or surfing the cyberspace, you tin can download these apps and other from the Microsoft Shop.
As well, you lot should now download and install the suite of Role apps to get-go working with Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook.
Restore files from backup
If you created a backup, yous could at present restore the files on the new installation. In the instance you are using OneDrive, the files should already exist syncing to your device. However, if the app did not configure automatically, yous tin can apply this guide.
In the example that the backup you created is located on an external storage, then connect the drive to the computer and restore the data.
To restore files from a previous fill-in on Windows 11, use these steps:
- Open File Explorer.
- Under the This PC section in the left pane, select the external drive with the files fill-in.
-
Select the folders with the file that you want to restore.
Quick tip: If yous backed the profile folders (Desktop, Documents, Downloads, Pictures, etc.) manually, information technology'south best to open each folder, select the contents, and and then restore them inside the respective folder in the new installation.
-
Correct-click the selection and cull the Copy selection.
- Navigate to the destination binder to restore the files — for instance, the Documents folder.
-
Correct-click on an empty space and select the Paste option.
Subsequently you lot complete the steps, the files will restore in the location you specified.
While there are multiple ways to approach a clean installation, such as using the Media Creation Tool or the Reset this PC feature, these methods are limited and don't ever work equally expected.
More Windows resource
For more helpful articles, coverage, and answers to common questions about Windows 10 and Windows 11, visit the following resources:
- Windows 10 on Windows Key — All yous need to know
- Windows 10 assistance, tips, and tricks
- Windows 11 on Windows Central — All you lot demand to know
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Source: https://www.windowscentral.com/how-do-clean-install-windows-11
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