How to install Windows 11 on a new PC from USB
On Windows 11 (version 22H2 or 21H2), a clean installation refers to the process of erasing the hard drive and applying a fresh copy of the OS without custom settings, drivers, apps, or files. Typically, this is the recommended approach to upgrade to the latest version of Windows 11 on compatible hardware to prevent installation issues and fix existing problems. Show
For example, if the computer has had the same setup for a long time, a clean install of Windows 11 can help resolve performance issues, problems shutting down, booting up, memory, and apps. Also, this type of installation is the best method to upgrade from an older version, such as Windows 7 or Windows 8.1. In addition, you can use this option to delete annoying bloatware that came preloaded with the default setup. Microsoft supports multiple ways to clean install Windows 11, including using a USB flash drive to set up the OS on an SSD (Solid-State Drive). It’s also possible to use the “Reset this PC” feature to quickly wipe out the hard drive and reinstall the OS without additional tools. Or, if the device does not start, you can use the Advanced startup options or mount the ISO file to File Explorer to commence a clean install. In this guide, you will learn six different ways to perform a clean installation of Windows 11 22H2 or version 21H2 on your computer. However, before proceeding with these instructions, do these things before installing.
Important: This process will delete everything on your device. It’s recommended to make a full backup of your computer before proceeding. You’ve been warned. Also, these instructions are meant to help you install Windows 11 when it’s officially available, not before. How to clean install Windows 11 from USBUsing a USB flash drive is the most straightforward method to perform a clean install of Windows 11. You can create a bootable media using the Media Creation Tool, Command Prompt, Rufus, or any other third-party tool. (See also this video tutorial with the installation process from USB at the Pureinfotech YouTube channel.) If you choose this method, you also have to make sure the device can start from USB, which means you will have to change the BIOS or UEFI settings. The only caveat is that since these settings are different on most computers, you will have to check your manufacturer support website for more specific details. To perform a clean install of Windows 11 from USB, use these steps:
Once you complete the steps, Windows 11 will continue the installation on the computer. How to clean install Windows 11 from ISO fileAlternatively, you can mount the ISO in File Explorer to launch a clean install or in-place upgrade on a device with the operating system already installed. To clean install Windows 11 with an ISO file, use these steps:
Once you complete the steps, the clean installation process will begin, similar to using the Media Creation Tools or USB flash drive to upgrade the system. How to clean install Windows 11 using Reset this PC local imageThe recovery settings offer another method to start fresh with a clean copy of Windows 11. Unlike the Media Creation Tool, bootable flash drive, and ISO file options, you can only use this method to reinstall Windows 11 on a computer already running the same OS. If you plan to upgrade a computer running Windows 10, Windows 8.1, or Windows 7, you will have to use one of the previous alternative methods. To clean install Windows 11 with the local recovery image, use these steps:
Once you complete the steps, the recovery feature will continue with the reinstallation using the locally available image of Windows 11. If you have a computer from HP, Dell, Acer, or another brand, this process will restore the original settings. This means the factory settings, drivers, applications, and tools the manufacturer included in the custom image. If you don’t want to reinstall the custom manufacturer image, use the “Cloud Download” option (see steps below). How to clean install Windows 11 using Reset this PC Cloud downloadThe Reset this PC feature also includes the “Cloud Download” option, which allows you to reset a computer with a clean installation, removing apps, files, and settings similar to the local image option. The only difference is that the feature will download the installation files from the Microsoft server. The option is available to reinstall Windows 11 when the local image is not working or you do not want to use the same installation settings provided by the manufacturer. If you select the “Cloud download” option, the feature will download the same version already installed on the computer, which means you cannot use this method to upgrade to a newer version. Also, if the device was using a custom image from the manufacturer, the new installation won’t include the custom settings, drivers, or tools. To reinstall Windows 11 with the “Cloud Download” option, use these steps:
After you complete the steps, the feature will reset the computer by erasing and reinstalling a fresh copy of Windows 11 downloaded from the cloud. How to clean install Windows 11 from Advanced startup optionsIf the computer does not boot, the Advanced startup options environment includes the same options included with the “Reset this PC” feature. You can only use this option to reinstall the same version of the OS already installed on the computer. If you want to upgrade to the latest version, you need to use the USB flash drive, Media Creation Tool, or ISO file options. To clean install Windows 11 from the Advanced startup options, use these steps:
Once you complete the steps, Windows 11 will reinstall, resolving the existing problems. The completion time will depend on your computer hardware configuration and the selected reset configuration. How to clean install Windows 11 using Media Creation ToolStarting with Windows 11, the Media Creation Tool no longer includes an option to perform a clean installation or in-place upgrade. You can only use the tool to create a bootable media to perform an installation using a USB flash drive or ISO file. If you want to proceed with the Media Creation Tool, you can use it to create an installation media, and then you can launch the setup from the USB flash drive. To use the Media Creation Tool to create a bootable USB install media and proceed with the setup, use these steps:
After you complete the steps, the setup will continue with the fresh installation of Windows 11. Can I install Windows 11 directly from USB?Attach the USB flash drive or insert the DVD on the PC where you want to install Windows 11. Restart your PC. If your PC does not automatically boot to the USB or DVD media, you might have to open a boot menu or change the boot order in your PC's BIOS or UEFI settings.
Can I install Windows 11 on another PC?If you just want to do a clean install from a bootable USB drive, the Windows 11 USB installer will run normally on any PC as long as Secure Boot is enabled and some flavor of TPM is present, no registry edits required.
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