How to perform a quick reinstallation of Windows

So you got a new computer and want to get rid of the junkware and bloatware that comes with it but do not want to spend hours trying to clean it up? Or you got a pre-owned computer and want to get rid of its questionable software. In either case, a quick reinstallation of Windows may be the best option.

So, for this article, I am going to assume that you have a new (to you) computer that is fully functional and want to get it back to factory default. In this case, you do not want to save anything and want a fresh Windows installation. As long as your computer can boot normally, you should have no problems.

For this exercise, you will need two (2) USB drives (8GB or larger), one that can be reformatted for the installation media and one for the drivers for your computer. The first thing you need to do is check the activation status and Windows version.

How to check activation and version of Windows

1. Left-click on the Start button to bring up the Start menu.
2. Left-click on the Settings (gear icon) app to open it.
3. In the left-hand column, click on System.
4. Scroll down the right-hand column and select Activation. If the Activation state is good, note the version, Home or Pro, and you are ready to proceed.

Download the operating system and drivers

It may seem out of order, but we will get the drivers for your system first, then the OS. Depending on whether your computer is a name-brand system or a custom-built one, you will have to find the correct drivers.

The best bet is to perform a Google search for the make/model of your computer (name-brand) or motherboard (custom-built) to find the support page for your system. Then you can choose which drivers you want to download.

Remember that network adapter drivers (ethernet or wifi) are the minimum driver(s) you will need when the reinstallation is complete. Once you have downloaded the drivers, extract them if they are in a compressed file, and then copy them over to one of the USB drives.

Next, download the Windows Media Creation Tool to create the installation media on the second USB drive. Once you download the tool, insert the second USB drive in to your computer and run the Windows Media Creation Tool. Just follow the prompts to create bootable installation media.

When the Windows Media Creation Tool is finished, leave that USB drive attached to your computer and disconnect any other external drive, including the USB drive with the drivers.

Boot your computer on the install drive

1. With the install media attached, left-click on the Start button to bring up the Start menu.
2. Left-click on the Settings (gear icon) app to open it.
3. In the left-hand column, click on System.
4. Scroll down the right-hand column and select Recovery.
5. In the right-hand column to the right of Advanced startup, left-click on Restart now.
6. When your system restarts, it should boot to the Choose an option screen. There, you click on Use a device.
7. Left-click on the USB drive you used for the installation media.
8. Your system should now boot up on the installation USB drive and start the setup program. Proceed through the setup screens until you get to the Select setup option. Make sure that Install Windows 11 is selected and the I agree that everything is going to be deleted checkbox is checked.
9. When prompted for a product key, select I don't have a product key and proceed with the installation. Windows will download the product key and reactivate once the installation is complete and your computer connects to the Internet.