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How to repair Windows 10 (and 11) in 4 steps | Computerworld
It also requires more than average technical skills and, usually, some post-installation futzing to get all hardware working properly and to ensure that the right features are available. After that’s complete, you’ll need to use Windows Update to install the latest updates, including hardware drivers for devices that aren’t included as part of a standard Windows setup.
If you did the installation without formatting the system drive first, you’ll need to clean up the Windows. A clean install is the ultimate troubleshooting technique, but it’s also the best way to repurpose a device you no longer need or to get a fresh start.
By my count, there are four ways to do a clean install. Here are the pros and cons of each. Must-see offer. How to perform a clean install of Windows Here’s a step-by-step checklist.
Windows 10 Here’s how you can still get a free Windows 10 upgrade Is your Windows license legal? Should you even care? The top Windows laptops compared How to manage your security questions for a local Windows account.
Show Comments. Cortana is a somewhat useful digital assistant, but there’s a tradeoff in using it: To do its job well, it needs to know things about you such as your home location, place of work, and the times and route you take to commute there.
If you’re worried it will invade your privacy by doing that, there are a few things you can do to limit the information Cortana gathers about you. But there’s some information you’ll have to share with Cortana if you want to use the assistant at all. Start by opening Cortana settings: Click the Cortana icon to the right of the Windows search box it’s a circle , then click the three-dot icon in the upper left of the screen and select the settings icon that appears in the pane.
Then click Privacy. A panel appears that lets you, to a limited extent, limit the information Cortana gathers about you. Here’s the central location for handling privacy in Cortana, but there’s not a lot you can do to limit its privacy gathering if you want to continue to use it. Click Revoke permission and sign out , and you’ll be signed out of Cortana, your chat history will be cleared, and Cortana won’t track information such as your location or connect with your calendar, email, contacts and other apps and services.
But you won’t be able to use Cortana, either. The next time you sign in, Cortana will once against track you and connect with all those services. If you only want to clear your chat history but remain signed into Cortana, click Clear in the chat history section.
Your chat history will be deleted, but once you start using Cortana, you’ll once again build up a chat history. It brings you to the Microsoft Privacy Dashboard, but the Dashboard no longer lets you clear Cortana data.
When you use your Microsoft account to log into Windows 10, you’re able to sync your settings with all Windows devices. So, for example, when you make changes to your settings on a desktop PC, those changes will also be made on your laptop the next time you log in. But maybe you don’t want Microsoft to store that information about you. And maybe you want to cut your ties as much as possible to anything Microsoft stores about you.
If that’s the case, your best bet is to stop using your Microsoft account and instead use a local account. Then click Add someone else to this PC. From the screen that appears, select I don’t have this person’s sign-in information. On the next page, select Add a user without a Microsoft account and follow the instructions to create and use a local account.
Keep in mind that when you do this, you won’t be able to use Microsoft’s OneDrive storage or download and install for-pay apps from the Microsoft Store. You can, however, download and install free apps from the Microsoft Store. Windows apps have the potential to invade your privacy — they can have access to your camera, microphone, location, pictures and videos.
Click the app whose permissions you want to control, then click Advanced options and set the app’s permissions by toggling them either on or off. Note, though, that not all apps have an “Advanced options” link. And of those that do, not all let you customize your app permissions. Here’s what you need:. There are a number of different ways this issue can impede you. To solve the problem, the first thing to do is verify that the PC you want to install Windows 11 on meets the minimum requirements.
The fastest way is to download Microsoft’s PC Health Check app opens in new tab from the Windows 11 website the link to “download PC Health Check app” is at the bottom of the page and run it. The PC Health Check app will then tell you whether your PC meets the minimum requirements to install Windows 11, and what needs to be fixed in order to meet them. If your PC doesn’t meet the Windows 11 system requirements: Windows 11 won’t install unless your PC meets the minimum requirements, and some are more onerous than others.
This is ostensibly so Windows 11 will be more secure. And if you have a PC built within the last years, there’s a chance that even if you don’t have TPM 2.
If you can enable it, that might let you install Windows 11 with no trouble. However, it’s quite possible to run Windows 11 on a PC that doesn’t meet all the minimum requirements. If you do a clean install of Windows 11 using an ISO file , you will often have the option to proceed with installing Windows 11 even though your system is non-compliant — you’ll simply get a warning that it may cause you to not receive important Windows 11 updates, and may cause damage to your PC very unlikely.
First, you could try to upgrade to Windows 11 without a TPM using this script trick , which basically fools the Windows 11 installer into letting you proceed. The bootable media is the alternative if you want the best possible clean installation method.
For more helpful articles, coverage, and answers to common questions about Windows 10 and Windows 11, visit the following resources:. Mauro Huculak is technical writer for WindowsCentral. His primary focus is to write comprehensive how-tos to help users get the most out of Windows 10 and its many related technologies. Windows Central Windows Central.
Bulk storage If you’re in the market for an external drive to store file backups, look no further than the Western Digital Elements Desktop Hard Drive. Mauro Huculak. Topics Windows 10 Help. See all comments Still not getting windows 10 upgrade on my pc! Though i have reserved it and the get windows 10 notification appears. Help anybody? Please try our Windows 10 forums! You’ll get much better answers there, thanks! Appreciate your help! It means that some peripherals in your PC are not yet compatible with Win This is why they did the whole reservation and wave release.
If the validation tool detects something the will not work it prevents the windows 10 upgrade. You will have to wait untill they sort our the drivers and you’ll get your windows. If you force Win10 install you might end up with your PC not working. If it’s a camera the problem isn’t so big but if you have a SATA controller that is not yet supported you won’t even be able to install Win Seriosly, just wait untill you get it through Windows Update.
Just use the Microsoft upgrade tool I waited for a couple of days but my reserved invite still hasn’t come through so I manually updated as it mentioned in this article. I would recommend fully downloading as an ISO file first though as my install failed twice when directly installing from the website. The ISO file did it perfectly. One more thing, make sure you disable any antivirus programs you have running. Now I have Windows 10 Pro working well although I had to update some drivers manually afterwards too.
Hope this helps guys. The upgrade never asked for any key. Fresh installation will ask. If you’re upgrading your current operating system, the upgrade will take the licence key of the current version of Windows your upgrading from.
If you do a clean install as per the instructions in this article you will need to enter the key. Part of the clean install is formatting the hard drive, which will remove your current operating system.
Did you check the product key after the upgrade to 10? Are you sure out is not the generic key? It’s not a generic key, because all of my windows devices upgraded from the disc, all have a different product id.
Check the media creation tool. You will see the option to “Upgrade Now” I did that. Make sure that your windows update is set up to install updates automatically not download and warn you first or warn if there are updates available before download and install, just set it to install automatically. Try this it worked for me. If those folders don’t exist, type this at the command line: wuauclt.
If you have to hit Windows Update with a hammer, try this: 1. Uninstalled the KB In an elevated cmd prompt 1. We’re not upgrading any time soon. Just use the upgrade tool on the ISO page. Search for “windows 10 ISO” and you’ll find the page with the downloads. You can run the upgrade from there. Good luck! Just download the Windows 10 Media Creation Tool, google it you’ll find it, and then choose upgrade once it has downloaded, after that you are free to do a clean install, this article should help Same process for Insiders?
Because, the key used to activate my Windows 10 seems to be a generic one as confirmed by many Reddit users. So, if I clean install Windows 10, would it get activated by itself? Have the same question here Even my other computer that didn’t have the insider version on it, got a generic product key after upgrading I too posted my query on the forums but no one knows about it I guess.
Yup, I had already tried the “slmgr” command a few days ago. It said my machine was permanently activated. I have been an Insider since the very first build was released. I had, then, upgraded from Windows 8. Finally, that means I am eligible for a clean install 😀 The Mail app doesn’t sync at all, the Start menu often crashes and the WiFi goes haywire all of a sudden without warning. This has compelled me to clean install Windows I went through the same, I just did a clean install and it let me use the generic key.
I haven’t checked whether my Windows is activated though lol. Tried a clean install in the surface pro 2 and failed to activate, the generic key stored in the bios didn’t worked. The key is a default key that is blocked from being activated in another machine. What gets registered in the server is your hardware ID so if you connect to the internet to activate, it will search for your Hardware ID. This also means that any major change on the machine’s hardware components will revoke your license for the free upgrade as a major hardware change will cause significant change on the hardware ID of the machine.
Geez 16 GB of ram! Hell of a machine! It’s a lot, but if you use virtual machines, it’s a bless : Also, in the Win10 case, helps you to monitor how agressive the OS is with the RAM. Yesterday Groove was using Hell if you have a discrete video card it will gobble ram. The most frustrating is the disk usage. RAM is cheap today. This is mainly because I also use Hyper-V. I’ve installed the update through Windows update with no hassle. I’d recommend waiting to upgrade until some minor quirks are ironed out, though.
Btw very helpful guide, WCentral team, thanks. I did a clean install, but my Windows 10 Pro was missing everything. No Edge, no store, no calculator, no people, no mail, calendar, nothing Any ideas? Do a reinstall again. Try updating all the apps from the store. They might be corrupted or hidden. There is no store in my Win10 version, not even one “metro” app You gotta download the apps separately. But edge should’ve been there.
Don’t know what the actual problem is. As I said, there is not Store in mz Win10 version Try resetting your PC from recovery once. Did reset again, same thing Will try a clean upgrade from win 8.
I have the 32bit edition installed. Can i use this key to activate the 64bit edition? Maybe for Win7, after Windows 8 the x86 and x64 use the same key, you can choose. I haven’t tested it. My Windows isn’t activated anymore after doing a clean install on my venue 8 pro.
I forget the error given, but apparently some keys don’t immediately get activated due to high server loads from Microsoft. It took my key a few hours to be activated.
I’d give it a few hours before contacting Microsoft. CC is the error code. I have the same. Clean install from Build TP. Bern waitin since the release and im yet to activate the bastard. After the upgrade and your machine is activated you can then do a clean install as the next time around the MS servers already have the hardware ID logged. Also check for and do any BIOS upgrade that is available for the machine – it’s making a big difference in how well things work.
If you did the upgrade first and activated it, then clean installed, just click the “go to store” button in the activation screen, then click “try again” from within the store app.
I’ve upgraded my main Windows machine that means my Key will now activate Windows 10 if I clan install? Your key is not converted You have to use the key finder tool to get your windows 10 key. However, the only catch is that you must upgrade your current operating system to Windows 10 via Windows Update first, before you can do a clean install. This is to ensure your current product key gets converted to a Windows 10 product key and that your copy of the operating system remains activated.
I see two mistakes in the article. There’s no need to use the key during that install because you would have already validated Windows 10 during the “upgrade” process.
Two, I think the word converted should not be used. Maybe “aligned” or “associated” is a better way of looking at it. MS will not invalidate your use of the key with the pervious version of Windows you upgrade from. So if I ever wanted to go back to either Windows 7 or 8 which ever I have , I would be using the original key. Click the System Restore Click the restore point to which you would like to revert.
If something were to be affected, it would show up in either the top or bottom list in that results pane. Figure 7: The current restore point has no impact. But older restore points will provide a list of drivers and programs that need to be reinstalled if you revert to that restore point. It usually takes between 5 and 15 minutes to revert to a restore point. The amount of additional effort to catch back up to where you left off depends on the number of items that need to be installed or updated, as shown in Figure 7.
This can take from minutes to an hour or more depending on size and scope. My preference is to restore an image built using Macrium Reflect free or commercial; I use both. Here are the latest Insider stories.
Windows 10 clean install guide reddit free
I just made a clean install of Windows 10 and it feels so great and fast, is there any tips to keep it performing smoothly? Go to replace.me and click ‘Download tool now’ under ‘Create Windows installation media’.
Windows 10 clean install guide reddit free
Whether you have just finished installing Windows 10 on a computer or updated to Windows 10 for the first time, there are a few things that you may want to do; this isn’t a list of essential software or tweaks but essentials that Windows admins and users should consider. Tech savvy users may windows 10 clean install guide reddit free be aware of them.
These aren’t mandatory, but more of a precautionary measure and include backing up the system, installing updates, making sure proper drivers are installed so that all hardware is clea and working to its fullest potential, and more. This is literally the first thing you should do in my opinion. Some may prefer to create a backup of the system first, and that is a good strategy as well as it provides restoration options if updates misfire.
Note: Claen guide is for most systems. Some Windows 10 windows 10 clean install guide reddit free prefer to keep in control over the updating and that is fine as well. You may use third-party tools to install updates selectively only. Check for updates and install all available ones. You should disable the Delivery Optimization option download updates from other computers from the Advanced options under Windows Updates. I would advise activating Windows immediately as well there’s no point in waiting to do that.
The operating system may be activated already under certain circumstances. Windows comes with a lot of drivers pre-loaded, guidee your computer should be working ckean. But in case guied isn’t, you can install drivers manually. Tip : If you have a graphics card, you’re better off downloading the driver from the official подробнее на этой странице. I have had my fair share of buggy Nvidia updates, which I had to resolve using Display Driver Uninstaller.
A good way to check if all things are working would be to play a reddit. This should help you test whether your internet, keyboard, mouse, speakers, and graphics card are functioning, all at once. Plug in a USB drive to see if the ports are working too. Don’t forget to test other windows 10 clean install guide reddit free like a Wi-Fi adapter and Bluetooth if free 2013 microsoft project have those.
This is erddit most important step, after a clean install of Windows. Some may argue that this is even the first thing that you should do. But I prefer installing updates on the computer, and then imaging the drive. Save the backup image on a different drive, like a portable or external HDD. Apart from your drive imaging program, you should not install any third-party software on a clean install of Windows before guive have backed up the OS.
Even the installation of antivirus can wait if you plan to switch from Windows Defender to another security solution. The backup is a fallback option should problems arise. Let’s say you install some software or driver and your PC crashes. BSODs, freezes, or redrit else. Windoes if your hard drive crashes?
Do you want to spend time re-installing the OS and all those updates again with multiple reboots along the clan What if a malware infects your computer?
You could disinfect the PC or even format the entire drive. Re-installing Windows is a chore that has ruined many a weekend for me. But you can save time if you have instlal backup of the OS, especially if it is of a clean Windows 10 installation.
You get to start from scratch, without spending hours fixing the issues. You may also create regular backups of приведенная ссылка system, with software installed, to go back to that http://replace.me/11836.txt and not the initial clean after-installation state of the operating system.
The only real con is that the backup will age rather quickly. Microsoft releases updates for Wincows on a regular basis, surely you know what По ссылке Tuesday is. So, your backup will be missing these updates should you restore it, say after a few months.
But since the updates are cumulative windows 10 clean install guide reddit free a slightly older backup can still be a good option. Get into the habit 2013 full gratis download microsoft version free word download backing up your OS instsll time to time.
And don’t forget to take a new backup before Microsoft releases a major OS update officially called windows 10 clean install guide reddit free updatethe most of recent of which is Windows 10 version May I take this as http://replace.me/11808.txt opportunity to remind you that Windows 7 reaches redcit of support in January I dual boot, and Instalk Startup can cause problems dual booting.
I disable this feature in Power Settings. Windows 10 installing unwanted Store apps? Under System, Advanced system settings, Select the Hardware tab. Next Press the Device Installation Settings button. Some report this is the only windows 10 clean install guide reddit free that works. Use vendor tools to ensure your computer BIOS and drivers are up to date. Dual booting with grub has never caused me any problems.
I would even windows 10 clean install guide reddit free leaving fast startup if you do not intend to access the windows reddiy. I get it when you already have it tuned to your liking or needs, with all the apps and drivers needed, but why fresh? I honestly cannot think of a reason why rexdit is so important. Install it again? Upgrade install — ok, even backup shall be performed beforehand.
Speaking of ruined weekends due to Windows re-installation, instaall in my days of tinkering with software and hardware, I knew several Windows product keys by heart. This is how often I was re-installing Windows.
Best to uninstall all bloatware and other not needed software first. Http://replace.me/17276.txt start to вот ссылка 10 without internet winfows, install BCUninstaller, install Windows Firewall Control, install Windows Update Manager, set your preferences in Group Policy Editor, and then reconnect and search for updates. Ergo: a relevantly lean and clean Windows I agree that you need a clean backup for windows 10 clean install guide reddit free shooting but windows backup is not portable enough I use Macrium Reflect, which can turn gb install into a gb file.
The best way Widnows have fumbled to figure узнать больше здесь is install, make a backup, then update or disable updates so you can do manual updates as windows 10 clean install guide reddit free and install your day to day software and make winsows backup.
Outside of backup Installl like tiny wall and blackbird. Install Firmware updates before anything else — not all manufacturers do windows updates for their firmware cough.
Go directly to the manufacturer. The best thing to do after the installation of Windows 10 is to wipe the drive and upgrade to Windows 7 — 32 or 64 ugide — depending on Your hardware! If you are connected to your WiFi or BroadBand then one thing you can see is that your High Speed Data will get exhausted within 1 hour or so, that was my experience after installing new Windows 10 in my вопрос cannot itunes on windows 10. Disable Troubleshooter also use that search windows 10 clean install guide reddit free to find it.
Then Program Compatibility Assistant Service, for the sole reason of being window on top of being useless. Now proceed to install your drivers, DirectX 9. And finally instakl Windows to the читать полностью. I know I missed some things, whenever I do such an install I always go back to the image and do some more changes then do another backup, quite a few times often.
There are too many damn things for me to remember them all, but in large part these are the most offensive ones which nobody should have them enabled. Also, note that VMs are not good if you need the most speed from your rig. As for the topic involving backups, sure, VM images are a thing, but they still need to be moved off the drive, as with any other backup.
I just backup my files. If Windows breaks or the drive dies, I just re-install Windows on a new drive if need be. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.
Please click on the following link to open the windows 10 clean install guide reddit free signup page: Ghacks Clen Sign up. Ghacks is a technology news blog that was founded in by Martin Brinkmann. It has since then become one of the most popular tech news sites on the Internet with five authors and regular contributions from freelance посмотреть больше. Search for:. TutorialsWindows Basic things to do after a clean install of Windows 10 Install all Updates This is literally the first thing windods should do in my opinion.
Basic things to do after a clean install of Windows You may want to do these, before installing 3rd party software. Use the Windows Task Manager to winrows power leeching fee quickly. How to turn off the News and Interests feature of Windows How to turn off Text Predictions in Word and Outlook.
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